Manthes combines architectural history with landscapes and a waymarked circular trail. For orientation, it helps to consider the different highlights separately: the Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul showcases Romanesque style and later furnishings, while the priory focuses on monastic history and decoration. The Parc des sources and the L’étang magique hike complement these cultural attractions with springs, woodland and seasonal scenery.

Romanesque Church and Protected Choir

The Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul is a Romanesque church dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. Its three-part Benedictine chevet follows the model of Cluny. In the central apse, a 14th-century stained-glass window depicts the apostles Peter and Paul. The choir thus brings together different periods of construction and furnishing.

Since 1932, the bell tower and the entire choir area have been classified as Monuments historiques. This classification applies to these parts of the church. The Église Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul is open to the public year-round from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. As opening hours may change, check locally before you travel.

Monastic History at the Priory

In the 11th century, the Prieuré de Mantol was dependent on Cluny and housed three to six monks. The Prieuré Saint-Pierre de Manthes was first mentioned in the 11th century; its church and a convent building rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries have survived. The Prieuré de Manthes features painted coffered ceilings and trompe-l’œil paintings from the late 16th and early 17th centuries. These dates refer to different periods: the early history of the monastery was followed by the rebuilding of the convent building and, later, the paintings.

To visit the Prieuré de Manthes, contact the Association des Amis du Prieuré. Check the latest contact details before you travel.

Springs, Park and Washhouse

The Parc des sources lies at the sources of the Veuze and is considered a natural attraction. Visitors can enjoy natural shade and explore its washhouse and old mill. The Lavoir de Manthes is also located on the lakeshore. It was built in the 19th century and is supplied by water from the Veuze. The park and washhouse therefore offer two specific ways to discover the landscape and the use of water in Manthes.

Hiking and Playful Discovery

L’étang magique is a waymarked, moderately challenging circular trail covering 7.16 kilometres. It starts and ends in Manthes; the stated duration is two hours and thirty minutes. The route is considered suitable for families and features playful, informative signs. In spring, visitors can enjoy flowering pear orchards, while in summer, the coolness of the undergrowth and the sources of the Veuze shape the walk. The seasons therefore offer different landscape experiences. Check the latest route information before setting off.

Another activity is the interactive treasure hunt “Alix le caloptéryx”, which leads through Manthes Park. Alix appears in the game as the park’s guardian. The game can be downloaded free of charge via the Baludik app, takes about an hour and is aimed at children aged five and over. It offers a playful way to explore the park, while the hike takes longer and follows a circular route through the plain and woodland.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Paul-Lès-Romans, Le Poët-en-Percip, Cornillon-Sur-L'oule, Charens, Valdrôme, Chamaloc, Eymeux, Allex.

For the regional travel overview: Drôme.