In the department of Drôme, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, just on the border of the Vaucluse, the village of Venterol and these little preserved pearls that we would like to be able to keep secret forever.
In the middle of the mountains of the Drôme Provençale, 5 kilometres from Nyons, 50 minutes from Orange and Montélimar, Venterol is a perfect blend of history and escape. Close your eyes for a moment to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the village, which smells of lavender and the perfumes of Provence. A picturesque destination to be visited to the sound of cicadas singing, this medieval village, fortified and perched, is marked by its history which is reflected in its narrow streets with an assertive architecture. Here, it is impossible to forget that we are in Provence! The alleys are sloping, narrow and tangled, bathed in sunshine, the houses are high, made of stone or painted in warm colours, decorated with pastel shutters and kilos of vines and other flowers that draw and brighten up their facades. There are also many "soustets", covered passageways that provide visitors with a little shade and coolness on hot summer days. A must to see here? The village church. Perched on the small central square of Venterol, it has a bell tower surmounted by a 17th century wrought iron campanile, with an outside staircase that gives a particular delicacy to the structure of this Romanesque style building. Around the church, everything invites you to stroll. Along its streets, you will discover the small secret gardens hidden in the heart of walled courtyards, the old gates, the old Protestant temple in classical style and the alleys planted with cherry, cypress and olive trees, which give Venterol a crazy charm. Another must-see on your visit to Venterol is the Ratier castle. Or rather, its ruins! Built in the form of a Roman castrum, abandoned and then rebuilt, there are still a few remains of its construction, including a high tower and some fortifications. Not far away, the Saint-Michel de Novézan church at the exit of the village is also worth a visit: located on the road towards Rousset-les-Vignes, this medieval building is famous for its furniture, while the Sainte-Perpétue chapel on the road to Vinsobres is worth a look for its splendid frescoes.
For so long Venterol has been famous for the cultivation of silkworms and madder, since the 20th century the town has been totally concentrated on the production of olive oil and the cultivation of vines. Informed holidaymakers and other gourmets will not fail to enjoy a good glass of "Côtes du Rhône" AOC from local production, which is the pride of the Venterol region.
Spread out between 300 and 1165 metres above sea level in the heart of the Baronnies Provençales Natural Park, Venterol is a real paradise for nature lovers who will find many hiking trails to satisfy all their desires. On foot, by bike, on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage, everything is possible here! The Tour des Crêtes and its 3 hiking trails, the Chemin des Maquis de la Lance in the footsteps of the Resistance fighters, the 8-kilometre trail to discover the local heritage, not forgetting the itineraries through olive groves, woods and mountains (on the side of the Trou des Belles and of Chante-Cocu and Beauregard) will give you a beautiful overview of Venterol and its surroundings, for a change of scenery holiday in the heart of nature!
