Bozas

5 points of interest

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  The château of Bozas

  This château is made of " three wings arranged round a small inner courtyard, closed from the east side by a wall with a postern cutting through it "  It was built between Xlllth and XVth century no doubt. At the end of the XVlllth century the village Marquis had an important extension added on.

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  The King's bridge

  The King’s bridge was listed amongst historical monuments in 1927. It crosses over the river Doux linking the two villages Boucieu le Roi and Colombier le Vieux. No doubt built during the XVth century, the bridge was part of the rapidly developing communication network in the North Vivarais area. It was partly rebuilt and an arch added in the XVlllth century. Where does its name come from ? The village of Boucieu le Roi had the privilege of being one of the courts of justice installed by Philippe le Bel at the end of the XVlllth century. At that time the kings of France seeked to establish their power in the provinces by forming alliances with the local lords. The village of Boucieu was founded and its inhabitants became exempt of taxes (except for the salt tax). Unfortunately it did not last for ever, a disappointment for people living there today.

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  The château of Chazotte

  Its oppressing building (XVllth century) overlooking the river Doux valley, towers to the east of the village of Arlebosc. It is characterized by 4 « culs de lampe » towers along with its highest, more recent tower on the west side.

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  Arlebosc

  Traces of the history of Arlebosc can be found in the legend of Saint Just the bishop of Lyon who converted the people of the town to Christianity in the lVth century. The village developed with fortified manor houses such as the Malgary, Romaneaux châteaus, not forgetting Chazotte château overlooking the railway line. It is even said that its shutters remained closed until the railway line reopened. Needless to say, the marquis of Arlebosc was also the town’s first mayor and to this day still shares his passion for his village. Come to Ardèche Hermitage tourist office and find the “hidden archives of Arlebosc” treasure map to take you on a journey through time and space discovering all there is to know about the history of this old priory.

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  Bozas

  On the high plateau of Ardèche, Bozas is a lovely village full of treasures to discover. Several theories exist concerning the origin of its name. Some say it has an Occitan origin « bosa » meaning « a round shape » or perhaps « bos » meaning « wooded area » however the most likely origin would come from the first family owners of the village whose name was Boson. The first evidence of the château dates back to the Xllth century even though the remaining parts, to be seen nowadays, date back to the XVth century. There was also a small priory of the Cluny order from the Xlllth century. As well as its rich history the village offers magnificent landscapes including a view of the Mont Blanc in the distance, on a clear day. Don’t miss here the “rando croquis” walk where the whole family can enjoy the beautiful countryside round Bozas and learn some techniques for making it into a picture. So get your sketching pads and pencils ready…. !

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