From Saint Félicien to Vaudevant
3 points of interest
Saint Félicien and its church
Written records about the village of St Félicien were discovered as from the Xth century. Monks from St Barnard’s collegiate (Romans sur Isère) came here to build a priory. The village developed round the chapel of the priory that then became the parish church. Push the door to discover its interior. The choir is a good example of early Roman art of the Xlth century. The low southern side was partly destroyed and rebuilt towards the end of the Middle Ages. The style is more sober with broken bows.
Small patrimonyStone Masks
As you go past the church in Vaudevant glance at the apse to see its joyful little devil pulling his tongue out, seeming to make fun of you. Other enigmatic masks of this kind decorate walls of houses in the village and the whole of the area around Saint Félicien. Very often you find them on the outer walls of churches, on rich dwellings, on mission crosses or simply on walls of homes in the country villages. Of all ages and forms their presence remains rather mysterious and leads to various explanations…… even the most far-fetched ones. For fun, whimsical ideas of stone cutters, religious beliefs and superstitions dating back to our celt ancestors, symbols of protection… What do these human faces truly represent, peering at us with such distinctive expressions? Why not just let your imagination run riot. Information source : Le chemin des masques, région de Saint Félicien, association Histoire et PatrimoineVaudevant
Mention of the village was already found during the Xlllth century. Its name would originate from « Val des Vents », « les Avents » (referring to wind) being a small hamlet situated at the top of the village. In 1090, the village became part of the town of St Félicien and joined the canons of St Barnard chapter (Romans sur Isère). However, following long negociations the village regained its autonomy in 1790.
Description
1 - Saint Félicien - 535 m Follow Vaudevant 3 km Pailharès 7.9 km
Go up the narrow streets of Saint Félicien.
2 - The Park Follow Moulin des Gaillards 2,6 km Vaudevant 2.8 km
Take the small lane along the cemetery.
3 - La Simonde - 570 m Follow Moulin des Gaillards 2.4 km
After the small road, follow a path that goes up through a pine forest. Then take the small road, pass La Routisse and continue towards Lapras. Go down to the main road and cross it carefully to take a path that leads to the road a little further on. Walk carefully along it for about 100m.
4 - Sauze - 553 m Follow Vaudevant 1,2 km
Go down to the right and take a path along the Vivance stream to Vaudevant. In Vaudevant, you will easily find the “Info Rando” sign.
5 - Vaudevant - 596 m Follow Char 1 km Pourchat 6,1 km
Go up towards the church, walk through the village, then turn left to go up towards Combe and Char by a lovely path.
6- Char Follow Saint Félicien 2,1 km
Follow the small road on the left, enjoy the beautiful panorama.
7 - Brudon - 657 m Suivre Saint Félicien 1,8 km
Continue on the small road towards Saint Félicien.
8- Chemin de la Congerie - 610 m Suivre Saint Félicien 500m
You are overlooking Saint Félicien.
3- La Simonde - 570 m Suivre Saint Félicien 400m
Go back down the same way you came.
2 - Le Parc Suivre Saint Félicien 200m
Go back to the starting point at the tourist office.
- Towns crossed : Saint-Félicien and Vaudevant
Altimetric profile
Information desks
6, place du 8 mai 1945 - BP 70019, 26601 Tain l'Hermitage
Transport
Access and parking
Follow the D238 from Tournon sur Rhône then the D532 to Saint Félicien.
Parking :
More information
Report a problem or an error
If you have found an error on this page or if you have noticed any problems during your hike, please report them to us here: