The Watchtowers
Tournon-sur-Rhône
The Watchtowers
Easy
Difficulty1h30
Duration3,8km
Distance+244m
Positive Elevation-243m
Negative ElevationCourse type
Network
Network
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4 points of interest
PanoramaViewing point
You can get your bearings using the viewpoint indicator. From here you have a splendid panoramic view overlooking the Rhône river and its valley with the Vercors mountains in the distance and facing you the Hermitage hillside
Tournon sur Rhône
This medieval city was established in a strategic position as Tournon has always overlooked the Rhône river. An unavoidable toll gate the town of Tournon structured itself round its castle before stretching further along the side of the river and its curves. The castle gave its name to the Cité as written documents have been found dating back to year 814 and mentioning « Castro Turnone » : meaning the town around its castle.- Panorama
Viewing point
As you climb upwards you overlook the town of Tournon sur Rhône with its tiled roofs, its château and the majestic Rhône river The castle museum of Tournon sur Rhône
Built in the Xth century on the spot where a watchtower from the gallo-roman era used to stand, the château of Tournon sur Rhône has undergone numerous changes over the centuries. Its building carried on through to the XVlth century when a Renaissance structure, the Beauregard tower, the chapel and two terraces were added on. From the latter you can see the Hermitage and Saint Joseph vineyard slopes along with the Vercors mountain range. The Counts of Tournon invited several French Kings there : Louis lX (Saint Louis), Francois l, Henri ll and the eldest son of François l who died in 1536. The dwelling has belonged to the town since 1809. Classified amongst historical monuments the castle which is a museum now, houses collections from the Renaissance period up to present day.
Description
Follow quai Farconnet all the way then go onto the rue du Doux, running parallel at the back of the houses. Carry on along the road and under the railway line.
1 - Tournon sur Rhône - 124 m Follow Saint Jacques 500m Pierre 3.2 km
Go up the steep path (GR42a) leading to steps going up to the tour de Pierregourde. The track goes past the watchtower then zigzags along the hillside.
2 - Saint Jacques - 220 m Follow Pierre 2.7 km Plats 10.5 km
Follow the path indicating the chapelle viewpoint then after 20m turn left up a few steps onto a path. The narrow track climbs up through boxwood and acacia trees and takes you as far as the viewpoint. Leave the viewpoint to follow the route de Pierre.
3 - Chapon - 325 m Follow Tournon sur Rhône 1.4 km
Head down the path and as soon as it starts going uphill take the downhill slope to your left becoming a small track. Follow the track downhill to a wider lane then go along vineyards, on old terraces, until you find yourself below the Tour de Hôpital. Go down then turn left onto the road leading down to Tournon. After the old hospital climb down the steps on the left then turn left and follow the street running below the old hospital taking you to Saint Julien square and the tourist office.
1 - Tournon sur Rhône - 124 m Follow Saint Jacques 500m Pierre 3.2 km
Go up the steep path (GR42a) leading to steps going up to the tour de Pierregourde. The track goes past the watchtower then zigzags along the hillside.
2 - Saint Jacques - 220 m Follow Pierre 2.7 km Plats 10.5 km
Follow the path indicating the chapelle viewpoint then after 20m turn left up a few steps onto a path. The narrow track climbs up through boxwood and acacia trees and takes you as far as the viewpoint. Leave the viewpoint to follow the route de Pierre.
3 - Chapon - 325 m Follow Tournon sur Rhône 1.4 km
Head down the path and as soon as it starts going uphill take the downhill slope to your left becoming a small track. Follow the track downhill to a wider lane then go along vineyards, on old terraces, until you find yourself below the Tour de Hôpital. Go down then turn left onto the road leading down to Tournon. After the old hospital climb down the steps on the left then turn left and follow the street running below the old hospital taking you to Saint Julien square and the tourist office.
- Departure : Tournon sur Rhône -Quai Farconnet square
- Arrival : Tournon sur Rhône -Quai Farconnet square
- Towns crossed : Tournon-sur-Rhône
Altimetric profile
Information desks
6, place du 8 mai 1945 - BP 70019, 26601 Tain l'Hermitage
Transport
Bus route N°3 - Tournon sur Rhône - Valence
Access and parking
Follow the N7 towards Lyon as far as Tain l'Hermitage then cross the river to Tournon sur Rhône.
Parking :
Quai Farconnet square
More information
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