Village of Lussas
Lussas is a rich town for many reasons. If you are seduced by early history, you will not want to miss visiting the dolmen of Mias and the structures that created the fortification for the Helvensians on the plateau of Jastres.
Lussas is a rich town for many reasons. If you are seduced by early history, you will not want to miss visiting the dolmen of Mias and the structures that created the fortification for the Helvensians on the plateau of Jastres.
St Andéol de Berg is situated among green hillsides, which are very favorable to the breeding of goats and sheep. Most likely the fleeing refugees of Alba la Romain, after its destruction in 411, created this village.
Around thirty caves, some of which have two levels, have been carved into the cliffs at various heights. Access to this unique site is free. An explanatory sign (in French and English) is located at the entrance to the site, near the small parking area.
The church of Berzème appears as soon as 1170. It is a Romanesque church with a wooden bell from the 18th century.
The church has a strange bell tower: a 9m high statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. It is said that it would have been built in thanks for having spared the village from an epidemic of cholera which had struck the neighboring villages.
Alba Helviorum: a journey back in time to Gallo-Roman times! Take a stroll around the remains, which transport you to the heart of an ancient town with its administrative centre, theatre and shops.
Discover the remains of the Bastide Royale, in the heart of Villeneuve de Berg The Bastide Royale was created in 1284 by a deed of betrothal between Philippe III le Hardi, King of France, and the Abbot of Mazan. This established royal justice over the whole of the Bas Vivarais and built a new town with its ramparts, its corner towers, its war gate or gate of honour adorned with the coat of arms of the town, its royal house, now the town hall (under the courtroom you can visit the prisons). Ancient sundials can be seen in the streets of the village.
The church were once part of its fortification which have been referred to as early as 1137. The facade of the actual building has gone through a number of modifications but still has two remaining small towers surrounding it.
You will be surprised by the architectural richness found in the city. As you stroll through its walkways you will find old buildings with its royal architecture, and 16th century Hotels, and even its old prison interesting to see and visit.
The first church in Lussas dedicated to Notre Dame was founded in 537, it is one of the 2nd churches that were constructed during the 12th century but destroyed during the 19th century. Therefore, the current church was built not long after that.