History

  In the past, the castle of Laurac in Ardèche was built at the top of the rock which dominates the village. It has been replaced with the current church which was built around 1840's. Since the XIIth century, the parishs of Laurac and Montréal were merged into one only parish named Saint Amant des Termes. This information was described in a Papal bull in 1164.

  The priory and the church of de Saint Amant, located at the south-east of the commune were destroyed during the XVIth century. For a long time, it was use to go at the pilgrimage of "Lacroix de Saint Amant", a remaining cross standing on the church ruins, for toothache cure.

   Laurac city population was at the height of its fame by middle of the XIXth century with 1700 residents, the silkworm farming was then at its maximum expansion At the time, a regional renown school was created in Laurac en Vivarais.

Shopping

  Laurac en Vivarais village has only 800 residents, but it has many shops, and all these services are at only 5 minutes walk from your lodging.  

  - A grocery "Le relais des Mousquetaires INTERMARCHE " with its soil specialities : wine, goat's cheese, chestnut flour, Montélimar nougat, Ardèche plateau delicatessen.)

  - Bookshop, tobacconist's, florist

  - Baker's and confectioner's with traditional bread, with the same know-how through generations

  - Hair stylist " hair look "

  - A bar "Chez Louis" ... it's a feast to drink a coffee sitting outside the café

  - A butcher

  - Two garages  : "Vivarais" and" Montmayeur "

  - A doctor

  - A Chemist's shop

  - The Post office

2 Restaurants

  -"L'auberge des piles " and it's generous family style cooking ... want to taste the piglet stew ?

  -" Le relais fleuri " well known for it's estimated delicate dishes

Les locations , Campings et info sur l'Ardèche

 -" Le Camping St Amand "                     http://www.sud-ardeche.com/tourism/st-amand/index.htm

 -" Les gîtes du Moulin de Lande "           http://www.lemoulindelande.com

 -" Les Gîtes de Laberle "                          http://laberle.free.fr

 - " General informations on Ardèche "     http://ardecheinfo.com/

ActivitiesClose to the Lodging

Several leisure and sporting activities are available at any season very close to your lodging. On your arrival, we'll give you all informations and documentation. Here is a quick summary of what you can find very close :

In Laurac and in close villages ...

   - Two tennis courts and games for children (Laurac)

   - Horse riding in Bellevue Center (Montréal)

    - Isla Cooldouce, a nice sand beach on Ardèche river (Chauzon)

   - Mechanical sports (quad) on a lap of in the region country side.

   - Canoeing on Ardèche river (short or long courses for any age or condition). ( Balazuc )

Surrounding area ...

- Popular long canoeing courses from Vallon Pont d'Arc to St Martin d'Ardèche.

- Many museums, several natural and prehistoric caves

- The Museum of the Postman in Largentière, Museum of the chestnut in Joyeuse

Typical towns ...

Montreal, Rosières, Joyeuse, Largentière, Aubenas, Ruoms, Vallon Pont d'Arc,