Travel Guide Saint-Laurent-Du-Pape

At the edge of the Eyrieux valley, Saint-Laurent-du-Pape, a small Ardèche town in Nice, enjoys a mild micro-climate that allows orchards to be cultivated. This village of 1,600 inhabitants, all in length, aligns peach trees, cherry trees, apricots, almond trees and small red fruit crops. The village is overlooked by the ruined castle of Pierre Gourde, actually located in the commune of Gilhac-et-Bruzac, which was built in the 13th century. Why Pope? The term first appeared in the mention "Moulin du Pape" found in the 1593 compoix for named a mill on the banks of the Eyrieux. It was around this prosperous mill that an increasingly important hamlet was built. Moulin would have given his name to the place. The Pope's Mill became the Pope. It was named after another hamlet, the hamlet of Saint-Laurent, which designated the church district. After the destruction of Pierre Gourde's castle, destroyed in 1630, the Château du Bousquet was built by Alexandre de la Marette, Baron de Pierregourde. This historic monument was purchased by the Town Hall in 1994. In the town you will find a butcher's shop, two bakeries, a bar-restaurant, a grocery store, a caterer of Ardèche specialities, and to stay at a campsite, gites and guest rooms. You leave Saint-Laurent-du-Pape by the D120 to quickly join the D21, a small quiet road that climbs steeply towards Vernoux-en-Vivarais.