Saint-Hilaire village and church, Chassiers, Ardèche

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This village seems to be not so well known! Cool off the path spot Fritz!
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- Description
  
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  Cool description and tip for a unique visit Fritz.
- Plans & useful information
  
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  Hum, Explorers will need a bit more information!
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  Hum, you write about a few different spots in your article Fritz!
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In the very heart of the regional natural park of "Monts d'Ardèche", Chassiers is a small medieval village with a rich architectural heritage (16th-17th centuries). Chassiers has 3 castles and 2 churches. Indeed, you should know that the presence of silver mines explains in part the construction of these fortresses.

My experience, Explo description:

In a region which was ravaged by the French wars of religion, Chassiers was a bastion of Catholicism. Jacques Vernade, the co-lord of the village, founded the religious brotherhood of the blue penitents (les pénitents bleus).

The parish church of Saint-Hilaire is a remarkable due to its Gothic style, built (or rebuilt) around 1396, in a very troubled period. This church has the be fortified (hence its dungeon, its watchtowers and its machicolation above the porch).

It has a 53m high square-based bell tower surmonted by a stone arrow. The arrow was added later, probably in the 17th century.

Inside, the furnitures were realized by local artists. You can note especially a magnificent original bronze crucifix (by François VOURIOT, atypical artist from Lorraine installed in Chassiers).

Under the church, there is the crypt which is accessible from the outside, and which today houses the municipal library.

The Saint-Benoit chapel or chapelle des Pénitents.

It was part of a grand priory belonging to the monks of Le Monastier (Haute-Loire). It dates from 12th (pure romanic style). Its has 2 absides, a circular apse and a polygonal apse. You can also admire interesting sculptures placed under the cornices. The priory was attacked by the Huguenots (French Protestants) in 1562.

The chapel now hosts exhibitions.

Chassiers has 3 castles. 2 are private: Mothe (16th century) and the castle of the counts of Rochemure (le château des comtes de Rochemure).

The 3rd one belongs to the municipality and is the town hall: Castle of Vernade (15th - 16th).

My personal recommendations:

Chassiers is also well known for its barrel organ and "santons" festival which takes place every year between late August to early September.

How getting there:

Chassiers is located 3 km from Largentière and 11 km from Aubenas.

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