Rochemaure

Rochemaure is a characterful village in the Ardèche on the right bank of the Rhône, facing Montélimar. It is stepped at the foot of a volcanic dyke, a basalt chimney left by the volcanic activity of the Coiron several million years ago.

On this rock stands the castle, built in the Middle Ages, probably by the Adhémar family of Montélimar. Its ruins are impressive for their position and give the village the look of an old fortress. The keep, built of dark basalt, has a square base topped by a pentagonal tower. The castle is open in season, with guided tours offered by the commune.

The village keeps sloping lanes, old houses and remains of fortifications, and visitors can wander between the Rhône and the volcanic relief. The geology is part of the interest, with other basalt flows and chimneys nearby at the foot of the Coiron plateau.

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