Berrias-et-Casteljau
Berriasian -et -Casteljau is a commune with 684 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011 ) in Ardèche, in the Rhône -Alpes. The inhabitants are (it) (it) called Berriassois and Casteljois.
The municipality was established on June 4, 1975 by the merger of hitherto independent municipalities and Berrias Casteljau.
Berrias was the namesake of the Berriasian (also shortened in the German language Berriasian ), a chronostratigraphic stage of earth's history.
Geography
The municipality stretches along the flood plain of the river Chassezac, in the extreme south of the department. It is characterized by limestone slopes and other geological rock formations that have been created by fluvial erosion. The northwestern part of the municipality is forested. Neighboring communities are Saint -Paul -le- Jeune and spells. Next largest city is Ales, 29 kilometers to the southwest.
History
The municipal area was already inhabited in ancient times. Testify barrows and a Gallo-Roman necropolis. Also Merovingian tombs are found.
The district Berriasian was already in the early Middle Ages an important military post, so 1140 a Commandery of the Knights Templar has been built at the Château de Jalès. She is one of the oldest and best preserved in the country. At the beginning of the French Revolution 1792, found the followers of the king protection. That same year, the citizens of Les Vans planned a massacre on the royalists, in which the Coming has been damaged and many people were killed. In the 18th century the castle was restored and created a sericulture. Currently, the building houses the Institut de préhistoire orientale of CNRS.
Culture and sights
The community Berrias -et -Casteljau thrives on tourism. The most popular destination is of course the Château de Jalès, where even today detailed guides to the history of this to come, and the Knights Templar are offered. Interesting are also the ancient draw well from the 18th century, the old cellar and storerooms having her round ceiling and the currently vacant chapel, fitted with a medieval fresco.
In the district Casteljau are a former manor house to visit two churches from the 19th century as well as a votive chapel in Berriasian and Les Borel.
The community also offers many hiking and climbing tours. For example, through the Bois de Païolive with its extraordinary rock formations. Another popular destination is the Tranchée Chassezac, two steep cliffs with strange rock formations. Along the many river gorges there is also the possibility of small sandbanks as the Mazet Plage relax.
Economy and infrastructure
The distillation of lavender to fragrant lavender oil is an ancient crafts of the local farmers. This tradition was common in the Middle Ages, so that rich celebrities are known to produce expensive perfumes. Even today, homemade oils and perfumes available on site.