Chandolas

Chandolas is a commune with 478 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2011 ) in Ardèche, in the Rhône -Alpes. It belongs to the community association Pays Beaume Drobie.

Geography

Chandolas consists of three hamlets, the village and the hamlets Maisonneuve and Les Martins. The community is located between Gros Pierre in the southeast and Les Assions in the northeast 26 km south-west of Aubenas in the broad alluvial plain of the Chassezac on the southwestern edge of Ardeche.

History

The municipal area traces of human settlement from the Neolithic period have been found in several caves. Scattered in the garrigue are some dolmens. In Gallo -Roman times, the village was inhabited by Volcae Arecomices, whose capital was Nîmes. Even then felt the population of Chandolas the Uzes region (then Ucetia ) belong.

A first church in Maisonneuve was built already in the 7th century, was then called the place nor Saint Laurent d' Avonas. In the 8th century, there was in Chandolas a battle between the troops of Pippin the Younger ( 715-768 ) and " Saracen " invaders.

From the 12th to the 14th century, the Seigneur of the place was also the commander of the Commandery of the Knights Templar in Berrias -et -Casteljau ( Commandeur de Jalès ). Chandolas was a border town between Vivarais and Uzège (Region Uzès ). Saint Laurent d' Avonas was plundered and destroyed by mercenaries and later rebuilt as Maisonneuve ( new house ).

During the Wars of Religion (1562-1598) built in the 12th century church of Chandolas was destroyed by Protestant troops. Conflicts also arose by the religious affiliation of the church of the diocese of Viviers, although the place geographically not part of the Vivarais. Therefore, the congregation was led in the 18th century by a sub-delegation of Pont -Saint -Esprit.

Attractions

The community is known for its well-preserved medieval city of winding alleys. The village centers of Chandolas and Maisonneuve developed along each of the two churches in the town center: Saint- Martin and Saint -Laurent d' Avenas. In addition, still exists in Maisonneuve another church in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century.

The river Chassezac with its extensive floodplain is known for its numerous canyons. The monolith Ronc -Redon is a popular destination for many visitors due to its bizarre shape.

Economy

The image of the church is dominated by forests and meadows. Major lines of business of Chandolassiens are viticulture, fruit growing and the breeding of domestic pigs.