Bénivay-Ollon: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

Bénivay-Ollon is a small village situated on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding passes. Opposite lies the Eyguemarse Valley, through which several streams and rivers flow.

Landscape

The “Les hauts de Saint-Jean” route passes through the Eyguemarse Valley and offers a panorama from the Saint-Jean d’Ollon chapel. The chapel itself stands on a rocky ridge above the Eyguemarse Valley and offers remarkable views as far as Mont Ventoux. The “Les hauts de Saint-Jean-d’Ollon” circular hike begins and ends in Bénivay-Ollon.

The “Les quatre cols” route crosses historic passes that were once heavily used connections between the villages of the Baronnies. Along the way, views open up over the Eygue-Marse Valley, the northern Baronnies, the hamlets of Beauvoisin, and Mont Ventoux.

Culture and History

The Saint-Jean d’Ollon chapel is a Romanesque chapel first referred to as “de Aulono” in the 12th century. If you walk around it on the eastern side, you reach a small hermitage.

The Notre-Dame de Tiretempli chapel is a remnant of a former priory mentioned since the 12th century. It lies on the right bank of the Ayguemarse between Bénivay and Ollon. Remains of a medieval castrum, and possibly also the remains of a castle, can still be seen in the former village of Ollon, on the same rocky ridge as the Saint-Jean chapel.

Local Products

As part of the olive mill visit, guests can watch olive oil being produced and taste organic oils and organic olives. The “Visite et dégustation: moulin et distillerie familiale” visit and tasting experience in Bénivay-Ollon includes an immersive tour of the facility and a tasting of local artisan products.

The family distillery produces elixirs of the Baronnies as well as aperitifs, liqueurs, and fruit brandies in a traditional still. The artisanal expertise has been passed down there from generation to generation since 1902.

Traditions and Activities

The Ban du Tilleul takes place annually in the first half of June. During this traditional ceremony, the Chevaliers du Tilleul open the harvest sacks, marking the maturity of the blossoms. Swimming in the Ayguemarse is mentioned as a local activity in Bénivay-Ollon.

Anyone looking for a holiday apartment in Bénivay-Ollon can incorporate the village’s routes, chapels, and local products into their plans.

Other places: Barret-de-Lioure, Marsaz, Piégros-La-Clastre, Livron-Sur-Drôme, Rémuzat, Rochefort-En-Valdaine, Plaisians, Chantemerle-Lès-Grignan

To the main travel overview: Drôme.