The abbey church of Saint-Chef was built in the 11th century on the foundations of an older church. It is predominantly Romanesque, while its portal is Gothic.
Anyone considering Saint-Chef as a travel destination may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture and history
The Chapel of the Angels is located on the upper floor of the northern arm of the transept of Saint-Chef Abbey Church. It contains remarkable paintings, probably dating from the 12th century, depicting the Heavenly Jerusalem according to the Book of Revelation. The frescoes in the upper chapel are accessible only as part of a guided tour organised by the Balcons du Dauphiné tourist office.
The Tour du Pollet, dating from the 12th to the 14th century, is part of the former castle of the archbishops of Vienne. Its layout, unchanged since the 16th century, provides an understanding of the composition and extent of a complete seigneurial centre.
The Musée de Saint-Chef presents almost 15 centuries of Saint-Chef's history. The permanent exhibition in Saint-Chef uses models, films, reconstructions and interactive terminals. A 3D reconstruction at the Musée de Saint-Chef shows the frescoes of the abbey church's upper chapel.
The Church of Saint-Theudère has been classified as a historical monument since 31 December 1840. Château de Saint-Chef and its park, with its terrace and follies, were partially registered as historic monuments by decree of 6 July 2000.
Tours and discoveries
The Saint-Chef historical circuit has 25 information panels covering two hills, four districts and almost 15 centuries of history. It passes through the Chapelle district and showcases tobacco drying sheds, earthen architecture and Dauphiné farmhouses made of rammed earth.
Separate orienteering courses for adults and children are available in Saint-Chef. The “Parcours d'orientation patrimoine adulte” orienteering course is open year-round and free of charge.
Guided tours of Château Teyssier de Savy are occasionally offered and must be arranged directly. The medieval garden is freely accessible and uses information panels to explain which plants were used in the Middle Ages and what functions they served.
Paths and landscapes
The “Sur les pas de Frédéric Dard” loop alternates between woodland, meadows and hills and offers panoramic views of the Alps. The “Sur les pas de Frédéric Dard, autour de la cité abbatiale de Saint-Chef” hike is a moderately difficult 12.0 km route with 260 metres of elevation gain and a duration of 3 hours 40 minutes.
Wine and local life
The Saint-Chef heritage trail invites visitors to meet one of the winegrowers who continue the tradition of IGP Balmes Dauphinoises wine, introduced by Benedictine monks in the Middle Ages.
More local pages: Auris, Marcollin, Laffrey, Saint-Marcellin, Jarrie, Treffort, Montcarra, Theys
