Ardêche is well known for the many caravan parks hidden between the trees on the
countryside and the small hotels located in renovated old stone houses between the
vines. Close to Hermannhouse is the Hotel Tour'N'Sol, which is run by the couple
Eric and Dina. Hotel Tour'N'Sol offers nice accommodation, a chilling pool and sometimes
at night a festive atmosphere. Eric's brother John runs the best (and only) restaurant
in Grospierres, Le Relais de la Poste, across the street from Hotel Tour'N'Sol.
There are many other nice restaurants in the area, which offers everything from
regional dishes to seafood. Links to Tour'N'Sol and caravan parks close by can be
found below.
The area around Grospierres offers a broad range of activities. Many tourists come
to Ardêche to ride the steep and winding roads by bike, through small villages and
vigorous valleys with vineyards dotted along the route. Others canoe down the Ardêche
river and take a swim under the great Pont d'arc. Other things to do in Ardêche
include horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, bird watching and visiting dripstone
caves. Further to the North is Facteur Cheval's Palais Ideal and to the south is
the interesting city of Nimes. More inspiration can be found from the links below.
Activities
These amazing underground caves of Saint Marcel d'Ardèche were discovered in 1838 by a hunter from Aiguèze (a local village). The caves offer an exceptional geological, archeological, and speleological experience. The visit, which takes about one hour, permits the visitor to discover a circuit of uncommon interest valorizing the vastness of the halls, the importance and the beauty of the concretions, and also the big extent of the ìGOURSî (natural pools) which are unique in Europe.
"Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval" is an amazing and imaginary palace built by Ferdinand Cheval aka Facteur Cheval (1836-1924) by lime, mortar and cement in his back yard. The Palace is a mix of different styles with inspirations from the bible to hindu mythology. Facteur Cheval began the building in April 1879 and finished his Palais Idéal 33 years later. In 1969 Andre Malraux, the French Minister of Culture, declared the Palace a cultural landmark and had it officially protected.
This site features information regarding hotels, camping, canoe, kayak, and many other activities spread out over the 5,523 km2 area in Ardèche. You can check out the weather forecast, read tourist brochures, and find all types of useful information regarding the local culture and up coming events in Ardèche.
Chateau du Monard is an imposing 15th and 16th century chateau living a second youth. It is situated in the Rhone Valley close to Montelimar in the heart of the Drome Proveçale. This is an excellent spot for unwinding with sports and getting into shape. The complex is full of services, large parking, swimming pool, villas that you can rent and above all the 18 holes golf course for guests and visitors.
A nice guide to Ardèche’s marvelous sceneries, caves and museums, gastronomy, natural regional parks. The site has a “to see and do list” and links to all major tourist attractions and hotels and an updated Ardèche calendar.
The Domaine de Bournet owned by Danielle and Xavier de Bournet has 23 Hectares of vineyards planted all around the 300 years old farm building called the Mas-Neuf. It is part of the Bournet estate and is situated just outside the centre of Grospierres along the Chassezac river. The grapes typically found at the winery are Chardonnay, Viognier, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Staying
Tour'N'Sol is the place to be in Grospierres and the best hotel in town. Especially if you are into bikes. From here you can make day trips through the gorges of Ardèche forged by beautiful mountain and rock formations, or you can admire the natural reserves of the Cevennes. Even the Mediterranean Sea can be on the program. If reading maps is a problem for you, Tour'N'Sol has a lot of road-books that you can borrow and a friendly staff to advise you.
l'Edredon is perched on a hill not far from Hermannhouse over looking the mountains of Ardèche. l'Edredon offers six recent and comfortable guest rooms. Each room has its own bath room and toilet en suite as well as a TV and a garden lounge. A barbecue is also available should you wish to enjoy your own meals. The guest houses are situated around a small pool. Midnight swimming has been seen to occure during high season.
La Flor Azul is located in a magnificent 18th century farmhouse built in the typical style of the Ardèche in Grospierres not far away from Hermannhouse. It is a bed and breakfast and has 5 tastefully decorated guestrooms each equipped with central heating, shower and toilet. Four of the rooms are set up in the four voulted cellars with access to the cosy interiour courtyard. The fifth room for 4 persons has a small living area and can be found on the first floor. A summer kitchen is also available for all the rooms
Camping Ranc Davaine is a luxury camp site with a nice aquatic area with pools, spa, padding pools, slides, and whirlpools. Some of the pools are heated in the low season. The camp site has permanent entertainment in the high season and a night club for the young crowd. There is plenty of possibilities to be active on the soccer pitch, basketball court, tennis court or around the plenty of table tennis tables while the children attend the Mini Club or the Youngsters Club.
Dining
Le Relais de la Poste is the best restaurant in Grospierres. All kinds of food are served by John and his friendly staff including local dishes and international cousine. After dinner the guests usually move into the cosy bar and billiard area next door to hang out with the locals and have a Duvell or two. The prices are reasonable and the food is excellent.
The lovely Ferme de Bournet is a restaurant and hotel located just outside the center of Grospierres. It is an exceptional cluster of old stone buildings carefully renovated and welcoming you with a nice atmosphere and good food. The staff is professional, polite, and very attentive, especially the young blond and charming girl waitressing in the restaurant. The nearby fairytale castle - Château de Bournet - reminds you of the Bournet’s hundreds of years old history in the area.
