Between the Rhone and the Cevennes, along the old Roman road which remain six milestones, has established the Abbey Cruas. Built into the hills, the old fortified village, crowned by the castle keep abbey dominates a Romanesque church of the eleventh-twelfth century, whose crypt contains a''fabulous''bestiary. Prosper Mérimée in 1847 made her rank. A mosaic in the apse commemorates the passing of Pope Urban the second in 1095. The capitals of a magnificent forum monastic mid-12th century keep all the delicacy of their sculpture.
The Roman road, the highway became''the Languedoc is now called''the main road 86. Dotted with historical sites, it takes you to Cruas. The men carved white stone to build the village and its monuments, and many buildings in neighboring towns Meysse, Rochemaure, Baix and St. Vincent de Barres.
Today the manufacture of lime and cement continues on the outskirts of the city. A room of the museum recalls the story among other exhibitions at the Centre Auclair.
The climate in southern already made a pleasant place to stay. The municipalities of the Community of Communes-Barres Coiron abound yet many other treasures.
The Romanesque abbey of Cruas: capitals, mosaics, the crypt ... The building can be visited all year, check with the Tourist Office Cruas.
The old walled town and the chapel. Free tour in July and August.
Auclair Center: Three-story museum André Auclair: 1st floor, temporary exhibitions, 2nd floor, small museum of lime and cement on the top floor, sports museum (there are only two in France that of the Parc des Princes in Paris and that of Cruas). In the adjacent park, children Appecia leisure facilities.
Free tour of the factory Lafarge, one in July and August, check with the Tourist Office Cruas.
On the Rhone, means of communication millennium, the marina can practice water sports. Lakes fish, a heated swimming pool complement the water fun.
Barres of the forest, which extends its centenary hectares limits Cruas, beech retains exceptional at this altitude and latitude. Close to large areas of scrubland and pine crossed by a hiking trail, you can also mountain biking and horseback riding. Two short straps connecting it to Cruas.
Medieval Festival of Cruas, each year the second weekend of September. Intervention troops medieval camp life, camp of the builders of the Middle Ages ... Medieval market around the abbey and the medieval site during the two days. Free tours of the heritage of Cruas. For more information, contact the Tourist Office in Cruas +33 4 75 49 59 20.
Many events throughout the year.
Neighboring towns: Meysse (baptistry being restored), Rochemaure (visit the village and the castle), Baix, St. Vincent de Barres (certified village of character).
