Prévenchères

In terms of heritage, the town has retained its Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul built in the 12th century. Built in granite, it consists of a nave with three bays, preceded by a porch bell tower and a clover-shaped choir. This ends with a semi-circular apse framed to the south by a semi-circular apsidiole and, to the north, a second apsidiole replaced, at the beginning of the 15th century, by a square chapel. There are several semicircular arches on the portal and other decorations sculpted in the granite. The vault of the nave was rebuilt in the 17th century as a broken barrel. The transept is covered by a dome. The bell tower was added later. It probably replaced a long bell tower which, precisely, surmounted the dome.

The church is listed in the Inventory, as is the former priory established by the monks of Saint-Gilles. Locally called "the castle", attached to the church it served, it dates from the end of the 14th century and is presented as a rectangular building with a turret at an angle and twin bays.

Finally, we notice on the square where the lords dispensed justice a venerable lime tree planted in the 17th century by order of Sully to celebrate the birth of the future King Louis XIII.

Then head to the village of La Garde-Guérin, established on a plateau from where the view stretches in clear weather to the Mediterranean coast. The site has retained its medieval silhouette, dominating 400 m over the course of the Chassezac and its canyons and above all the Voie Régordane. This linked Paris to the South for a long time via the Massif Central before the Rhône valley was secured. Border post established on behalf of the bishops of Mende, the village was in fact a co-lordship: in addition to the prelate, a community of knights ran it. Although besieged on numerous occasions, the village has retained part of its fortifications, which are dotted with ditches cut into the rock, a square tower (the former keep of the castle) 21 m high, at the foot of which one can still the foundations of the old seigniorial dwelling, but also its medieval and Renaissance dwellings as well as its cobbled streets. Some houses still bear the date of their construction (16th century).

Very picturesque due to its location and preserved charm, perfectly maintained, La Garde-Guérin belongs to the very selective associations of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. There are many second homes there and an association of enthusiasts provides entertainment and guided tours in season: contact +33 4 66 46 87 30.

Of course, don't forget to admire the Romanesque chapel of Saint-Michel, near the Tower, built in freestone. We notice its thick walls and its narrow windows, in particular intended to preserve from the cold. The arcades of the choir, the prettily worked capitals and the entrance portal with its three semi-circular moldings sculpted in solid stone are of great beauty. The building listed in the Inventory houses a gilded wooden statue of Saint Michael (15th century).

Chosen as a setting by several filmmakers, the village, which is very popular in summer, has a place where local products and craftsmen are showcased, the Comptoir de la Régordane. Information on +33 4 66 46 83 38.

To the south-east of the village, finally, also dominating the river, the Château du Roure dates from the 11th and 15th centuries. It consists of a square keep and two buildings forming a square to the east. Outbuildings were later developed. The keep turns out to be the oldest part of the castle, still pierced with loopholes and gunboats. Its battlements have disappeared, like a large medieval tower which was intended to defend the north wing. Still private, the property has the specificity of being protected as historical monuments and being classified as a "natural site". It is possible to observe it from the surrounding area…

The town also has vast potential in terms of sports activities in the great outdoors.

Between hills, plateaus and river gorges, hiking enthusiasts are delighted. The old Régordane path is now a well-known path (GR 700), but many other pedestrian circuits or mountain bike loops are marked out. One of them leads to the Chassezac belvedere, where you can admire spectacular gorges, with granite walls several kilometers long and about 400 m deep! This canyon offers a wide variety of landscapes and was long nicknamed "the devil's den".

Maps and information for hikers on +33 4 66 65 60 00.

The Chassezac also lends itself in season to canyoning, white-water swimming, climbing and kayaking. It is obviously advisable to contact specialized clubs and their experienced guides. Join +33 9 62 08 77 50 or +33 6 88 82 74 45.

Fishermen are also at the party: to find out which sites are suitable and to comply with regulations, contact +33 4 66 65 36 11.

At also point out that near the village of La Garde-Guérin is located the Golf des 3G and its 9-hole course which is suitable for experienced enthusiasts and beginners alike. Information on +33 6 72 17 35 64.

In June, transhumance of sheep herds from the village or the hamlet of La Fare to the high meadows. This traditional pastoral meeting is the object of animations and the visitors can follow this hike of a singular kind long of more than 20 km.

The second Wednesday of August, at La Garde-Guérin, Pastorels festival with concerts of French songs, contemporary music groups and closing dance with DJ.

The second weekend of August, Alzons hamlet festival with fun, gourmet and musical entertainment.

In November, on the occasion of Documentary Film Month, screenings at the multipurpose hall (in the village).