Privas

The capital town of the Ardèche region since 1790, Privas is one of the eight main towns of the Rhône-Alpes region.It has a priveleged situation: nestling in the valley of the Rhône, about forty kilometres to the South of Valence, Privas is near the big towns of Lyons, Saint-Etienne, Grenoble, Marseilles.It can also be easily reached by important main roads, and, above all, it is the ideal starting place for a tour in the Ardèche hills. All the important sites are no more than some tens of minutes from Privas.
Before plunging into the Ardèche region proper, it is not forbidden to stroll around Privas. On the contrary! The town contains a wealth of historic buildings such as the Louis XIII bridge, the Tower of Diane de Poitiers, the site of Montoulon, the cloister of the Récollets. They remind the visitor of the murky period of the Wars of Religion. Privas was besieged, but “destroyed by violence, its strength gave it rebirth”. Such is its motto!
Privas is famous for its exceptional surroundings: it is surrounded by a countryside that has managed to remain natural. In all seasons you will find a gentle, moderate climate, that will enable you to enjoy; in perfect tranquillity, the “marrons glacés” (glazed chestnuts)that have made the town’s reputation since 1882.
Privas offers its inhabitants a lot of leisure facilities: its theatre of course, but also its Mediatheque, its museum, its recognised Music School. The Ardèche administrative authorities promote cultural activities all the year round. Far from its village aspect, Privas is also a town looking towards the future; it welcomes high-tech industries, businesses in the tertiary sector or in crafts.

Information:Tourist Office: Tel: 04 75 64 33 35
www.mairie-privas.fr