Commanderie templière de Richerenches

Richerenches

In 1136, a brother of the Temple named Arnaud de Bedos received from Hugues de Bourbouton, lord of the place, the first lands at Richerenches. Two years later, the Order established a commandery there that would become one of the richest in Provence, specialising in the breeding of warhorses destined for the Holy Land. Hugues de Bourbouton himself took the white habit and became commander as early as 1139, giving the house a rare prestige. From this medieval power, the village's present church preserves the chevet and apse of Templar origin: a massive, almost military architecture, with arrow slits and a crenellated parapet that recall that here, prayer and defence went hand in hand. After the dissolution of the Order in 1312, the Hospitallers took over the estate. Even today, Richerenches keeps up an unusual link with its past: every winter, truffle growers and dealers crowd in front of the church for the "truffle Mass", where offerings of black tubers pay for the upkeep of the sanctuary — a mischievous nod to nine centuries of history between faith, land and trade.

Getting there : Village of the Enclave des Papes, 5 km from Grignan (Drôme) and 30 km from Vaison-la-Romaine; car park on the village's central square.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound