Located 35 minutes from Valence on the Ardèche plateau, Château de Grozon is surrounded by three small towns: Alboussière, Vernoux-en-Vivarais and Lamastre. Getting to the château is easy: it's on the D533, and if there's not enough space on the forecourt, there's a large parking lot in the meadow opposite.

On arrival, visitors are overwhelmed by the beauty of the setting: the monumental stone facade, the fountain depicting Saint George slaying the dragon, the immense lime tree and the fragrant wisteria. These walls have seen a thousand years of history. Below, a river runs alongside a wooded path that leads to the countryside and forests, with hiking and mountain-biking trails.

The fully-equipped 100^m2 classroom is bright and airy, and the wood flooring and exposed beams give it a warm ambience. The adjoining vaulted room doubles as a refectory, with three tables seating 20 guests. A small lounge in front of the large fireplace (firewood included) makes this medieval hall a comfortable and welcoming space.

The refectory - or reception room - and terrace give access to the fully-equipped communal kitchen. The terrace is spacious and furnished with tables and chairs, with a shaded area.

A few historical landmarks

Château de Grozon (formerly spelled Garozon, Garauzon or Garausone) is a medieval fortress located in the commune of Saint-Barthélemy-Grozon, in the heart of the Haut-Vivarais region. Its fortifications date back to the 10th century, although the village is only mentioned in historical documents from the 12th century onwards. The site is closely linked to the history of the Knights Templar, who played a major role here from the 12th century onwards.

In 1287, an important agreement was signed between the lord of Grozon (probably a member of the de Clérieux family, such as Roger or Guichard de Clérieux, who held the seigneury at the time) and the Knights Templar of the Valence Commandery. This agreement refers to the fortifications erected in the 10th century as a basis for defense of the "mandement" of Grozon (a seigneurial territory).

This deed of 1287 marks a formal recognition, extension or partial rebuilding of the ramparts, in a context of feudal tensions and protection against incursions (e.g., linked to conflicts between local lords and the Church). The Knights Templar, already present in the area since 1186 (purchase of a "manse" named del Vernale by Pons Gilbert), then strengthened their influence on the site, establishing a farm and a military presence. The Knights Templar acquired land in Grozon for 8 Valentine pounds. The castle became a strategic point, coming under the barony of Chalencon, which then had "80 steeples", a vast jurisdiction.

14th century: In 1336, Guichard de Clérieux, lord of the time, bequeathed Grozon to King Philippe VI of France. In 1358, Jean II le Bon granted the village a tax exemption.
In 1390, Raoul de Lestrange, a nobleman from Limousin, bought the estate for 3,000 livres tournois.

The château passed into Catholic hands in 1580 through marriage. It was burnt down in 1789 during the French Revolution, then bought by Raoul Giraud in 1923 and bequeathed to Jacques Vernet in 1970. The château retains medieval features such as ramparts and an ancient oratory, testifying to its role as a Templar stronghold.