Webzine Ardèche

Tower of the village of Arras, remains of the castle and the Rhône River in the Ardèche

Arras-sur-Rhône, an Ardèche village on the banks of the Rhône

Arras-sur-Rhône (07350) is a commune in the north of the Ardèche department in the Rhône valley, located between Ozon and Vion on the banks of the river, close to Saint-Vallier in the Drôme.

Arras sur Rhone in Ardèche 07350

Arras in Ardèche

Situated in the Ardèche department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the commune of Arras-sur-Rhône covers less than 6 km² and has just over 500 inhabitants. Nestling between the Rhône and the foothills of the Vivarais mountains, Arras-sur-Rhône offers a peaceful living environment and a rich heritage, reflecting its unique history and geography.

Arras-sur-Rhône map (Géoportail, IGN) :

A little geography

Arras-sur-Rhône lies on the right bank of the Rhône, at an average altitude of 128 metres. The commune is bordered by the river to the east and the first slopes of the Massif Central to the west, offering a diversity of landscapes between alluvial plains and wooded hills. This geographical location gives Arras-sur-Rhône a semi-Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, influenced by the Rhône valley.

The region is criss-crossed by a number of major transport routes, including the D86 departmental road that runs along the right bank of the Rhône, a railway dedicated to goods traffic, and the ViaRhôna, a cycle route that also runs along the river.

A touch of history

The village of Arras-sur-Rhône has a rich historical past, with remains testifying to its importance over the centuries, particularly as a crossing point and tollbooth in the Rhône valley. The narrow streets and stone houses of the old town centre reflect the traditional architecture of the Ardèche. Notable buildings include the parish church, whose origins date back to the Middle Ages, as well as the chapels and old buildings dotted around the town.

A zest for the local economy

Arras-sur-Rhône’s economy is mainly based on agriculture, with mixed farming and livestock rearing. Wine-growing is also present, benefiting from the favourable climatic conditions of the Rhône Valley, between AOC Saint-Joseph and Côtes du Rhône. The commune also boasts a number of craftsmen and local shops that contribute to the local economy.

Remarkable sites in Arras


️ 🏛️Patrimoine history and culture

  • Parish church

Originally founded in the 9th century, it and the priory house occupied up to 2 hectares of buildings, vines and land before 1790. Renovated in 1990, it marks the historic heart of the village.

  • The White Tower of Arras

Overlooking the village from a height of 28 metres, the keep dates back to the 13th century, with a footpath for easy access. A few sections of the old enclosure walls remain, recounting the history of the village and its tollgate.

  • Small heritage

A water mill operated until 1943 to grind grain. Its layout along the Ozon stream can still be seen around the place known as La Levée. There are still 2 communal wells in the village.

  • Arras dam

In operation since 1971, the Arras dam is 152 metres long and has 4 gates. It helps to regulate flooding on the Rhône and to power the Gervans hydroelectric dam upstream, which has a lock for freight and river tourism.

🌿 Natural areas and leisure

  • Banks of the Rhône

They are ideal for walking or cycling along the river, watching the local wildlife (herons, beavers, ducks, etc.) or fishing. The road bridge at the Arras-sur-Rhône dam offers a view of the river and its canal.

  • ViaRhôna

The cycle path runs north-south through the commune. It is used by touring cyclists and local users, with a link to the Via Fluvia towards Sarras. Cyclists can stop off to explore the historic centre and the white tower.
➡ Find out more about the ViaRhôna?

  • Walking tour

The trails around Arras-sur-Rhône offer routes suitable for all levels, with breathtaking views over the Rhône valley, between Drôme, Ardèche and Monts du Vivarais.
➡ Hiking trails around the Ideal Palace

🚉 Transport and access

The D86 (formerly the RN86) runs through the commune, linking it to Saint-Vallier and Annonay to the north, and Tournon-sur-Rhône to the south. TheA7 motorway exits at Chanas to the north and Tain l’Hermitage to the south.

The nearest train station is Saint-Vallier, around 15 kilometres away, with links to Valence and Lyon.

For public transport, visit the page dedicated to buses in the Ardèche.

Weather in the commune

And to help you plan your activities in Arras-sur-Rhône, here is the weather forecast for the next few days, including temperatures, wind and precipitation:

Where to sleep?

Looking for a hotel, apartment rental, BnB or other type of accommodation in Arras for a night, weekend or longer stay in or near the town? Here’s what to look for and find, according to your needs and budget:

Lien web

Arras on the map

Location of the commune and situation in the Ardèche on the banks of the Rhône River :