Gateway to Pays de Dieulefit, at the foothills of the Alps, this consists of two distinct sites: La B\u00e9gude-de-Mazenc, lying on the plain, and the ancient village, Ch\u00e2teauneuf, perched on the top of the hill (cobbled alleys, belfry and panoramic views over the valley).
\nOn the fringes of the Alps, by the plains of the Rh\u00f4ne valley, LA B\u00c9GUDE-DE-MAZENC lies just off the main road (D540 & D9), almost exactly halfway between Dieulefit and Mont\u00e9limar. This road, which follows the Jabron river, has been the village’s principal source of development.
\nFrom humble beginnings – just a few houses in the 16th century – the modern village of LA B\u00c9GUDE reached its peak between 1850 and 1900. It is around that time that the village had its moment of fame, when the French president, \u00c9mile Loubet, chose a former lord’s castle as his rural residence. A unique, charming park is one reminder of this prosperous period.
\nAs a result of modern development, and with the transfer of its institutions, the town changed its name around 1900, from the millennium-old name of CH\u00c2TEAUNEUF-DE-MAZENC to its present name. But the ancient village is still called CH\u00c2TEAUNEUF, perched on the hill overlooking LA B\u00c9GUDE\u2026 from around half a mile higher.
\nToday, the two villages together make up the town.<\/p>\n
\nInhabitants\u00a0 : B\u00e9gudiens
\nPopulation : 1734
\nArea : 23,62 km2
\nAverage altitude : 215 m<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nNot to be missed<\/h4>\n
The village and the verdant park surrounding the castle of \u00c9mile Loubet. Don’t forget the medieval hilltop village, Ch\u00e2teauneuf de Mazenc.<\/p>\n