- The Land of Saint-Agrève is located between the upper valley of the Doux Valley Eyrieux and the plateau of the High-Lignon. Between 500 and 1000 meters. Seven municipalities welcome you plateau and valleys offer a variety of landscapes on land authentic. Immerse yourself in its history, its heritage, its flavors ... entertained at the discretion of the festivities.
- History:
- Antiquity: Saint-Agrève was born on Mount Chiniac. On the threshold of history, it is still a poor village, just a few huts clinging to the hillside. It is said that this time the country was inhabited and operated by Ségovellaunes, a tribe of Gauls Helviens related to the people and a vast forest covered the plateau. The hill itself, would have called Mount Ursin, Bear Mountain.
- The Chiniac: Then is the way the country by the Romans. Attracted by the strong strategic position of Mount Chiniac, they built a fort. Mount Ursin Cinnacum becomes, the city of Cinna. This name, by corruption, would become Chinacum. Thus protected, the city grows and sees the shelf is topped with small farms. The major ports in the Rhone valley, several roads converge St. Agrève to move then the Puy Velay and the country. This first road guide for centuries, military and economic life of the village.
- During the 2nd century, Christianity spread gradually in the Ardeche. Campaigns are long rebel to the new faith and it is only early 7th century, a bishop of Puy, named Agrève evangelizes Saint-Agrève plateau where he died on 1 February in the year 602. In remembering him, the inhabitants débaptisèrent Chinacum into Sanctus Agrippa, St. Agrève.
- Middle Ages: From the 13th century, several cities Vivarais negotiate, often amicably with the local lord ruined by war, the redemption of their freedoms. In 1289, the Vicomte de Polignac gives people their first Saint-Agrève liberties and franchises. This is the origin of the free community of Saint-Agrève.
- In 1446, Saint-Agrève experiencing a resurgence of activity. At the edge of the plateau, this village is primarily a commercial city of fairs, an important market between two very different worlds (the plateau and slopes of the country) for additional resources. Some arrive from the south, laden with salt, wine. The other, from the Velay or Drill, are products of mountain boards, grains, cheese. This increased activity is associated with an increase in population, in 1464, during the drafting of "Vivarais Estimate", the village of one hundred and two lamps, which is one of the largest cities Vivarais.
- Religious Wars: The highlight of the 16th century is the development of religious wars. Introduced in 1538, the "RPR" as the Catholics say the time is spreading rapidly across the Ardeche. In 1562, the Reformation spread Saint-Agrève. The city became the scene of successive sieges which in turn, Catholics and Protestants argue instead. Thus, the month of March 1563 saw the capture of St. Agrève by Count de Tournon which cost the life success. A few years later, Saint Just and his son Vidal, governor of Velay, walk Saint-Agrève at the head of six hundred horses, fifty to sixty signs of foot and twelve guns. The siege began Sept. 15, 1580. On the 25th, the city was taken and destroyed. In 1585, the Edict of Nemours banned Protestant worship and rekindled the civil war. Jacques de Chambaud, leader of the Protestants, providing an attack, strengthens the city and declares impregnable. Count Tournon, Seneschal of Puy, and San Vidal Saint-Agrève besieged with an army of about twelve thousand men and four guns. On October 8, 1588, after eight weeks of resistance, Chambaud capitulated. Saint-Agrève is shaved for the second time.
- The Contemporary Period: From the 17th century, Saint Agrève down from the hill. Along a busy street between two places where water fountains murmur, the town where most of its business. The highway improvements stimulate traffic. With its many inns with large discounts, Saint-Agrève, fair town, is a relay and a warehouse known carters and mule trains whose cars are heavy on salt, wines, oils ... In 1903, the train made its appearance. The arrival of C.F.D. (Departmental railway) will result in the development's main tourist city. Today it is a small tourist train (from Dunieres to Saint-Agrève, said the "nutcracker"), returned to service in summer 2002. He discusses the movement of residents to the city of trays, induced by the industrial revolution. Conversely, the tourism development is linked to the needs of urban residents breathe air coming campaigns. During the last war, Saint-Agrève is at par with other municipalities of the plateau, a place of retreat and home for the Jewish community.
Text from the book "Holy Agrève, nature paths, paths of memory" of Henry Bariole.
