Discover Hostun, Drôme, Rhône-Alpes: hidden gem

This short but pleasant stroll takes you to discover the ruins of the feudal castle of Rochechinard. From the Château, a magnificent panorama over the whole valley of the Royans is offered to you. Departure from Rochechinard (parking du musée du Royans), direction Le Château 3. Take the path that also serves as a support for the route of the Grand Tour du Vercors à pied through Roches Corbières 1 then Les Cartelats 2. At the ruins of the castle, after admiring the view over the valley, continue towards Rochechinard museum by a nice little path through the boxwoods to join Les Côtes 4. The Grand Tour du Vercors à pied continues north towards Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans, while the GR of Pays des Monts du Matin arrives from the same village. From there, go down to Bois Savoyard 5 to return to the museum car park, starting point of the walk.

This pleasant hike offers a magnificent panorama of Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans, the Vercors and the plain of the Royans from the viewpoint of the Belvedere. Depart from Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans near the Tourist Office/Aqueduct – Espace Royans Vercors (car park). Head towards the Belvédère (panoramic viewpoint) and go along the banks of the Bourne for a moment to find the Four à Chaux crossroads before crossing the main road (caution) to eventually reach the La Châtaigne crossroads. The path then steadily goes up through the undergrowth to La Madelanière, Vanille, and Le Belvédère is close by. After admiring the exceptional scenery, return to Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans allong La Cote 457 mètres, before beginning the descent through the deciduous forest to Tire-Vire. Carry on towards Saint-Nazaire along a varied and pleasant path to reach the Chemin de la Draye crossroads, then follow the yellow and green markers to the car park, the starting point of this wonderful hike. 

Join the Pas de l'Echo, partly in the footsteps of an ancient Roman road that was once the only link between Oriol and the village of Leoncel in the south. Departure from Oriol-en-Royans (parking exit south of the village), direction Léoncel and Pas de l'Echo 5. Leave the main road to go up on the right by a small path along a wall (follow the yellow and green markings). The route joins a road to the hamlets of Grippats and La Bourrelière, the walk continues through a path through woods and meadows that leads to the place called Les Merles 1. Cross the departmental road (pay attention to the cars), always following the direction of the Pas de l'Echo, climb to the hamlet of Tamée 2 and then take 200 meters on the departmental road. At the crossroads of Gagnas 3, take on the left the itinerary which gradually descends into undergrowth. Once again, cross the local road (the place called Le Bedaud 4) and a little further along a small road following the yellow and green signs towards the Pas de l'Echo. GR 9, the return to Oriol-en-Royans is done by passing successively by La Passerelle 6 then L'Usine de la Plaine 7, Les Rats and la Freydière 8 Monne and les Clefs 9 La Rousse 10, Tallard 11 and Tognon 12.

In family and on two wheels, leave to the discovery of the agricultural and forest landscapes of Royans. Departure from the center of Saint-Jean, always follow the mountain bike n ° 7 in green color. Take the direction of Rochechinard until the Hermitage then turn left and join Boissieux passing by La Passerelle. From there, continue south along La Lyonne crossing the crossroads of Tognon, Tallard, Usine de la Plaine, Les Rats and la Freydière then Monnes and les Clefs to Saint-Martin-le-Colonel. Then cross several small hamlets and gradually return to the village of Saint-Jean passing via par la Ferronnière, Les Bodins, la Noyeraie. 

This hike makes you discover the main riches of the natural and cultural heritage of Saint-Laurent-en-Royans. Leaving the village of Saint-Laurent-en-Royans, take the direction of Saint-Jean-en-Royans always following the marks of yellow-green markings. 1 puis poursuivre vers le sud et atteindre La Carrière 2.">Pass through the Arboretum 1 and continue south to La Carrière 2. 3.">At the junction, on the left, a pretty road joins the road to the crossroads of Le Saut 3. 4 puis Serre Châtelard 5.">The circuit then finds the route of the GR 9 and is extended in the undergrowth by a trail in laces that gradually takes the height, passing by the crosses of Pierre Plate 4 then Serre Chatelard 5. 6, vous pourrez admirer le panorama exceptionnel sur la mosaïque de paysages du Royans qui est offert depuis ce point haut remarquable.">From there, by a round trip to the belvedere of La Croix 6, you can admire the exceptional panorama on the mosaic of landscapes of Royans which is offered from this remarkable high point. 7 d'où l'on laisse le GR 9 poursuivre sa route plein sud.">Return to Serre Châtelard, continue until Serre Mouchard 7 from which the GR 9 is left to continue its road due south. Take the forest road on the left towards Saint-Laurent-en-Royans, further on, turn left again (directional sign) to join the Pierre Plate crossroads. 8, le village de Saint-Laurent-en-Royans n'est alors plus très loin.">Descending to join Le Saut before crossing the road to reach Les Rayes 8, the village of Saint-Laurent-en-Royans is not very far.

From the scenic and vertiginous road to Combe Laval, discover the Montagne de l'Echarasson. Departure from the Belvedere de Combe Laval (parking) on the D76 (road Combe Laval), direction Col de l'Echarasson 2. Go up to Ferlin 1, then continue through woods and clearings for a good hour to reach the Col de l'Echarasson (1146 m). From the pass, take the direction of Saint-Jean-en-Royans and go down again following the yellow and green markings until the Pas de la Sère 3. At the Pas, continue towards Saint-Jean-en-Royans to reach Gaudissart 4. From there, climb slightly back to Ferlin and then back to the Belvedere de Combe Laval.

An original trail offering some of the finest views of Bourg-de-Péage. Discover the town's emblematic buildings, stroll along the quays, walk through the Bois des Naix and admire the sculptures along this 6 km family walk. Each frame has a flash code so you can find out more about its history, environment, heritage, etc... And it's free! The tour can be done by bike, and in fact follows part of the Voie Verte Vallée de l'Isère cycle route. Frame 1: Town Hall Frame 2: Pont Vieux and Collégiale St Barnard Frame 3: Le Coq Place de Delay d'Agier Frame 4: Quais de l'Isère Frame 5: La Passerelle Frame 6: Le Jardin d'Arménie Frame 7: Bois des Naix - Entrée Maladière Frame 8: The Deer - in the Bois des Naix Frame 9: Delay d'Agier's tomb - in the Bois des Naix Frame n°10 : The Charlieu - in the Bois des Naix Frame 11: The Mossant Citadel Frame 12: The Vercors Sports Complex Frame n°13: Fresco - Place du 8 mai

The historic town center boasts an original and diverse medieval and Renaissance heritage. The social organization of the town at that time is clearly visible. Romans-sur-Isère’s historic centre offers an exceptional ensemble of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The town’s social fabric during those periods can still be read in the way its spaces were structured. To the south, the bell tower of Saint-Barnard Collegiate Church marks the religious heart of the city; to the north, the Jacquemart Tower stands as a symbol of secular authority held by the consuls. Nearby, the Maison du Mouton and the Hôtel de Clérieu reflect the ambitions of the merchant bourgeoisie and the emerging class of judicial nobility, who commissioned grand townhouses to assert their rising status. Wandering through the old streets reveals a wealth of architectural details that bear witness to the city’s development and vitality from the Middle Ages through to the 18th century. Old town 1 - Maison du Mouton 2 - Rue Pêcherie 3 - Pont Vieux 4 - Collégiale Saint Barnard 5 - Place Maurice Faure 6 - Place aux Herbes 7 - Rue des Clercs, Rue Merlin et Rue des Trois-Carreaux 8 - Rue St Nicolas 9 - Hôtel Thomé 10 - Tour Jacquemart 11 - Rue de l'Armillerie

After the destruction of the medieval ramparts in the mid-19th century, the town expanded northwards. A new district emerged, located between the historic center and the train station. The local economy undergoes new developments with the installation of shoe manufacturing workshops. The need for labor led to a sharp rise in population, from 10,000 in 1850 to 20,000 in 1940 and 30,000 in 1968. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Romans was also a garrison town, housing several barracks. Today's city center gradually took on the face we know today. Traffic areas were created for cars, and emblematic monuments were built: the train station, the Bon barracks (now known as Marques Avenue), the Notre-Dame de Lourdes church, the bandstand and private mansions such as the Maison Figuet and the Maison des Statues. 1 - Romans Bourg de Péage train station 2 - Figuet house 3 - Notre Dame de Lourdes 4 - Bon barracks (Marques Avenue) 5 - Shoe Museum 6 - Bandstand 7 - Champ de Mars 8 - House of Statues

La Martinette is a small canal which runs quietly through the town. It provides a pleasant walkway where one can forget the sound of vehicles and admire the flora and fauna of the waterway The course of the river, still visible along Place de la Presle, gives visitors a glimpse of Romans' rich industrial past. Further upstream, in the heart of the city, you can follow a rural itinerary along the banks of the canal (with its many plant and animal species). The canal and its surroundings are home to numerous plant species, such as the groenlanda densa, and animal species, such as the newt, the frog and the leech, which live only in waters that are not very polluted. Their presence testifies to the good quality of the Martinette's waters. Discover the history of this canal with guided tours organized by the Sauvegarde du Patrimoine Romanais Péageois in collaboration with the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire Valence Romans Agglo department.

A true paradise with a thousand springs for a vast botanical world tour. Rare plants acclimatised in a sumptuous natural setting of ponds and waterfalls. For a magical moment, discover the phenomenon of petrification, when water becomes stone.

The Shoe Museum invites you on a journey to discover the world of this timeless, universal object: the shoe. Situated in Romans, a town that owes its renown to leatherworking and shoemaking. The cells, once occupied by the Visitandine nuns, are now the setting for a collection of shoes from their origins to the present day: from unusual pairs from the 4 corners of the world to contemporary designers. All forms of footwear are on display, from the oldest to the most contemporary, from the most classic to the most extravagant and the most exotic, not forgetting the creations of famous bootmakers past and present. Musketeer boots, Chinese women's ankle boots for mutilated feet, medieval poulaines... 16,500 collector's items from antiquity to the present day, representing 4,000 years of history, are displayed in rotation in the cells once occupied by the Visitation nuns. There are also paintings (17th, 18th and 19th centuries) and temporary exhibitions. All presented in the former Visitation convent (17th century), set in landscaped gardens listed as a historic monument.

Located in Chateauneuf sur Isère between Valence and Romans, 'La Belle Histoire' stands out for its authenticity. Discover a warm welcome, a magnificent house built of Rhône pebbles, lush natural surroundings and breathtaking scenery!

At 7 min. from the A7 motorway exit, close to the vineyards of Tain l'Hermitage and these sites, you will be welcomed in a friendly atmosphere in this cottage in a part of the house owners, with independent access. This comfortable 37m² studio gîte with closed, fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom with Italian-style shower can accommodate 1 to 4 people. The gîte is on one level and comprises a living room with a relaxation area (sofa bed) and a sleeping area (1×160). Linen provided. Park shared with the owners, another gîte and chambre d'hôtes, offering various rest areas, swimming pool, available for outside access. The gîte is equipped with a washing machine. Pets are not allowed.

Wine merchant, wine tasting cellar, tours of the cellar, wine workshops... An immersive experience awaits you at Clairmont! This major estate for Crozes-Hermitage wines since 1972 offers visitors a unique experience in a welcoming location. Founded en 1972, Clairmont was the dream of three families who wanted to share their passion for wellness and a job well done. The next generation took over the estate, to build on the 50 years' experience, and some new winegrowers joined the team. Today, eight families and fifteen winegrowers work the land alongside a team of seven people, to bring you the very best of our 120 hectares in Crozes-Hermitage, Saint-Joseph and Collines Rhodaniennes. Each grape harvest from the winegrowers is dealt with separately, to produce wines that are all different, but all share the same high standards and quality. Clairmont is all about working together as a team, and they are proud to 'Create Wine Together!', while keeping traditional expertise alive. It is this desire to share that inspires us to welcome you and unveil the secrets behind producing our vintage wines, through a wide range of activities!

Ground floor: 1 guest room with disabled access, 'Tourisme et Handicap' quality label (4 major types of disability). 1st floor: 4 separate guest rooms with private facilities. Large living room with kitchen area available, overlooking covered swimming pool (6x10m), open April to September. Welcome to the Crozès Hermitage vineyards. Traditional 15th century wine-growing farm, built of Rhône pebbles, renovated and with enclosed inner courtyard. Breakfast features homemade preserves, apricot juice and bread baked in wood-fired oven. Games room, set of boules.

Unusual stay in a barrel converted into comfortable cottage for holidays exploring the heart of Crozes-Hermitage! In the Crozes Hermitage vineyards, we welcome you to a typical 15th-century winegrower's farmhouse with lots of character, in a barrel-shaped gîte for 2-3 people. Equipped with kitchen, shower and private bathroom. Sleeps 140 + possibility of an extra bed. Outside terrace. "Home-made bread and jam.

A modern architecture in harmony with an original design make of our Hotel, a unique place to stay in the city of Valence! For business men or tourists. The Cerise Valence apartment hotel, situated in Rhône-Alpes, has 103 studio flats and apartments. All are furnished and fully equipped and can take from 1 to 4 people. Each type of accommodation has a flat-screen television with free access to the Canal + television channels. There is also a large free car park available and breakfast is served every day in an air-conditioned room.

For a short break or for your holidays, " l'Abricotine", in the heart of Drôme's vineyards is the parfect place: comfort, introduction to tasting and friendly atmosphere...

The tower is the sole remaining part of an 11th century feudal castle destroyed during the wars of religion. The tower can be easily accessed during a pleasant walk. There remains a long wall which was part of the castle walls. Overlooking the village and the valley and built on a castle mound, the tower can be seen from afar and reminds us that it was there to keep watch over a commune at a time when looting was rife.

The ruins of the castle stand on a rocky platform remaining partially visible despite the vegetation that densifies over the years. In 1340, Rochechinard was sold to Aymard 1er Allemand de Beauvoir. It was probably between 1420 and 1482 that the great majority of buildings were built. Its function was essentially to defend the access roads of the Royans. In 1547, the Allemand family ceded its fief of Rochechinard to the master of the Mint of Romans, Claude Mosnier. During the wars of religion, this one is distinguished by making its castle an islet of catholic resistance. In the course of the seventeenth century, the castle is no longer inhabited and degrades gradually. Nowadays, the ruins of the castle are not visitable, as it is a private property.

The Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans aqueduct, 35 m high and 235 m long, is the emblem of the city. Built between 1873 and 1876, it conducts water via the Bourne canal (which is along the start of the hike) to irrigate the plains of Valencia. In 1878, the work was presented at the Exposition Universelle in Paris as a work of art in hydraulic engineering.Read more

Les gorges de la Lyonne et ses falaises permettent la nidification de l'aigle royal. Ce dernier n'est pas spécifiquement une espèce de haute montagne et on le trouve ailleurs en Europe dans des régions d'altitude moins élevée. Il affectionne cependant les zones escarpées et tranquilles pour nicher. Au contraire de l'image populaire, son nid ne se trouve pas au sommet des pics les plus hauts, mais plutôt dans des gorges et falaises de moyenne altitude. Photo : "Maakotka (Aquila chrysaetos)" (CC BY-NC 2.0) par mieshahmo

Located at the entrance of the cemetery of Saint-Laurent-en-Royans, this Gallo-Roman stone is a funerary cippus of the 2nd century.The upper part of the stone forms a hollow within which offerings could be deposited. Latin inscriptions appear on the stone:"To Titus Sammius Tertiolus, employed in the writings of the aerarium (public treasury), died at the age of twenty-six, Connia Conniola to her excellent husband and Sammius Connius to her father."

This arboretum was created in 1986 in place of an old landfill. In 2010, a collective is founded to energize the place, and events are set up around the theme of nature. Today, it is an area of biodiversity, conviviality and discovery, especially for schools.

Between 1901 and 1931, a tram made the connection between Bourg-de-Péage, Romans and Pont-en-Royans for 40 km. It allowed the transport of goods and people. Today, the track has been replaced by roads, and the Tram Bridge is a vestige of the railway history of the area.

A true paradise with a thousand springs for a vast botanical world tour. Rare plants acclimatised in a sumptuous natural setting of ponds and waterfalls. For a magical moment, discover the phenomenon of petrification, when water becomes stone.

The Chartreux bridge is built of tufa stone, very present in the area. It allows to cross the Cholet, and has long facilitated exchanges between Saint-Laurent-en-Royans and Saint-Jean-en-Royans. It was also a place of passage for the transport of coal from the Col de la Machine.

Under the porch a source appears. The waters of this emergence seem to come from the mountain of the Echarasson. The water emerges here because it is at this level that the zone of contact between the permeable Uronian limestone and the impermeable marls is located. The water from this cave is captured and then transported by pipes to supply the inhabitants of Saint-Jean-en-Royans. The cave of Frochet was the object of a campaign of archaeological excavations. The pottery dating from the final Bronze and the flint tools suggest that this shelter was occupied seasonally or even permanently.

The Frochet waterfall has the characteristic of being a cascade of tuff, also called travertine. Here the environment is fresh and shaded, which is favorable to the development of mosses. Under the action of water, the mosses petrify, and this forms the tuff, which is a calcareous rock.

In the secret of the forest of Alloubière, among the hundred-year-old trees, Alice welcomes you and perpetuates the family tradition. The Auberge de Malaterre keeps its peasant and bewitching identity. Bernard and Lydia will still tell you their country and its legends. Alice will cook your favourite dishes and many more. Access by snowshoeing or skiing in winter. By car in summer.

Le Bon Roy offers a daily special during the week when booking is not required, and a full menu in the evening and at the week end when booking is needed. Specific meals are available on order and the bar is open every evening; a three course meal including wine and coffee costs €13.50.

A 30-minute walk from the village of Corrençon via the GR 91 in the direction of the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors (the Vercors Highlands). Whetheron foot, on snowshoes or cross-country skis, this is an easy excursion providing a “taste” of the picturesque ambiance of a true mountain refuge.

With golfing in summer and downhill skiing in winter, the restaurant is open every day from 9am to 6pm. The biggest appetites will be satisfied with a slow-cooked stew or menus à la carte. Traditional cooking.

On the foundations of an old mill burned in 1971, the boss and his team have reconstructed this country inn where you will taste the farm products cooked in a wood oven. Since 1979, it's in a bucolic area in which you're welcomed to enjoy our menu. You can taste our farm products ( pigs, duck terrine, caillette, rillettes, bread and pogne) cooked in our own wood oven. The Chef's specialty: our pig on a spit

In front of the fire place during the winter time, and as the nicer days arrive, in the garden or in the patio... Michel Chabran's cooking is always prepared with authentic local products of the season! Private lounge for 10 to 50 people. The Chef's specialty : dishes around truffle from November to March: Back of Sisteron lamb - Wild strawberry crisp (spring/summer) Gourmand Area: - Tapas ( every day, except on holidays day) from 12pm to 2:30 pm and from 5:30pm to 10:30 pm. Prices: from 25 to 30€ - Chabran Drive: with a click, a call and an hour later, you leave with your dish. Order on www.chabran-drive.com

Michel Chabran wanted his Espace Gourmand to be a place to sit down, talk about gourmet delights and, above all, share a moment of happiness. With the shared value of conviviality, here's an opportunity to enjoy Tapas as part of our themed menus. You can enjoy them next to the hut, in the heart of our garden, or next to the fireplace in the veranda. L'Espace Gourmand also offers a €32 starter/main course/dessert menu featuring a number of classic French dishes.

The best Vercors products on your plate. Depending on the season by the fireplace or on the terrace. Several menus are available. Nicolas Fayollat our chef proposes a cuisine sensitive to local tastes.

At the foot of Hermitage hill, surrounding by the vineyard, we welcome you to the former home of Louis Gambert de Loche, founding president of Cave de Tain. Le Fief de Gambert, where heritage and terroir come together to offer you an authentic and unique experience. Our restaurant invites you to discover cuisine that is both generous and refined. Sincere and seasonal, our cooking showcases local ingredients, perfectly paired with wines from Cave de Tain, as well as a selection of wines from other French wine regions. Here, every dish tells a story, and every glass extends the journey.

On the way to the sunny holidays, 45 minutes from Lyon and on the Rhône riverside, Mr and Mrs Lécuroux welcome you in their charming provencal Hotel and Restaurant, and share their passion with you. Cooking is refined and entirely home made. Either for a short stop or for a longer one, you will be seduced by this calm and resting place. Bedrooms with small garden and terrace.

The hotel of the Water Museum, in a old convent, at the edge of the river. Panoramic view near the suspended houses, opposite a waterfall, its restaurant suggests at an outside table or inside, a quality French cooking with local products.

Located in Chateauneuf sur Isère between Valence and Romans, 'La Belle Histoire' stands out for its authenticity. Discover a warm welcome, a magnificent house built of Rhône pebbles, lush natural surroundings and breathtaking scenery!

At 7 min. from the A7 motorway exit, close to the vineyards of Tain l'Hermitage and these sites, you will be welcomed in a friendly atmosphere in this cottage in a part of the house owners, with independent access. This comfortable 37m² studio gîte with closed, fully-equipped kitchen and bathroom with Italian-style shower can accommodate 1 to 4 people. The gîte is on one level and comprises a living room with a relaxation area (sofa bed) and a sleeping area (1×160). Linen provided. Park shared with the owners, another gîte and chambre d'hôtes, offering various rest areas, swimming pool, available for outside access. The gîte is equipped with a washing machine. Pets are not allowed.

Ground floor: 1 guest room with disabled access, 'Tourisme et Handicap' quality label (4 major types of disability). 1st floor: 4 separate guest rooms with private facilities. Large living room with kitchen area available, overlooking covered swimming pool (6x10m), open April to September. Welcome to the Crozès Hermitage vineyards. Traditional 15th century wine-growing farm, built of Rhône pebbles, renovated and with enclosed inner courtyard. Breakfast features homemade preserves, apricot juice and bread baked in wood-fired oven. Games room, set of boules.

Unusual stay in a barrel converted into comfortable cottage for holidays exploring the heart of Crozes-Hermitage! In the Crozes Hermitage vineyards, we welcome you to a typical 15th-century winegrower's farmhouse with lots of character, in a barrel-shaped gîte for 2-3 people. Equipped with kitchen, shower and private bathroom. Sleeps 140 + possibility of an extra bed. Outside terrace. "Home-made bread and jam.

In Crozès-Hermitage wine et Bergeron apricot country, self-contained gîte in converted 'magnanerie' (silkworm farm) near owner's home. Peaceful, open setting. Ground floor: lounge, living room with kitchen area, shower room. 1st floor: 3 bedrooms (double bed) (2 single beds) (2 single beds), shower room, WC. Covered swimming pool (10x5m) open at fixed times. Covered area, private garden. Wood-fired central heating.

A modern architecture in harmony with an original design make of our Hotel, a unique place to stay in the city of Valence! For business men or tourists. The Cerise Valence apartment hotel, situated in Rhône-Alpes, has 103 studio flats and apartments. All are furnished and fully equipped and can take from 1 to 4 people. Each type of accommodation has a flat-screen television with free access to the Canal + television channels. There is also a large free car park available and breakfast is served every day in an air-conditioned room.

In a house in rollers 18th century at the foot of the tower Mercurol surrounded by vineyards and orchards, you will find calm and authenticity. At "La Ferme des Buis" in the northern Rhône Valley, where the Drôme and Ardèche departments meet, you can discover a region rich in landscapes, history and know-how. From the Vivarais to the Vercors, via the Drôme des Collines, we'll be there every day to help you make new discoveries.

For a short break or for your holidays, " l'Abricotine", in the heart of Drôme's vineyards is the parfect place: comfort, introduction to tasting and friendly atmosphere...

The carette hut is an old sheepfold restored by the Parc du Vercors and transformed into an unguarded refuge. This beautiful hut indicates the entrance to the Natural Reserve of Hauts-Plateaux du Vercors.