Jean Luc Lefebvre: Discover Crest, Drôme Treasures

A route full of colour : from the emerald of the River Drome, through the green of the vines and forests, the warm tone of the stones of the hilltop villages and the violet of the lavender fields. The cycle route follows the river giving little bathing spots…. You now have two options – to climb through the forest of Saou and end up at Bourdeaux or carry on as far as Saillans and climb the Col de la Chaudiere. On the southern slope, in the Provencale countryside the pines rub shoulders with lavender, green fields and, in summer, you can hear the noise of the cicadas. Take a short while or even a day of rest to visit the unmissable: La Gare des Ramieres, the Tour de Crest, the hilltop villages, the wineries of Clairette de Die, the herbs at Saillans, a ramble in Marsanne, the Synclinal of Saou, ou les 3 becs, le Poet-Laval, Mirmande, Vesc, La Roche sur Grane, the pottery villages at Dieulefit, …. It’s your choice.

Discover a part of the rich history of Gigors, including the ruins of the Savel, the remains of an ancient medieval castle and the ruins of the Esperi, once entirely isolated in the lower part of the rock of the Aigle. Departure from Saint-Pierre church (car park behind the church). Take 30m on the road RD732, then join Les Fournats 1. Then take the path that ascends gradually in laces to reach the Ruins of Savel 2, the road continues towards Sagnol 3, then Boussière 4. Then join the Ruins of Esperi 5, then the Arthauds 6. You then have 2.5km to travel in an almost Mediterranean atmosphere to reach the place of departure.

Follow in the footsteps of members of the Resistance as you explore the sites where a number of important events took place in 1944 with consequences for the Gervanne valley, its villages and surroundings. Start from the Champ de Foire car park and head to Les Chaux. After information point 1, turn left towards Frédières farm.Carry on to information points 2 and 3 until you reach the edge of the woods. Where the tracks meet, head for Beaufort-sur-Gervanne. Please note: after the loop to the left going towards Beaufort (after about 500 meters), make sure you take the track that goes up to the left into the meadow all the way to the summit (information point 4), then stay on the ridge. Make your way to information point 5 and head to the D732. On the D732, turn right then drop down near the first house on the Chemin du Colombier. Head to la Poste and walk down to the right past the Hôtel du Midi to get to the roundabout. Go back up to the left to reach the village square. On the square, take the first street immediately to the right in the direction of the Mairie (Town Hall) to get to the Old Village, where you can enjoy a stroll. Back on the square, you can walk through the public gardens before making your way to the esplanade. At the end of the esplanade, take the Grand' Rue to head back to your starting point.

La Voulte-sur-Rhône is the starting point of the Dolce Via route. You leave ViaRhôna to cycle into the Eyrieux valley in pursuit of the old locomotives. Your adventure in the footsteps of the old railway line begins in the middle of the peach orchards where you begin a spectacular and gentle climb up the valley to Les Ollières-sur-Eyrieux. Add the view of the valley, its river, its villages perched on the other side and your ride becomes, from the first strokes of the pedals, an enchantment. And the journey has only just begun... The route is signposted "Dolce Via" and is laid out on a former railway line, alternating between greenways with gore (granite sand) or bituminous surfaces and low-traffic roads. The gradient is minimal (1%). The beautiful Corten steel railings (rusty appearance), not only aesthetic but particularly welcome to avoid any risk of falling along the many steep slopes of the route, are a reminder of the route's railway past. Be careful crossing the departmental road 120 when arriving at Les Ollières-sur-Eyrieux before reaching the station.

Go on the trail of the Crête de Ramiat which dominates a part of the valley of the Drôme. The start of this beautiful hike takes place from the village of Sainte-Croix. At the Pont de la Sure 1, take on the left the small road that leads to the places "Les Morins" and then "L'Eguillot". From there, take the forest road which climbs gradually sometimes in undergrowth sometimes in the middle of glades to finally reach the crossroads of Pallaire 2. Another little effort to reach the Crête de Ramiat 3 and enjoy the panorama offered. To return to Sainte-Croix, go down to Combe Mare 4 then Pierre Plate 5 and Les Bouines 6, before finishing the route by road to the village.

This tour is brought to you by the Valence Tourist Office. A brochure is available on our premises! All along the route along these waterways, you'll be able to observe a whole world of exceptional animals and plants, right in the heart of the city. This walk will take you through the Chateauvert district, where you can admire springs from the Vercors, including the Malcontents fountain, as well as shared gardens and protected wetlands. You'll enjoy the freshness of this bucolic stroll, and see a wealth of fauna (frogs, dragonflies, trout) and flora (calltriches, potamots, rubanier): a veritable corridor for biodiversity. Leaving from the Tourist Office. Cross the crosswalk at the Fontaine Monumentale. Take rue Sévigné and turn left at rue du Refuge. Turn right up Canal des Moulins (the canal is on your left), passing between the buildings to reach the Chamfort parking lot. Continue along the canal to cross Cours Voltaire, then Rue Chateauvert. The canal is now on your right. Continue on the sidewalk along Rue des Moulins. Turn right onto Chemin du Ruisseau to rue Derodon. Cross the street and turn slightly right to join the path alongside the canal, which is now on your left. Cross Rue Jean Henri Fabre, and continue along the path until you come to Rue des Frères Montgolfier. Turn left up rue Montgolfier to the intersection with rue des Moulins. Turn right and walk down the street until you come to Chemin du Thon. Cross the latter and enter the park in front of you. Follow the driveway through the park until you reach the canal. Turn right again and turn left into rue Marius Moutet. Go up the street and cross rue Louis Ageron. Continue along rue Marius Moutet until you reach the impasse de la Petite Marquise on your left. This leads to Chemin de Robinson. Turn right onto Chemin de Laplat. Cross the road and enter the Fédération de Pêche parking lot. Take the left-hand path and follow the loop back to the Petite Marquise canal. Turn left and follow the canal (which is on your right). Cross rue Auguste Giraud. Continue ahead on the path. At the end, turn right, then left to reach the start of the allée Adolphe Pegoud. Take a few steps to your right and you'll be on Avenue Jean Clément. Turn left and stay on the sidewalk along the canal. Avenue des Baumes is the continuation of Avenue Clément. At the intersection with rue Paul Gataud (on the left), cross Avenue des Baumes and continue along the sidewalk. Pass the soccer pitch, the veterinary clinic and the tabac Presse. After the latter, turn right and follow the canal de la Grande Marquise, continue on Impasse d'Alzon, then at the end turn right up rue de Thibert until you cross rue Chateauvert. Cross and turn left. Take the 2nd lane on the left (before the butcher's shop) to follow the Canal des Malcontents Nord. After the children's playground, turn left into the park and walk up the driveway. Take Rue Sainte Thérèse on the left as far as Rue Chateauvert, then turn right up this street. On the left, follow Résidence Chateauvert along the canal (do not turn right into Résidence Chateauvert). Cross Rue de Serbie, continue straight on until you reach Rue Jean Joseph Génissieu. Turn right and follow this up to Place de la Paix. Continue straight ahead on Cours Voltaire until you come to Rue du Clos Gaillard. Turn left into Rue Paul Bert. Turn right in the direction of the train station and return to your starting point.

This tour will take you from Dieulefit at Le Poet-Laval, two rich historical sites. Take time to discover the footsteps of the Hospitallers, life and the exile of the Protestants of the sixteenth century or admire the alleys and buildings. You will also enjoy a fun and enjoyable pine forest trail.

Go on a journey of discovery of a wild Drome Provencale. The famous Col de Valouse and Col de la Chaudiere, give a impressive view of Drome Provencale on one side and the Vercors on the other. You’ll cross mediaeval villages and fortified castles. Appreciate the cool air in the gorges of St. May, take a dip in the river Aygues. You rejoin the Drome Valley and its river through Saillans, at the foot of the famous Trois Becs and at the heart of the renowned vineyards of Clairette de Die. The food lovers among you will enjoy tasting the products of the region throughout the journey. Take a short while or even a day of rest to visit the unmissable: The Pas des Ondes lake at Cornillon-sur-l’Oule; a visit to sample Clairette de Die and Picodon cheese; a hike on the Trois Becs; the castle at Poet-Celard with its children’s science museum; vulture watching at St. May; the potteries at Dieulefit; canoeing on the Drome ……. It’s your choice.

For the more sporting enthusiasts of mountain bike, this complete and varied circuit is cut out for you! Departure from the parking lot of Grand Echaillon, take the direction of the Col du Lion. Always follow the MTB beacons n°52 in black and the yellow and green markings between each directional sign. Continue on the itinerary of the Grand Tour du Vercors passing by Gampaloux and then gradually start the beautiful descent to Bouvante-le-Haut. From there, continue south through Logue before going up the Toulau creek. Beware in rainy weather, some passages can be delicate and slippery until the famous Saut de la Truite At Gardiol parking lot, be careful you enter the Ambel estate, classified as a Natural Area Sensitive, regulations must be observed! Join the Ambel Refuge via the Combe de la Louvaterre and Le Verâtre. At the Pas du Gouillat, bypass the Roc de Toulau to reach the Col de la Bataille by the GR 93. Finish this magnificent loop by driving to La Pelouse de la Sausse then Echaillon sheepfold.

The Grand Échaillon covered with snow is a really magical sight. Snowshoeing is the perfect way to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of nature in winter through the different landscapes all along this itinerary. Ranging from wide open spaces with spectacular panoramic views to the muffled silence of winter woodlands, this trail is bound to whet your appetite for more snowshoe adventures.

Christian holiday Center and camping at the farm. Far from the hectic pace of everyday life, experience a time with no phone and no computer. An ideal place to find yourself, get together and create human connections !

The Petite Aiguebonne is located in Allex countryside, 20kms away from Valence. View of the Vercors mountain, sweet 6,000 sq.m large garden, heated swimming pool. Each room with refined decoration and private terrace. A stop in the Drôme 20 km from Valence, 9 km from Crest, on the mythical road holidays - the national 7. A stop for 1 day, 1 weekend, holidays in our home, the Petite Aiguebonne. Past the imposing wrought iron gate and you will discover this house where charm, elegance, refinement and luxury will be the jewel of your stay. The decoration of this place will surprise you by the multiplicity of styles ranging from modern paintings to bright colors, the refinement of Louis XV style command, all associated with a lot of subtlety and class. It is in the shade of the big trees that you will find there a hammock, a bench, a small living room, an armchair for a moment of relaxation intoxicated with the perfume of the old roses cradled by the sweet melody of a fountain. The infinity pool is heated whatever the outside temperature you can swim and enjoy the softness of the water. It is in this place of charm that you will be welcomed with all the delicacy, attention and discussion that will make your stay a pleasant parenthesis ...

An unusual place with themed rooms to get away from it all: Morocco, Kenya, Mexico, Ireland, Greece, Japan, Canada, Tibet, Finland, Lapland, Trapper's Cabin, Far North Cabin, Bohemian Caravan. With a 7-hectare park surrounding a lake, this venue is ideal for weddings, parties or receptions, indoors or out. Companies can also organize seminars, team-building activities, showrooms and conferences.

Located between Valence and Montelimar, the hotel Le Logis des Voyageurs invites you in for a gourmet meal. You can stay in one of our fully refurbished rooms with all the comforts you need. Our Chef offers authentic, generous cuisine and will help you discover the regional specialities that you can enjoy on our shady terrace during the summer.

Quiet, family friendly atmosphere, “slow tourism” in the Drôme bio valley. Beside the river, a stone’s throw from the historical village of Saillans. Come as a couple, with family or friends, and restore yourself in the sun or in the shade of the river bank. We welcome you for your stay in a tent, motorhome, van, camper or caravan, or in our rental accommodation (Air-conditioned mobile home cottage, Lodge tent, Canvas Bungalow, Coco Sweet, Chalet, etc.). Discover the flavors of our region at our snack bar restaurant Terrasse des Chapelains. Far from the chains and groups that industrialize and standardize camping holidays, come and enjoy the warmth and the sun of the south-east of France, on the banks of the Drôme for a refreshing swim in the river, our natural swimming pool. Come and discover the riches of nature and the terroirs of the Drôme valley. We want to make your stay unforgettable, because our best recognition will be to welcome you again when you return to Saillans at Les Chapelains campsite. On the border of the Southern Alps and Provence, at the foot of the Vercors, our region is a privileged place for lovers of nature, sport and outdoor activities. Perched villages, castles, Roman remains, art, museums ... The Drôme also offers you an unexpectedly rich cultural and historical heritage.

Families, cyclists, bikers, canoeists, hikers: we welcome groups up to 50 people and provide accommodation, catering and leisure activities. We adapt to your needs . Rent a mobile home, a fully equipped tent or pitch your own tent. Half board or packed lunches As suits you ! Welcome to the Drôme bio-valley, at the crossroads of the Southern Alps and Provence, at the foot of the Vercors! On the banks of the River Drôme, close to the historic village of Saillans, Camping Qualité Les Chapelains ★★★ is a small, eco-friendly family campsite. We welcome you on camping pitches for tents, camper vans, vans or caravans. We also offer Premium pitches with private sanitary facilities. You can also choose to rent one of our accommodations (air-conditioned mobile-home cottage, lodge tent, canvas bungalow, Coco Sweet, Chalet...).

Authentic renovated Provencal farmhouse. A pleasant, warm welcome and tasty dinners. Near the river le Roubion where you can have a nice swim. Mentionned in the Guide du Routard. Available: a box with slippers and sandals for the water. Two 2-person rooms, one 3-person room and one 2-4-person room.

…Set off through the Drôme countryside on a horse-drawn caravan. Anyone can enjoy our absolutely safe excursions! An experienced guide will ensure a safe ride at all times.The scenery is outstanding, a real eyeful, a relaxing and pleasant ride, you will enjoy an unforgettable holiday.

Le Petit Moulin welcomes you in an old farmhouse of character, with a large park. It offers its three bedrooms, available only during the week, from Monday evening to Saturday morning.

The Ibis Loriol Le Pouzin Hotel brings together nature and modern architecture. It opened in 2010 in the perfect location at the foot of the Ardeche mountains, on the banks of the Rhône by the Via Rhôna cycle path (from Lake Geneva to the Med). 2 minutes’ drive from the ‘Autoroute du Soleil A7’ motorway exit 16 and 15 minutes’ drive to the main town Privas. Ideal departure point for visiting Ardeche, its gorges, Drôme Provençale. Open 24 hours a day. 41 rooms on offer, 1 restaurant, 1 bar, 1 free private parking area and free wifi.

La Gare des Ramières, the Nature Reserve’s House is a special family place to discover a wild and natural environment with a lot of various wild species. You will observe, discover and play during the visit.

The church of Saint-Pierre is of Romanesque origin. Founded in the 12th century by the Cluniac monks, on a medieval motte with local limestone materials. The church initially had a defensive vocation by controlling access to the Vercors. It is built on a cruciform plan, composed of a single nave, illuminated by windows to the south.

After two bombing raids on June 22 and 28, 1944, the enemy forces approached from the Drôme valley to the south and attacked the village on July 27.

Members of the Maquis made their bread in total secrecy at the Frédières farm. The flour was transported to the oven at night from the Moulin du Roy mill to the south of the village of Beaufort. It was also made covertly at the two village bakers in Beaufort.Please respect private property: keep to the path.

In January 1943, Marcel Barbu, founder of the Boimondau factory and community in Valence, bought the Mourras farm on the Combovin plateau, where he set up a camp for recusants (réfractaires in French) – men and women who refused to work for the Germans.A training school for Resistance officers was also organised there.A group of 40 or so Resistance members relocated to the village in late October 1943.Michel Prunet took command in late January of the following year. Alongside his men, he forged close ties with the people living in the valley, with some of the farms serving as command posts for the FFI (French Forces of the Interior).

After barricading the south of the village, the Germans overran it from the west and the left bank of the Gervanne to the east. At five in the afternoon, after eight hours of fighting, the enemy withdrew – but before retreating some of the soldiers in the Ost Battalion burned and pillaged the village.

On walking down the Vercors road, you will have seen a large number of so-called “reconstruction” houses (with grey rendering on the facades).In 1944, the "reconstruction" often reshaped the architectural appearance of the village.

With its vaulted passages, its old lanes full of history, its houses imbricated one in the other, Beaufort emits a little air of Provence. On the village square, the keep of an old castle, converted into a public garden will welcome you for a short stop. But it is especially in the Temple that the history of the village is read. Beaufort was indeed an important place of Protestantism.

In 1943, the first Maquis in France took up residence in the village of Omblèze.The Gervanne valley was at the heart of the south-western defensive system in the Vercors during the events of 1944.

The Plateau de Chaux is a place where biodiversity is rich. The agricultural practices allow to host remarkable species and an important biological diversity (messengers, avifauna, orchids, insect pollinators).Throughout the valley of the Gervanne, dry lawns, slopes, clear forests and thorny moors abound of orchids from April to June. They are all protected. Do not pick them!

If you are in Drôme, do not hesitate to grant you a stop at la Maison XV in Crest. Enter this charming mansion and enjoy his harmonious interior. We offer you a simple and tasty traditional cuisine. A very pleasant address offering a very good value for money.

Mc Donald's restaurant offers a nice air conditioned room with modern and colorful decoration, a large terrace with a nice view of the Vercors, a playground with double slide and the Mc Drive. You can order online by downloading the McDo+ app.

Along the seasons, you will discover a « cuisine » combining tradition and innovation drive by inspiration and using the best and genuine products of our territory. Terrace and garden. The Chef offers quality cuisine combining tradition and modernity. As the seasons go by, you'll discover traditional and inventive cuisine, inspired by the best local produce. Terrace and garden. Organization of seminars and group receptions.

Ideally located on the Drôme banks, close to the Frédéric Mistral bridge, we suggest everyday a lot of well-balanced, healthy, local dishes, some tapas, fresh drinks and an amazing view of the Drôme river. In winter: soup, tapas, mulled wine, etc.

Bistro atmosphere and distinctive cuisine using fresh products, shady terrace. Bar with music (Jazzy atmosphere).

Café/Bar located on the banks of the Drôme, come and enjoy its large sunny terrace in a warm atmosphere. Pizzeria open from Thursday evening to Sunday evening. Nearby free parking.

French cuisine inspired by the world. Local, organic, flavors, colors, which follows the season, all worked with a structured and energized water. 60 wine references. Our dishes are all made from scratch in the kitchens, thanks to the chef's imagination and inspiration. Our menu features a seasonal, top-quality set menu, a daily suggestion and a more affordable, quick lunchtime option on weekdays. You'll enjoy the genuine, honest cuisine, out on the terrace on sunny days or in the former stables, now renovated, all year round. Family gatherings and groups are welcome.

Bar and brasserie with a shaded terrace welcoming you in a warm and friendly atmosphere in the medieval city center. Our dynamic and smiling team will be delighted to let you discover the local and regional flavors.

Traditional restaurant working with seasonal fresh produce. Sophisticated cuisine in keeping with the finest arts of bistronomy. Very good value for money. Booking is advised.

Bistronomic cuisine using local craftsmen and producers' goods, in a cosy setting! Menu prices: "Ballade Gournamnde" €36, "Au fil des saisons" €47

room with private terrace in the heart of Drôme The XV House is a set of 3 guest rooms, 1 cottage and guest room on the ground floor with independent access of 23 m² for 2 people. You have a small sitting area, open to the bedroom, a bed 140cm x 200cm, a TV and a courtesy tray and a bathroom with toilet. Each room has its private terrace with garden furniture Wifi connection and extra air conditioning. Shared garden, private parking

Christian holiday Center and camping at the farm. Far from the hectic pace of everyday life, experience a time with no phone and no computer. An ideal place to find yourself, get together and create human connections !

Located close to the town center and public services. View of the Drôme River valley. Large and comfortable rooms. Terrace and garden. Friendly staff. Restaurant open at noon and in the evening. Open all all the year round. This new establishment offers 20 spacious, air-conditioned rooms with every comfort. The gardens and terraces, as well as the swimming pool, are the perfect place to relax and unwind. Whether you're planning a vacation, business trip or seminar, you'll appreciate the hotel's convenient location and easy access. And let's not forget the restaurant, where you can enjoy quality cuisine combining local produce with modern touches.

In a old tastefully renovated farm, in the countryside, on the top of Crest. Interior courtyard, big terrasses and the swimming pool will allow you to enjoy the sun of Crest. Ideal for family meeting, 2 cottages. Ideal for family gatherings, up to 25 people (5 chambres d'hôtes and 2 gîtes).

A short walk from the historical town centre, you will enjoy the charm of an inclosed town garden. Our spacious and confortable rooms are on the second floor. Open all year.

In a 4-hectare wooded park, half way between Vercors mountains and Provence, next to the Drôme river… "Les Clorinthes"-3-star campsite- welcomes you for your holidays. Enjoy the large and delimited sites and choose your accommodation: mobile homes, cottages and caravans. Discover the swimming pool, friendly animations (for adults and children), open-air sports activities and a snack bar.

In a quiet and wooded area, near Crest medieval city, Claude is happy to welcome you in a family suite (2 bedrooms and a living room).

Street level gite with privative terrace and gardens. Large independent bedroom with king size bed 180x200 and living room with convertible (140x190 with mattress 22 cm memory). You will appreciate the "store-hotel" concept, the calm of the impasse and the charm of a garden in the city.

Welcome to our guests house. Just 10' from the city centre, underneath the medieval Donjon, you'll appeciate calm and you'll stay in front of the 3 Becs. "Tibetan bowls workshop" on demand.

18th century old farm between fields and wood, 5 comfortable bedrooms with private access. Pool, pétanque, playground. Local food prepared.