Crest Tower, the Drôme valley and the Vercors foothills
A circuit less than 100 km long starting from Puy
Saint Martin allows to visit Crest Tower (highest medieval donjon in France
- 52m) , the picturesque villages along the foothills of the southern part
of the Vercors (Beaufort sur Gervanne, Plan de Baix, Mirabel-les-Blacons),
les chutes de la Druise (waterfall), and to dive into the Drôme river,
between Blacons and Saillans.
The nature reserve "des Ramières" in Allex (20 km) shelters
along the Drôme river banks beaver colonies and plenty of birds species.
Saou forest massif (10km)
Extraordinary geological site (perched syncline),
2500 hectares of forest clinging to high natural slopes, mixing mountain
and mediterranean vegetation. Three summits 1500m high offer a unique panoramic
view over the southern part of the Alpes, Bourdeaux area, Ardèche
plateau, the Rhône valley, the Vercors... Many footpaths and classified
climbing sites.
Marsanne Wood (10km)
Spreading from the village of Marsanne to the Rhône
banks, the Marsanne wood is princippaly made of pubescent oaks and Scots
pines. Marsanne wood is a great place for nature lovers all over the year,
it is the right pace for family picnics and easy walks, along well-kept
and marked footpaths. The forest is known for daffodils picking and wild
lily.
Eyzahut plateau (15km)
Very nice rocky massif whose boundaries are marked
by dizzy cliffs. The plateau is ideal for walking, mountain biking or horse
riding. Beautiful panoramic view over Bourdeaux, la Valdaine plain, the
'Ardèche...
Montélimar and the Drôme castles
Montélimar is the Nougat Capital. It has an
old town bordered by the shady "Allées Provençales".
The Drôme department counts 3 castles, worth of interest:
- Le château des Adhémar à Montélimar
(20km).
Built at the end of XII th century, the palace is a contemporary art
gallery since 2000.
- Le château de Grignan (35km)
The greatest Renaissance Chateau of South East of France, famous with
Mrs de Sévigné in the 17th century.
- Le château de Suze-La-Rousse (65 km)
Medieval castle, transformed in the 16th century, famous with its Renaissance
yard..
Tour à la ferme
Find the way back to the farms in the Drôme valley.
Let you bring up with the flavours and the nice smells of the countryside,
blending of the "Dauphiné" and "La Provence" scents. The farmers will welcome
you in their farmhouse or on the markets. For more information, visit the
CCVD Web site: