Charens lies in a valley at an altitude of about 850 metres on the northern slope of Tarsimoure, whose summit reaches 1,550 metres. The municipality is included in the Natura 2000 site FR8201684, “Zones humides et rivières de la haute vallée de la Drôme”. This brings together a clearly defined natural area and distinct changes in altitude with archaeological finds from different periods.
Wetlands and mountain landscapes
The Natura 2000 data form, updated on 16 January 2025, lists Charens among the municipalities within the site. It comprises a mosaic of wetlands, mountain streams, gravel banks, riparian and upland forests, landslide areas, cliffs and meadows. It is home to significant populations of the European beaver and the white-clawed crayfish. The landscape thus ranges from water and floodplains to forests, rocks and open meadows; the natural environment is not limited to a single habitat type.
Route via TĂŞte de Carabaou and Grand Surnom
The Le Grand Surnom et la Tête de Carabaou route passes through a pine forest and by the gorges of the Bial de l’Ours. On the descent towards Haut-Charens, it crosses the rock cleft at the rocky barrier of Tête de Carabaou. At an altitude of about 1,000 metres, it reaches Haut-Charens; it then passes the hamlet’s washhouse and a walnut grove on the way back towards Charens. Another high point on the route is the foot of Grand Surnom, at 1,400 metres. The summit is 150 metres from there. The route as described therefore combines woodland and gorges with a striking rocky section and named places in the hamlet.
Roadside views and access
The road to the high-altitude village of Haut-Charens offers open views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The access road to Charens is different, passing through winding gorges. These are two distinct road views: mountain vistas from the road to Haut-Charens, and gorges on the approach to the village.
Bronze Age objects and other finds
The Charens hoard comprises pendants, sickles and knives from the Early Late Bronze Age. These objects are now on display at the Musée de Die. Another story of discovery leads directly into the village: tools dated to around 5,000 years ago were found during roadworks in Charens. The historical evidence has different points of emphasis: the hoard is defined by its objects and their current exhibition, while the tools are notable for having been found during roadworks in Charens and for their approximate age.
Things to focus on during your stay
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Charens, you can match your preferred focus for your stay to these different themes. Nature lovers will find a described mosaic of waterways, forests and rocky landscapes, as well as a route with named points between Bial de l’Ours, Tête de Carabaou and Haut-Charens. For culture enthusiasts, the Bronze Age objects and the tools discovered during roadworks are the main highlights. The village’s history also has two distinct connections: a find made in the village and objects now on display at the Musée de Die.
Discover more destinations: Vers-Sur-Méouge, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, Génissieux, Laborel, Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert, Bouchet, Marsaz, Chantemerle-Lès-Grignan.
For the broader travel overview: DrĂ´me.
