Several hikes start in the center of Combovin, while valleys, the foothills of the Vercors and the town’s layered history also shape this destination. For planning your trip, you can choose from several themes: trails and views, the village and chapel, or water-related heritage.

Vercors Landscapes and Three Valleys

Combovin lies at the foot of the Vercors and extends to the massif’s first plateaus. The highest point in the commune is over 900 meters. Agriculture and forestry shape the landscape, with views stretching across valleys to the Vercors massif. Waterways are also part of the area’s character: the Vollonge, Cursayes and Véore rivers rise in Combovin and flow through the commune’s three valleys.

Since the Vercors Regional Natural Park was established in 1985, Combovin has been part of the park. More than 500 plant species are recorded in the commune. Orchids found here include Anacamptis, Barlia, Dactylorhiza, Orchis and Ophrys. Some orchid species are protected; this restriction does not automatically apply to every group listed.

Hikes, the Chapel and Views

Several hikes of varying difficulty start in the village center, including a route to Sainte-Marguerite Chapel. You can explore the center on foot, walking through its lanes and past the leafy arbors in front of the houses. The chapel stands above the village and dates from the 19th century. From the viewpoint there, you can see across the Valence plain, with views reaching as far as the Isère Valley. Check local trail conditions before setting out on a hike.

The Le pas du Buis route offers a different landscape: it passes through wooded ridges and grazed valley basins around the Véore Valley. The hiking options described here therefore differ in their landscapes: Sainte-Marguerite focuses on the chapel and far-reaching views, while Le pas du Buis takes in ridges and valley basins.

Water Heritage and Local History

Combovin’s water-related heritage includes fountains, canals, former mills, a washhouse and footbridges. The former mills are historical landmarks. Together with the three rivers and their valleys, these places give the theme of water in Combovin both a cultural and a landscape dimension.

More recent history is also part of the town’s story. On June 22, 1944, an air raid destroyed the town center; nine people died. A pilgrimage takes place at the chapel on the third Sunday in July. It is a recurring date in the annual calendar and another point to consider when planning your trip.

Plan Your Stay

If you’re looking for a hotel for your stay in Combovin, first decide which of these aspects matters most to you: hiking with views, the landscape of the three valleys, or local history and heritage. Then choose a specific accommodation based on its location and the activities you have planned.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Jalle, Eygluy-Escoulin, Barnave, Mévouillon, Pennes-Le-Sec, Montbrison-Sur-Lez, Saint-Rambert-D'albon, Rémuzat.

For an overview of the wider area: Drôme.