Montclar-Sur-Gervanne lies on a hill above the Gervanne Valley and combines sweeping views with a clearly legible architectural history. Activities include a marked hike to the Col de Gerbe, the long-distance Grand Tour de la Gervanne trail that passes through the village, and a circular cycling route at the elevation of Montclar.
Panorama and Village Layout
The 360-degree panorama stretches from the Vercors to the syncline of the SaoĂ» Forest. The Gervanne is also part of the landscape: the river in Montclar-Sur-Gervanne is included in the protection of natural habitats.
A 14th-century fortification wall surrounds the village; it is called the vingtain. The Porte Bayard is at the main entrance, and the village also retains two round towers. The wall, gate and towers give the historic village layout clearly defined contours.
Churches and Architectural History
The Église Saint-Marcel was listed as a historic monument on July 13, 1926. It is open daily year-round; the key is available at the town hall. The hamlet of Vaugelas is home to the Église Saint-Jacques et Saint-Philippe, a religious heritage site dating from the 12th century. It, too, is open daily year-round; you can get the key at the town hall by calling 04 75 76 42 27. As access arrangements may change, check how to collect the key before your visit.
The Château de Vachères was built as a fortified feudal structure in the 15th and 16th centuries, on the site of a 13th-century keep. Its construction history thus spans two distinct periods. Tours are offered Tuesday to Saturday by advance reservation; check seasonal availability and reservation details in advance. A tour includes the kitchens, bakery, formal rooms, park, ice house and pond.
Le DĂ©rot tells a different architectural story: the former moulinage mill was converted into a textile factory and built around 1852 by the Rey family. It adds a chapter of local industrial history to the religious and fortified buildings.
Hiking and Cycling
The marked hike to the Col de Gerbe starts and ends in Montclar-Sur-Gervanne. It is 14.98 kilometers long, takes 5 hours and 18 minutes, and is rated fairly difficult. The route leads to the Chapelle Saint-Christophe and crosses the Charsac stream at a ford. The stream can run high there after rain; check trail conditions before setting out and take the weather-dependent conditions at the ford into account.
The GRP-designated Grand Tour de la Gervanne long-distance trail also passes through Montclar and runs mainly along the ridges above the valley. The hike to the Col de Gerbe has a specified distance, duration and difficulty rating; the Grand Tour is characterized by its designation as a long-distance trail and its high-level route. The hiking options therefore differ in their time requirements and routes.
A marked circular cycling route is another option: the Route de la Gervanne passes at the elevation of Montclar-Sur-Gervanne. This offers a choice of hiking and cycling as distinct activities, while the panorama and village history shape the experience on site.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Le Chaffal, Beausemblant, Épinouze, Chamaloc, Suze-La-Rousse, Chamaret, Beauregard-Baret, La Touche
For the main travel overview: DrĂ´me.
