Montjoux lies between the mountains and Provence, with the 1,347-metre-high Lance overlooking the village. Hiking trails, the old village and its Romanesque church bring together landscape and history. A circular route through the hamlets also offers the chance to visit local potters and artists. This makes it possible to explore nature, architecture and craftsmanship as different highlights of a stay.

Landscape and Views

The landscape around Montjoux brings together lavender fields, pastoral meadows, and wheat and sunflower fields, along with pine, oak and beech forests on the slopes. Open areas and wooded hillsides are both part of this varied landscape.

A hike on the Montagne de la Lance offers expansive views of the peaks of the Drôme Provençale and nearby Mont Ventoux. The view therefore extends beyond the immediate surroundings to the striking heights of the wider landscape.

Hiking Trails with Different Routes

Montjoux has two short circular hiking trails, one section of the GR de Pays and one section of the GR. Le Devès is a short circular route that mostly follows trails, with a few more technically challenging sections. It is suitable for a family outing, but not for strollers. Along the way, the route passes lavender fields and offers views of the Massif de la Lance and the hamlet. Trail conditions may change locally.

Cols Marot et Imbert starts in La Paillette, leads to the Col de Marot and then descends to the old village of Montjoux. The trail passes through forests of downy oak, Scots pine, boxwood, old chestnut trees and beech, as well as scattered ruins on the slopes of the Lance. The two routes therefore differ in their layout: Le Devès is a circular route, while Cols Marot et Imbert connects La Paillette to the old village via the pass.

A circular route of about five kilometres through the hamlets offers the chance to visit local potters and artists. If you would like to visit individual studios, it is best to ask about visiting arrangements in advance.

Village History and Buildings

The Église Saint-Etienne is a Romanesque church dating from the early 13th century. Its semicircular apse and single-nave layout give the building a clearly recognisable form. The Vieux Village of Montjoux developed around this church and a hospital founded by the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem.

The Château de Montjoux was built between 1493 and 1498 by Claude de Vesc after his return from the First Italian War. During the Second World War, it housed the headquarters of the Resistance command in the southern Drôme area. Today, the château is privately owned and is not open to the public.

The present-day Temple de La Paillette was built in 1827. It hosted concerts, exhibitions, conferences and other cultural events. This history adds another chapter to the cultural life of Montjoux alongside its older buildings.

Studios and Places to Eat

At Atelier Douce Argile, unique decorative and practical objects are made from glazed ceramics, including bowls, teapots, plates, salad bowls and jugs. Visitors can learn about and understand the different stages of production there. Check in advance for current visiting arrangements.

The Atelier-Galerie of Dominique Pouchain welcomes visitors by appointment only. On display are ceramic and bronze sculptures, as well as monotypes. The two studios therefore offer different insights: Douce Argile showcases the making of ceramic objects, while the gallery presents sculptures and prints.

There are two distinct dining options: Chez Josette is a traditional restaurant serving fresh, seasonal produce from environmentally conscious farming. Le Relais du Serre offers regional cuisine and a menu of specialities. As restaurant offerings can change, it is advisable to check current opening hours before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Épinouze, Loriol-Sur-Drôme, Anneyron, Montclar-Sur-Gervanne, La Touche, Montréal-Les-Sources, Ponet-Et-Saint-Auban, Recoubeau-Jansac.

See the overview of the wider region: Drôme.