Combe Laval, hikes and experiences related to culture and production offer different focuses for a trip to Saint-Jean-en-Royans. The options also differ in how they need to be planned: alongside routes with specific starting points or viewpoints, there are seasonal offers and visits that require an appointment.
Landscape and hiking
The protected landscape of Combe Laval has been designated a “site classé” since 1991 and extends across Bouvante, Saint-Jean-en-Royans and Saint-Laurent-en-Royans. The Combe Laval road is a tourist route for discovering the steep landscapes. Construction along the rock faces began in 1893. The road includes exposed sections and rock overhangs; it towers more than 700 metres above the valley. As access conditions may change seasonally, check the current conditions before setting out.
For a hike, Les Tabarins leads to the Pas Pourceau viewpoint, with panoramic views across the Isère plain. The Lyonne valley route (Royans Vercors no. 7) starts and ends at the car park in the centre of Saint-Jean-en-Royans. The two routes therefore differ in their stated reference points: for Les Tabarins, it is the viewpoint; for the Lyonne route, it is the car park in the town centre. Trail conditions may change, so check the details of your planned hike in advance.
Heritage and exhibitions
The bell tower of the church in Saint-Jean-en-Royans is designed in the style of Romanesque mountain architecture and is listed as a historic monument. The Orthodox chapel and the St-Jean-Damascène icon studio have a permanent exhibition; visits to both chapels and the studios are offered. Confirm the visiting arrangements in advance.
The Pont des Chartreux is located near Saint-Jean-en-Royans. Built from tufa stone, the bridge spans the Cholet and long facilitated exchanges between Saint-Laurent-en-Royans and Saint-Jean-en-Royans. L’artsolite adds to the cultural offerings with three complementary exhibition spaces for changing cultural events.
Production, tasting and activities
At Distillerie du Vercors, the tour of the process of turning barley into whisky also covers beer, stills and ageing cellars; this is followed by a tasting of SĂ©quoia bottlings. The distillery is housed at Domaine De Flandaine, a former silkworm farm dating from the 17th century. As booking details may change, check them before planning a visit.
Cave Noisel makes 101 walnut specialities and offers free tours, tastings and products for sale. The production of tableware can also be followed at Cuillères du Royans, from tree trunk to spoon; the making of a spoon is demonstrated live. Visits are by appointment. Opening arrangements at Cave Noisel may change, so check in advance.
L’Arbre à Fil is a leisure and adventure park for visitors aged two and over. Activities include zip lines, jumping nets, creative workshops and a crooked house; the park operates seasonally. Roy’ânes offers donkey hikes in the Royans and Vercors, ranging from one hour to several days, guided or self-guided, starting at Ferme des Roussets.
When planning your trip, it makes a difference whether a visit is seasonal, arranged by appointment or subject to changing booking details. Check these conditions against your travel dates before planning your accommodation.
Discover more destinations
Recoubeau-Jansac, Aouste-sur-Sye, Rémuzat, Saint-Paul-Lès-Romans, Le Poët-Célard, Sainte-Jalle, Chamaloc, Taulignan
For the broader travel overview: DrĂ´me.
