Pont-En-Royans lies at the start of the Gorges de la Bourne and is the western gateway to the Parc naturel régional du Vercors. Hanging houses, cultural venues and hiking trails reveal different sides of the town: history and contemporary art sit alongside riverside scenery and viewpoints overlooking the Royans. If you want to combine culture and scenery on a trip, you’ll find points of interest in both areas here.
Houses, Water and Local History
The hanging houses of Pont-En-Royans were built above the Bourne in the 16th century to facilitate the transport and trade of timber from the Vercors. Their construction history connects the townscape with a specific economic purpose: the link to the Vercors is also reflected in the timber trade of that time.
The Musée de l’Eau was established in 1997 as a cultural and scientific project on a former industrial site. At a water bar, visitors can taste rare waters. The museum’s origins and the tasting experience thus lead to the subject of water in different ways: one through the project itself, the other through a specific activity on site.
Swimming is possible in the leisure area on the banks of the Bourne. Check local swimming and safety conditions before your visit.
Art and History in the Town
La Halle, Centre d’art contemporain, presents exhibitions of contemporary art throughout the year. The exhibition venue is located in a space suspended above the river. The church dedicated to Saint Peter is open to visitors and features a carved wooden altarpiece from the 18th century. Along the discovery walk in Pont-En-Royans, several information panels explain the town’s history.
The cultural offerings each have a different focus: La Halle showcases contemporary art, the church features a carved work from the 18th century, and the panels trace the town’s history along the walk. As you explore, you can choose between an exhibition, a sacred building and historical information.
Hiking Trails and Viewpoints
The trail to the Belvédère des Trois Châteaux passes through the medieval lanes of Pont-En-Royans and offers expansive views over the Royans and the Gorges de la Bourne. Here, the route through the town and the views across the landscape go hand in hand.
The Col de toutes Aures hiking route offers a viewpoint overlooking the valley, the cliffs of Presles and the Gorges de la Bourne. The two trails therefore differ in their described highlights: at the Belvédère, the lanes lead through the town, while the valley and cliffs feature among the views from the Col de toutes Aures.
This can help you choose the destination based on the experiences that matter most to you.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Hilaire, Vénérieu, Le Gua, Janneyrias, Lalley, Villard-De-Lans, Saint-Étienne-De-Saint-Geoirs, Saint-Quentin-Sur-Isère.
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