Between the Vercors and Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Parks, Roanne Valley alternates between authentic landscapes and villages. Nestling between the mountains, it owes its peaceful atmosphere to its location far from any main roads. This ideal position makes it a wild and unspoilt sanctuary in Drôme and Pays Diois.

The variety of landscapes in the Roanne Valley is an invitation to discover its natural heritage. Rivers with turquoise colours, narrow gorges, marl reliefs, waterfalls, pastures and lavender fields: there's nothing monotonous about this secluded valley. There is also no shortage of activities to delight children and grown-ups alike.

Roanne is the ideal place to indulge in the joys of swimming or a picnic along the riverbanks. Head to the Escharis gorges for example, a must in summer when the heat can be overwhelming. Hikers can explore the various paths in the valley. On the ridges and plateaus or through the pine forests, it's up to you. And why not both, to admire this valley of many secrets?

The Roanne Valley also has a rich built heritage. Saint-Benoit-en-Diois possesses a charming little church, standing on a promontory right in the middle of the village with a beautiful view of the valley. Meanwhile, perched on a rocky peak, the site of the old Aucelon Castle offers an unobstructed view of a magnificent natural amphitheatre. Further south, Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert is a charming little village built around an old Benedictine priory. Don't miss the beautiful view from the forecourt of La Motte-Chalancon Church. This picturesque medieval village with cobblestone streets in bloom cannot fail to win you over. And then there are all the little hamlets, whose charm is as powerful as ever...

Located between Crest and Die, at the foot of Vercors, Pontaix is a charming Drôme village nestling at the heart of the mountains. The River Drôme which runs through it, with houses on either side, provides a cool haven during the summer period. A Protestant stronghold of the Diois area during the Wars of Religion, its fortifications were destroyed in the late 16th century. It was also in this period that the castle's chapel, whose frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries can still be seen, became a Reformist temple.

At the top of the town, the ruins of the old castle fort and its 13th-century pentagonal keep dominate the landscape majestically. From the village, a scenic path leads to the ridge, where an unobstructed view of the Drôme Valley awaits you!

Don't forget to go and admire the Aiguebelle falls, which are also in the hills of Pontaix. To get there, take the Calade de la Cascade, a tiny hidden side street that will take you to the path...

25 km south of Valence, in Drôme, lies the medieval city of Crest, the gateway to the Vercors Regional Nature Park. It has a historical curiosity that attracts many visitors : the highest keep in France, once part of a medieval castle. Standing on a rocky spur at a height of 52 metres, the Crest Tower was the major component of a fortress in the 12th century. Owned by several noble families over the centuries, including the Grimaldi family, princes of Monaco, it became a prison until the 19th century before being bought by the town of Crest and becoming a listed Historic Monument.

The impressively large Crest Tower is open to the public every day in the summer, for independent or guided tours. Don't miss the unobstructed view from the top, a stunning panorama of the Drôme Valley and the Vercors foothills !

Daredevils and thrill-seekers can try out an unusual activity : abseiling down the tower, supervised by qualified climbing instructors.

Next to the village of the same name, Saou Forest is probably one of the most beautiful forests in Drôme. Surrounded by rocky cliffs forming a natural wall, it is remarkable for its perched syncline, the highest in Europe. It covers a surface area of 2,500 hectares whose culminating point, Les Trois Becs, is at 1,589 metres in altitude. A listed Sensitive Natural Area, Saou Forest is a place of incredible biodiversity. The fact that the forest is almost completely enclosed explains how well-preserved it is, and the presence of many animal and plant species. Chamois, foxes, marmots, golden eagles and passerines live together amid wild and enchanting countryside.

Saou Forest is also a paradise for hikers and climbing fans. On foot, by bike or on horseback, several marked paths and itineraries provide a way to discover the totally unspoilt natural environment.

Another of the forest's treasures, L'Auberge des Dauphins, resembling the Petit Trianon, is at the centre of a major restoration project. This former restaurant is set to become a Visitor Centre for the site, providing information all about the forest.

East of Valence, nestling at the foot of the Vercors hills, Die is a town with a particularly rich historical heritage. The capital of Pays Diois in the department of Drôme, it possesses some beautiful buildings and reminders of the past. The Roman era is still in evidence today, thanks to the ramparts and the St. Marcel Gate. This fortified gate in the ancient town walls, which were built in the 3rd and 4th centuries, is the only Roman monument still standing in the department.

Die has other gems like the Chapel of St. Nicholas in the old bishops' palace. First, there's the 12th-century mosaic of the Four Rivers of Heaven, depicting the four rivers in the Garden of Eden. Then there are the magnificent medieval frescoes and some sumptuous yet fragile wallpaper from the 18th century.

Continue your path along the old town's typical side streets to discover the 12th-century Cathedral of Our Lady (Notre-Dame). Destroyed during the Wars of Religion, it was rebuilt in the 17th century. As for the History and Archaeology Museum of Die and the Diois, it possesses many relics that reveal a rich historical past, from Prehistory, Antiquity and the Middle Ages in particular.

Die is also the land of Clairette. This AOC-labelled sparkling wine is a subtle blend of floral aromas and fruity flavours. Head to one of the cellars in the town and nearby for a delicious tasting, enjoyed responsibly of course.

Located between Valence and Crest, the zoo in the small village of Upie in Drôme is a fun and educational place for the whole family to visit. Also known as the Garden of Birds (Jardin aux Oiseaux), this zoological and botanical park is home to over 200 feathered species. That's around 1,000 birds from every continent swooping and soaring around 6 hectares of greenery.

Open to the public since 1976, Upie Zoo is also a rearing, conservation and breeding centre for endangered species. Learn about them on an educational trail dotted with lush plants, as well as the action taken by the zoo to protect them.

When it comes to entertainment, the bird of prey and parrot shows delight children and adults every day in summer. Children can also enjoy the various attractions like the tropical greenhouse, a mini-farm where they can meet the animals, and an inflatable play area!

Located in the municipality of Die in the department of Drôme, Valcroissant Abbey is an ancient Cistercian abbey. Built in the 12th century on an unspoilt site, it is nowadays surrounded by particularly peaceful and well-preserved greenery. Its architectural influence is mainly of Southern Romanesque origin. However, the abbey sometimes leans towards the Gothic style, in the structure of its refectory for instance.

Destroyed during the Wars of Religion, it became a farm in the 17th century. Despite the extensive damage suffered, Valcroissant Abbey has never been restored. So this is an authentic edifice that you can see, looking the same as it did nine centuries ago.

That's why, with the sole aim of preserving the site, you can only visit the abbey if accompanied by a guide. They will tell you its story through its various architectural elements. You will be able to admire the refectory, chapterhouse, sacristy and part of the church.

Between Valence and Montélimar, amid the orchards and hills, lies Mirmande, a magnificent and charming hillside village which has kept some remains of its medieval past.

Mirmande is a really enchanting place for a stroll. Enjoy a wander around the maze of sloping, leafy side streets. Take the time to admire the superb houses with their beautiful stone façades. You'll see why Mirmande is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France... At the top of the picturesque village, the little square and its 12th-century Romanesque building, the Church of St. Faith, mark the end of your ascent. The view is exceptional up there! Indeed, beneath your very eyes lie the Rhône Valley and the Vivarais mountains, which you can locate easily using the orientation table.

After a period of decline linked to the end of the sericulture industry (silk worm farming), Mirmande enjoyed a new lease of life with the arrival of several artists like André Lhote, a Cubist painter and writer who contributed particularly to its renewal. So be sure to spend some time at one of the many art and craft studios in the village!

Between Montélimar and Valence, a charming little village nestles in a bucolic hillside setting. The village of Marsanne, in Provençale Drôme, is proudly perched in the middle of a lush, green landscape. To reach the top of Marsanne, you have to walk the picturesque, steep streets that wind their way through the area. First you'll discover the central square with its obelisk-shaped fountain, adorned with a sun dial, along with the 19th-century Montluisant Castle, before heading to the belfry and the old medieval village where a few ramparts still stand. It's a steep uphill climb here, as evidenced by Rue des Comtes de Poitiers, a street nicknamed "la Côte" ("the Hill"). However, the beautiful stone houses and the cobbled streets cannot fail to charm you. Once you reach the top, the 12th-century Romanesque Church of St. Felix greets you, with a stunning view of the Rhône Valley! Close by, the remains of a keep mark the spot where the old feudal castle of Marsanne stood, evidence of its eventful medieval past.

Drôme is full of typical localities reminiscent of medieval times. One such place is Châteauneuf-de-Mazenc. Located to the east of Montélimar, this small hillside village is located in Provençale Drôme, at the entrance to Pays de Dieulefit, in the municipality of La Bégude-de-Mazenc.

With its relaxing atmosphere, Châteauneuf-de-Mazenc is an ideal place for a peaceful stroll. The charming cobbled side streets lined with pretty houses will lead you to the top of the village, where several buildings stand. Among them, the 15th-century Church of St. Peter in Chains (Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens) is a perfect example of the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Attached to the church, the fortified gate is the last remnant of the old ramparts built in the 13th century. Continuing on your way, you will see the belfry along with a few traces of the old feudal castle.

A little further up the hill, the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel) is one of the oldest monuments in the municipality. A Romanesque building from the 12th century, it was probably the chapel of the first castle built on this land. The panoramic view from there over the Rhône Valley is simply superb and even more amazing at sunset!

Located in the municipality of Omblèze, in the Vercors Regional Nature Park, the Col de la Bataille pass connects the villages of Léoncel and Vassieux-en-Vercors. It is one of the few paths leading to the south of the Vercors massif. Popular with cyclists, its highest point is 1,313 m in altitude and it offers some beautiful views over the craggy, wild landscapes all around.

There are three theories about the origin of the name Col de la Bataille, which literally means "Pass of the Battle". The first is that it was named after a dispute over pasture land in 1190 between the shepherds of Léoncel Abbey and those of the Bouvante Charterhouse. During the Wars of Religion, battles were fought at the pass, hence its name. That's the second theory. The last theory makes reference to the winds that meet at the top and "battle" each other.

To the east of Valence, in the Vercors Regional Nature Park, the small village of Léoncel still has an old Cistercian abbey. Founded in 1137, it was once the main monastery in Vercors. Like other monuments, the abbey was affected by the various wars of the time. However, it has kept its abbey church and the monks' wing, where the remains of the chapterhouse and cloister can still be seen.

Located in a pretty setting, the abbey church is very beautiful. Its mix of styles accentuates its uniqueness and makes it a very interesting architectural monument. Indeed, the streamlined and robust Romanesque choir, in which a Provençal influence can be seen, offers a contrast with the nave and its pre-Gothic leanings. When you come, don't forget to pay a visit to the charming garden of medicinal plants adjoining the church.

To help preserve and promote this historic monument, the Friends of Léoncel association offers various cultural activities amongst other things, such as concerts, exhibitions, talks and guided tours.

Along with the Col de la Bataille, the Col de Rousset is one of the only passages to the Vercors massif. It marks the border between the mountains of the Northern Alps and the landscapes of Provence in the Southern Alps. Culminating at 1,254 metres in altitude, the Col de Rousset connects the town of Die to the Vercors plateau via a 769-metre tunnel built in 1979.

The winding and impressive Col de Rousset road offers spectacular viewpoints over the south of the Vercors and the start of the Pays Diois area! Stop for a while at the two orientation tables to admire some magnificent views. One of them is located at the exit from the tunnel towards Die. The other is located in the municipality of Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors, at the top of the ski resort, and is accessible on foot or by taking the chair lift, depending on the season.

Between the Vercors massif and the Baronnies massif, Le Poët-Laval is a picturesque village in Provençale Drôme where time seems to have stood still in the medieval era. There are no cars or roads here. A peaceful atmosphere reigns in the cobbled side streets lined with old houses, a nice place for a stroll. Full of charm and authenticity, it's no surprise that Le Poët-Laval is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France!

The hillside village was founded in the 12th century by the Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Back then, a castle stood at the top of the village, and the imposing feudal keep and ramparts are its last remnants. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the wooded Jabron Valley! Parts of a 12th-century Romanesque building still remain near the keep. The nave and choir of the Chapel of St. John of the Commanders can still be seen today.

Le Poët-Laval was a Protestant stronghold for a long time. Based in an old 15th-century home that was converted into a temple in the 17th century, the Museum of Dauphinois Protestantism tells the story of Protestantism in the region. The village is also home to the Yvon Morin art centre, devoted to various cultural activities such as exhibitions, concerts and lectures.

The gateway to the South of France and the capital of Drôme, Valence is a charming city in the Rhône Valley. Thanks to its sunny climate, location by the river and City of Art and History label, this is an attractive city in all respects. With its many café terraces, pleasant pedestrian squares, shopping streets and listed monuments, the old city offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Valence has some beautiful buildings, the oldest of which, the Cathedral of St. Apollinaris, dates from the 11th century. Its decorations are made of polychrome stones and its white stone bell tower contrasts with its molasse structure. At the heart of the cathedral's old cloister stands the Pendentif, a surprising funerary monument in the Renaissance style, dating from 1548. Also unmissable is the magnificent House of Heads on 57 Grande Rue, which is thus named after the many carved heads adorning its façade and inner courtyard. Built in the early 16th century, it marks the transition between the Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles. Inside, a permanent exhibition tells the story of the city.

Don't forget to go and admire the elegant façade of the 19th-century Mauresque House, on Rue Gaston Rey, with its Orientalism-inspired architecture. Then there's the Church of St. John, with its beautiful Neo-Romanesque porch bell tower from the 19th century, and its carved capitals from the old medieval Romanesque church. The monumental fountain dating from 1887, designed by Eugène Poitoux and installed at the heart of the city, on Boulevard Bancel. Or the 13th-century Draper's House, the oldest house in Valence, built from stone and tucked away in the Saint-Jean district.

For a spot of culture, the Valence Museum of Art and Archaeology, installed in the old episcopal palace, has an archaeological section telling the story of the civilisations that once occupied the Drôme and the middle of the Rhône Valley through a display of over 1,500 objects. The Art collection, meanwhile, has a collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and decorative arts on the theme of landscapes, from the 16th century to the contemporary era. Don't miss its belvedere on the top of the building, which offers an exceptional viewpoint over the city and the surrounding landscape.

Did you know that 10% of Valence's population is of Armenian origin? Head to the Armenian Heritage Centre to discover its permanent exhibition about the history of the Armenian genocide and exile.

The many parks have earned Valence its status as a green city. Right in the city centre, the Jouvet Park covers 7 hectares and is home to over 700 trees, some of which are listed as remarkable specimens. The canals that run through it and the menagerie make it an ideal place for walks with the family. Le Champ de Mars overlooking the superb public park is also an unmissable part of the city, in particular due to its fountains and its bandstand made famous by Peynet's Les Amoureux cartoon. Popular with the locals, this vast esplanade offers fabulous views over the Jouvet Park, Ardèche and Crussol Castle.

At the southern exit from the city, don't hesitate to stop by Valence harbour. The biggest river marina in France, it is located within the Épervière Park, a vast green space of 7 hectares featuring an arboretum, orchard, flower meadow, fun sports trail for children and a water fun centre.

Above all, don't leave Valence without having tasted its delicious speciality, the Suisse. This little shortbread man, flavoured with candied orange peel and orange blossom, is the ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee!

Located south of Valence, Montélimar is a welcoming city in Provençale Drôme. A legendary stop on the Route Nationale 7 road, the city is famed for its nougat and is the uncontested capital of this sweet treat.

Steeped in history, Montélimar possesses some beautiful built heritage represented by its flagship monument: the Adhémar Castle. Built on top of a hill, it overlooks the city and offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Once a medieval palace, its Southern Romanesque architecture dates back to the 12th century. Some fine reminders of its past still stand today, like a fortified enclosure with a wall walk on top, a seigniorial lodge, a chapel and a keep. At the end of the 16th century, it became a bastioned citadel then a prison until 1926. Today, it is a contemporary art centre that hosts temporary exhibitions. At the foot of the castle is a park where you can make the most of its splendour and take a pleasant stroll.

Continue your tour of Montélimar with a leisurely walk along the pedestrian streets in its historic centre filled with shops. There are still a number of old mansions to see, like the Renaissance-style house of Diane de Poitiers, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. There's also the 17th-century Hôtel du Puy-Montbrun and the 18th-century Hôtel de Chabrillan. The St. Martin Gate, made of stone, is one of the last remnants of the ramparts. Rebuilt in the 18th century, the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross (Sainte-Croix) still has its bell tower and choir from the 16th century. Around the church, enjoy the streets of shops and town squares with terraces where you can soak up the city's lively atmosphere!

Another famous spot in Montélimar is the Allées Provençales, avenues planted with plane trees and dotted with cafés next to a pleasant park. Popular with children, this huge park with century-old trees has a small farm, a large duck pond, a playground and a merry-go-round.

Culture enthusiasts mustn't miss the Saint-Martin Museum of Contemporary Art, which hosts a temporary exhibition every summer featuring big names in contemporary art.

Your trip to Montélimar will also be a trip back to your childhood days. Start with the Palace of Sweets and Nougat, a fun interactive space for children and grown-ups. Then head to the Museum of Miniatures. Based in an old chapel, this attraction devoted to the art of miniature-making has a very fine collection of dolls' houses. And of course, don't forget to stop by one of the city's many nougat shops!

Perched on a rocky spur like a sentinel, Crussol Castle, in the commune of Saint-Péray, looks down majestically on the Rhône Valley. Visible from afar, the remains of this 12th-century medieval fortress, which stands in a conservation area listed by Natura 2000, can also be admired close up, if you go on foot along a path which begins at the castle car park. This takes about a half-hour each way. As well as its ramparts, keep and ruined stately home, there you can admire a superb panoramic view of the Rhône plain and the city of Valence!

Every last weekend in June, Crussol celebrates its festival, a fun social event dedicated to the Middle Ages, with a medieval encampment, events with horses and falcons, and a sound and light show...

Drôme is brimming with exceptional natural sites. Once such place is the Archiane Cirque, to the south of the Vercors massif, a dozen kilometres north of Châtillon-en-Diois. Its immense limestone cliffs tower over the Diois landscape and offer a stunning spectacle. That's why this place is particularly popular with hikers and climbers.

At the foot of these cliffs lies the little hamlet of Archiane. It's the starting point of a marked path that will take you around the site. On a journey of around 3 hours, you can admire unspoilt landscapes on a trail combining rocks, undergrowth and box trees. A hike where authenticity meets tranquillity...

The Archiane Cirque is also the habitat of many animals that visitors can watch. These include the Alpine ibex, griffon vulture and bearded vulture, reintroduced respectively in 1989, 2007 and 2010. Seeing them thrive in this exceptional environment is quite simply magical!

Between Rhône and Cévennes, along the Roman road of antiquity, the Romanesque abbey church of St Mary of Cruas, listed as an Historic Monument by Prosper Mérimée, is worth going out of your way to see, for more than one reason! Its magnificent monastic rostrum, with fifteen columns which have delicately worked capitals, its old Byzantine-style mosaic dated 1098 which decorates the apse, and its 11th-century crypt which houses a fabulous medieval bestiary, are all to be appreciated in the course of a guided tour...

Taulignan is a beautiful little medieval village south-east of Montélimar, in Provençale Drôme. Fortified in the 14th century, it still has an exceptional built heritage today. Indeed, you cannot fail to admire the 700 metres of enclosing walls that surround the historic centre. These fortifications are interspersed with eleven round towers, with one on either side of the Anguille Gate which faces the Route Nyons.

Inside the ramparts, the village centre dotted with pretty side streets will reveal remarkable traces of its past to you, like the 15th-century Church of St. Vincent, built on the ruins of a priory, or the many houses with Renaissance façades.

In the 19th century, Taulignan enjoyed great prosperity thanks to silk milling. The Silk Museum and Workshop tells the story of this period, looking at the history of the workers, the operation of the machines and the techniques used to make silk.

But before you leave Taulignan, take a seat in the shade of the plane and lime trees and enjoy a glass of Côtes du Rhône Villages from the nearby vineyard (responsibly of course).

A former Huguenot capital in the 16th and 17th centuries, now Prefecture of the Ardèche and also a gateway town to the Ardèche Mountains Regional Nature Park, Privas is famous for its chestnut purée and candied chestnuts, which have earned it the label of "remarkable site of taste".

In the course of an amble through this quiet little town you can explore its squares, its shopping streets, and reminders of the past such as the Diane de Poitiers Tower from the 15th century, in the Renaissance style. There is plenty of heritage to be enjoyed along the historic trail, which is marked out with 24 information boards. Then take a break to have a drink on one of Privas' café terraces, before climbing to the Montoulon site, where three crosses stand along with a sculpted Pietà, and where you can delight in a superb view over the town's roofs and the Ardèche Mountains.

Another site to see, on the picturesque banks of the Ouvèze, is the remarkable Louis XIII bridge, which is a listed historic monument.

From its high position on a basalt ridge, overlooking the Rhône Valley and the village of Rochemaure, this 12th- century fortress has retained features from its medieval past such as a Romanesque keep, the remains of a stately home, as well as crenellated ramparts that go all the way down the hill. You must be sure to take a stroll around the restored Fare quarter, beside the castle, where there are picturesque stone houses .Below stands the outline of the 13th-century Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels (Notre-Dame-des-Anges), in the Provençal Gothic style.

In July and August, a sound and light show highlights the heritage of fortified Rochemaure.

Discover the Eyrieux Valley, in the heart of Ardèche, between Le Cheylard and La Voulte-sur-Rhône. It is a verdant area with unspoiled countryside alternating with typical villages, chestnut groves and cultivated terraces. A wonderful place to spend time relaxing or indulging in an outdoor leisure activity like rambling along signposted paths, going down the Eyrieux by canoe-kayak, bathing or fishing in the river, or cycling along the Dolce Via, with its 45 kilometres of gentle cycle paths...

You could also take the Eyrieux coast road, a fine road on a ridge, with a magnificent panoramic view of the Eyrieux and Rhône Valleys from the hillside ruins of the Pierregourde!

The administrative and religious capital of Vivarais, the town of Viviers, on the right bank of the Rhône, in southern Ardèche, retains an important heritage from its rich past, including many listed monuments. A heritage discovery trail will lead you to its architectural treasures: the Town Hall, in the former bishops' palace; the 18th-century Hôtel de Roqueplane, now the seat of the diocese; the Cathedral of St Vincent, Romanesque, flamboyant Gothic and 18th-century in style, with its choir decorated by Gobelins tapestries and its marble high altar; the 16th-century Knights' House (Maison des Chevaliers) with its magnificent Renaissance façade, decorated with medallioned busts; the Grande Rue with the elegant mansions of Beaulieu and Tourville, both dating from the 18th century...

If you stroll around the upper town, you can discover its fine viewpoints, especially the Châteauvieux belvedere, which gives a superb panoramic view over the roofs of the town and the Rhône Valley.

Not be be missed for anything is the superb Saint-Romain-de-Lerps Belvedere, at 649 metres high, where the grandiose view encompasses a 360 degree panorama. Overlooked by a Romanesque chapel, this ancient strategic, military and religious site is absolutely worth going out of your way to see, for its viewpoint over the Rhône Valley, the Ardèche Cévennes and the Alps. This incredible balcony-style belvedere has a panoramic view of thirteen departments! Along the edges of its two orientation tables is an interesting themed path, dotted with information boards about flora and fauna, geology, the Mistral wind, the Rhône and the chestnut tree.

In the Vercors Regional Nature Park, the municipality of Vassieux-en-Vercors has an eventful history. This little mountain town in Drôme and the area around it witnessed confrontations between the Resistance and the Germany army during the Second World War. Indeed, Vercors was a bastion of the French Resistance and was one of the most important maquis in the free zone. But in the month of July 1944, German bombing destroyed Vassieux-en-Vercors, leading to the dispersion and inevitable death of the maquis members.

To learn more about this heroic and tragic story, head to the Departmental Museum of the Resistance in Vercors on Rue Fourna. With an exhibition area, testimonials and a rich collection of exhibits, step into the heart of the French Resistance. Inaugurated on 21 July 1994, the Resistance Memorial at the Col de la Chau pass is also a place of remembrance that pays tribute to all those who fought for freedom. Built on the edge of a cliff, it offers a direct view of the Vercors massif and the battlefield. It is also the starting point of a trail through the locations where fighting took place.

Another site devoted to the memory of the fighters is the necropolis of the Resistance in Vassieux-en-Vercors, located at the entrance to the village. It has 187 tombs, those of the maquis fighters and the civilians killed in summer 1944.

In 1970, a flint-cutting workshop was discovered in Vassieux-en-Vercors forest. Although it was abandoned by prehistoric man nearly 4,500 years ago, the workshop has remained intact. It is on this historic site that the Prehistory Museum was created. Archaeological excavations have unearthed bones, tools and minerals that you can discover on a fun and interactive visit.

For an original and colourful way to discover Provence, don't miss the wonderful exhibition of santons. At 15 rue de la Pouillette, Le Petit Monde des Santons tells the story of life in the past and the trades of yesteryear with a display of over 900 figurines!

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, several windmills were active in the municipality of Vassieux-en-Vercors. Two remain today, although they are in ruins, located near the hamlet of La Mure.

Bordering the Rhône, opposite the Tain-l'Hermitage vineyards, stands the welcoming little town of Tournon-sur-Rhône, overlooked by the outline of the imposing 10th, 15th and 16th century Castle. You can admire this harmonious scene in peace from the Marc Seguin footbridge...

Once you have passed through the fine, nail-studded wooden door of the castle-museum, a former dwelling of the Lords of Tournon and now listed as an Historic Monument, you are able to explore its furnished rooms and important collections, which date from the Middle Ages to modern times. As well as tracing the history of the Counts of Tournon, the museum also concentrates on the arts and traditions of 19th and 20th-century Ardèche.

Those who like to walk will enjoy the opportunity to stroll in the garden of Eden, a verdant setting in a haven of peace, in the old town fortifications.

In the Vercors massif, south of Saint-Jean-en-Royans, the national forest of Lente stands out thanks to its magnificent landscapes and diverse natural habitats. With a surface area of 3,000 hectares, it is easy to access via the stunning Route de Combe Laval road.

Thanks to the hiking paths running through it, this is a pleasant place for a walk. And if you're lucky, and very patient, you might catch a glimpse of the ungulates that live there. Indeed, Lente Forest is the ideal place to watch mouflon, deer, chamois and boar.

In addition, amid the beech trees and sycamores stands a century-old pine tree remarkable for its exceptional size. Known as the Sapin Bronzé, it's an unmissable curiosity in the Lente Forest. You can't fail to notice it on your walk!

If you weren't fortunate enough to see ungulates in the wild, there is an animal park at the very heart of the forest, where bison, mouflon and deer live. Make the most of your outing in the countryside to walk the botanical trail, featuring explanation signs about the many species present in the forest. And if you're with the kids, head for the mini-farm where they can roam freely among the animals.

At Sceautres, in the heart of southern Ardèche, you can admire the largest neck in Europe, a piton of hard rock on the site of an ancient volcanic chimney. You can also explore the charming little village of Sceautres at the foot of this unusual site, with its pretty stone houses. You can see the remains of medieval constructions such as the fortified door...

To have a fine view of the village and its surroundings, take the footpath towards the peak of the neck and its statue of the Virgin, which will take about fifteen minutes.

Pont-en-Royans is a charming and picturesque village in Vercors Regional Nature Park whose old houses overhang the Bourne. A good place to admire this unusual and particularly photogenic sight is Picard bridge or the river banks. Take a leisurely stroll along the river and stop to each lunch at one of the picnic tables or bathe in the waterfall.

Don't miss the Water Museum, a fun scientific and cultural space devoted to water in all its forms, including a water bar with no fewer than 1,500 bottles of water from all over the world!

La Bourne gorges, located in Vercors Regional Nature Park between Pont-en-Royans and Villard-de-Lans, are a wild natural site best viewed from the breathtaking gorge-side road.

Don't miss stopping off at Choranche caves in the gorges themselves for their wonderful stalactites, two underground rivers, emerald-green lake and sound and light show presented in the cave chamber called the Grande Salle de la Cathédrale.

Between Drôme and Hautes-Alpes, the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park is a subtle blend of Alpine and Provençal influences. Created in 2014, this is an exceptional place where unspoilt nature dominates a territory of nearly 1,800 km².

The wild and unique expanses of the Baronnies Provençales fascinate visitors. Here, limestone mountains nonchalantly rub shoulders with woodlands. Fields of lavender, olive groves, orchards, oak and pine forests: such are the landscapes you will be able to admire on your journey. Between the lavender, thyme and rosemary, expect to breathe in sweet scents from all around...

The Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park also has a remarkable built heritage, including picturesque hillside villages like Montbrun-les-Bains, Venterol and Vinsobres. The old towns of Nyons and Buis-les-Baronnies, with their many remnants of the past, also reflect this great historical heritage. As do the dry stone terraces, built following an age-old method.

Boasting remarkable biodiversity, the park is home to over 2,000 plant species and around 200 protected animal species. It also contains around 150 natural habitat sites, including those of large birds of prey like vultures.

The Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park also has a diverse terroir with six Appellations of Controlled Origin and seven Protected Geographical Indications. These include for example Nyons olive oil, Provence honey, picodon, banon, Haute-Provence einkorn wheat and Coteaux des Baronnies wine. Plenty to delight the taste buds of food-lovers and gourmets!

Keen explorers are sure to enjoy the park's many footpaths, bridle paths and mountain bike trails. Likewise, thrill-seekers haven't been forgotten, with many rock climbing, via ferrata, canyoning and paragliding opportunities.

Located in the Upper Dauphiné in the southern part of the Isère département, the Trièves mountains are dominated by Mount Aiguille. Pastoral landscapes juxtapose wilderness in this mountainous region that writer Jean Giono described as a “cloister of mountains”.

The village of Mens, the capital of the Trièves, is a pleasant and interesting halt with its old covered markets and narrow streets, its Café des Arts decorated with frescoes dating from 1896 and a museum devoted to the history and heritage of the Trièves, covering both the area's natural and man-made attractions.

The Trièves is a wonderful place to relax and recharge your batteries while you enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to horse riding.