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ROYANS-VERCORS
DROME
ISERE
PRACTICAL GUIDE
2009
OFFICE DE TOURISME
PONT EN ROYANS
PORTE DU VERCORS
Grande Rue
38680 PONT EN ROYANS
Tél 04 76 36 09 10
Fax 04 76 36 09 24
OFFICE DE TOURISME
LE PAYS DU ROYANS
13, Place de l’Eglise
26190 ST JEAN EN ROYANS
Tél 04 75 48 61 39
Fax 04 75 47 54 44
www.royans.com
www.ot-pont-en-royans.com
WELCOME
THE IMPRESSIVE ROADS OF THE ROYANS-VERCORS
Carved into the cliff face, the impressive roads of the RoyansRoyans-Vercors, built in the middle
of the 19th century, required decades of labour in order to gain access to the Massif. They
are renowned in their own right and have made it possible to afford amazing panoramic
COMBE LAVAL (a classified site) - ST JEAN EN ROYANS D76
Combe Laval is a magnificent cirque and the largest of its kind in Europe. The prestigious overhanging road follows a serpentine route leading to le Col de la Machine,
the mountain pass named after the winch installed in the 12th century to bring timber
from the vast Forêt de Lente down to the valley for charcoal production. The panoramic views of Belvédère de Gaudissart sur le “golfe du Royans” et Belvédère du Col de
la Machine.
GORGES DE LA BOURNE - PONT EN ROYANS N531
The Massif du Vercors is split into two parts by a massive fissure, les Gorges de la
Bourne, the Bourne being the river flowing at the bottom of the canyon.
The road, cut into the cliffs, was opened in 1872.’ La Patache’, a stage coach service,
linked Pont en Royans to Villard de Lans.
COL DE LA BATAILLE - LEONCEL D70
.
This pass used to mark the boundary between the estates of the Carthusian and Cistercian religious orders. It may have taken its name from the rivalries which existed between the two monastic orders. It affords magnificent views of the Combe of Bouvante,
the Royans region and the Valley of the Isère river to the north and of the valley of the
Gervanne and the Diois. to the south.
THE GOULETS - STE EULALIE - ECHEVIS N518
The tunnel of the Routes des Goulets will open in the spring of 2008. Starting in Ste Eulalie en Royans it will allow access to La Chapelle en Vercors.
Contrary to the Petits Goulets, the Grands Goulets are no longer visible. However, the
road running parallel to the precipice, with the Vernaison river flowing from cascade to
cascade, remains a spectacular feature.
CANYON DES ECOUGES D 35
Take a trip up to the Val of Rencurel, over the Col de Roléyère, along la Drévenne and
discover the striking view over the Isère valley.
A narrow passageCanyon
cut roughly
and wildly by the torrent of the Drévenne, the Canyon
des Ecouges
des Ecouges runs along the cliff face which hangs precariously over the valley below.
The Route de Presle(D292) links up the Plateau des Coulmes to the Bourne Valley. It overlooks the Allier Plateau and
affords a vantage point over the High Plateaux of the Vercors.
The Route de Pré L’Etang provides a link between the small villages of Presles and Rencurel in the forested estate of Les
Coulmes.
The Gorges du Nan (D22), some of the most picturesque gorges, lead to the small village of Malléval-en-Vercors, gateway to the Massif des Coulmes.
The Route de Malatra, bordered with giant fir trees, dense beech trees and stunning panoramic views at regulard intervals, takes you through the Col du Pionnier and the Col de la Portette.
HISTORIC HERITAGE
Archaeological evidence of man’s presence in the region has been found, including remains from Cro
Magnon man dating back to 15000 years BC. Prehistoric sites and caves fascinate visitors.
From the Middle-Ages to the Renaissance
In the Middle-Ages the Royans is divided into several fiefdoms and church held estates
The remains of the Château des
Dauphins in BEAUVOIR EN ROYANS. This castle was, between 1258
and 1350, one of the main residences of the Princes of Dauphiné
(“Dauphiné” being the name given
to the large alpine territory of the
time). Humbert II had turned it
into a jewel of the Renaissance period. The Château is now listed as
a historic monument.
The remaining central dunjeon and
the guards tower of the Château de
ROCHECHINARD, a medieval castle of the 13th century, rise majestically from a rocky promontary. The
castle is well known for being the
prison home of the turkish Prince
Zizim who had been captured by the
Knights of Rhodes.
The village of ST ANDRE ENROYANS, with its cobbled streets and
old houses, is noted for its castle
built of quarried stone and for its
church. The church was rebuilt
after the Religious Wars and its
beautiful ceiling is now on the list
of historic monuments.
The medieval streets of PONT EN
ROYANS. Pleasant little narrow
streets converge towards the ruins of
the old castle named “Trois Châteaux”.
Here houses made of
“tuff” (a local porous limestone) back
onto the rock face, some of of them
carved in parts out ot the mountainside.
MONASTIC ORDERS
In the 11th an 12th centuries two monastic orders, the Cistercians and the Carthsusians settled in the Royans, leaving a strong imprint on the landscapes of the Royans. More recently a religious orthodox community has erected
the Monastery of St Antoine le Grand in St Laurent en Royans.
The Couvent des Carmes in BEAUVOIR EN ROYANS. This convent
was built under Humbert II between 1339 and 1344. It is being
renovated and will reopen in 2008.
It will be home to the Delphinal
Museum and include exhibition
rooms. In the garden there will be a
medieval orchard.
The romanesque CISTERCIAN
ABBEY OF LEONCEL was built in
1137 and was listed as “a Historic
Building” as early as 1840. The
church is one of the most interesting
ones in the Drôme county with a
romanesque chancel and a nave
which is evolving gothic.
.
A REMARKABLE ARCHITECTURE
THE AQUADUCT IN SAINT
NAZAIRE EN ROYANS was
built at the end of the 19th century
to transport water from the
Bourne River down to the Valence
Plain. Nowadays a panoramic lift
takes you up 35m to the towpath.
Pont en Royans is famous for its SUSPENDED HOUSES which make this
village one of the most peculiar villages of the Dauphinois. It owes its
charm to the ingeniosity of the men
who started building this village in the
16th century to develop the wood industry.
THE RESISTANCE MOVEMENT
Difficult of access, the Massif du Vercors became the underground home to many ”maquis” workers during the World War II. In july 1944
many members of the fighters and of the population were caught in the encircling net of the ennemy and attacked.
Some villages still bear the marks of this painful past.
LANDSCAPES – NATURAL HERITAGE
The Royans, situated in the regional Natural Park of the Vercors, offers a variety of outstanding landscapes. A haven of greenery, it rises from 200 to 1700m in altitude.
THE PLAIN AND WATER
The Vercors is a limestone Massif carved by water into the surface (canyon,gorges...) and an underground network called ‘Massif Karstique’. On the rockface, rivers re-emerging in the form of
magnificent waterfalls spring forth from the walls of “tuff” (a porous limestone)and moss.
CASCADE BLANCHE (Ste Eulalie) : popular spot for swimming. CASCADE DE MOULIN
MARQUIS : a waterfall which can seen from the road between Choranche and les Grottes
(caves). CASCADE DE GOURNIER : visible from path to the Grottes of Choranche. CASCADE
DES ECOUGES between the Col de Roméyère (Rencurel) and St Gervais, a canyoning area.
CASCADE DE FROCHET is reached by going over the Pont des Chartreux.
The Rivers, The Bourne, The Vernaison, The Cholet, The Lyonne, are much appreciated by anglers.
Placez vot re messa ge ici. Po ur ren forc er s on im pact , utilisez de ux ou trois ph rases .
THE HILLS
THE FORESTS
THE CLIFFS
THE FOOTHILLES OR PIEMONT offer an array of landscapes : hedged farmland known as
‘bocage’, cereal and tobacco crops, walnut groves, meadows and groves. Walnut as a crop has an
important agricultural place in the region as the hills are situated in the zone of the Appellation
d’Origine Contrôlée ‘Noix de Grenoble’. The environment lends itself perfectly to family walks,
mountain biking and trekking on horseback.
THE FORESTED ESTATE OF LES COULMES dominates the Isère valley. Three small villages
border it: Presles, Rencurel and Malléval-en-Vercors. At the heart of the hamlet of La Goulandière some beautiful ruins are a reminder of an important human settlement at the end of the
17th century. As you leave la Goulandière Le Belvedère du Ranc affords an extraordinary vista
over the gorges. The vast Forêt de Lente(3500 ha), which used to belong to the Carthusian order,
is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful forested estates of France. It is the only one
where on walks you may come across stags, roedeer, chamois, wild sheep and wild boar. There is
also an astonishing variety of flora. Its many forest tracks are much appreciated by mountain
bikers and horse riders.
THE CIRQUE DE CHORANCHE, etched in the shape of a semi-circle into the rockface of
Presles occupies a commanding position over the Gorges de la Bourne. Here the vegetation is
specific due to a mediterranean microclimate.
The cliffs of Presles are home to peregrine falcons and human climbers alike. This area has
gained a high reputation in Europe for mountain climbing.
THE CIRQUE DE COMBE LAVAL is known as the largest of is kind in Europe and is listed as
a site of outstanding beauty (962 ha).
The Royans combines all the geographic, climatic and landscaped possibilities leading from the open country to the mountains, as well as all the tourist and entertaining opportunities in connection with them.
CAVES
PASTURES
Water that has filtered through the smallest limestone cracks has produced
patiently and methodically this impressive underground network. It forms
a fascinating world of caves and underground rivers.
A series of galleries where time stands still. Stalactites, lakes or prehistoric
remains are just some of its components : a natural work of art to be discovered in its strange and fascinating underground gallery.
The Royans Vercors is composed of a mountainous area with its pastures
where shepherds still work traditionally.
Its alpine meadow delimited by vertical cliffs offer amazing views to the
visitor while the Diois or Val de Quint stretches at their feet.
The plateau of Gagères in Font d’Urle or the plateau d’Ambel covered with
meadows and forests are ecologically interesting and quite exceptional.
FAUNA
Stags, deers, chamois, “mouflons”, peregrine falcon, “tetras”, are just part
of the Royans Vercors wildlife.
Other species such as vultures or ibex were reintroduced through a programme led by the Regional Natural Park of Vercors. 300 ibex are registered at the moment.
FLORA
Many species, some of which are quite rare and now protected, blossom in
the Royans Vercors : wild tulip, a certain variety of orchids, lily martagon
… and is a delight to the walker.
ALL THE SNOW ENTERTAINMENTS CAN BE PRACTICED IN THE ROYANS
Come and discover the large and wild areas as well as all the various activities which can be practiced in a preserved at its best nature.
In the heart of an exceptional environment, a nice area for adventure is open to everyone.
Everybody can find his pleasure : sportsmen, families, disabled.
NORDIC SKIING
Over ten km of marked trails for the skating and the alternative.
Wonderful landscapes across hundred-year-old forests and wild areas.
Equipment available on the spot. Les COULMES 800 to 1450 metres high (PRESLES,
RENCUREL, MALLEVAL villages, 38680) : 50 km of Nordic ski trails. 04 76 38 96 61
(Rencurel) or 04 76 36 06 06 (Presles)
DOMAINE LENTE – CHAUD CLAPIER FONT D’URLE 1000 to 1700 metres high
(BOUVANTE village, 26190) : 120 km of of nordic ski trails. Lente 04 75 48 26 55.
Font – d’Urle Chaud Clapier 04 75 48 27 67 Nordic sledge and pulka are available
for disabled people in Chaud – Clapier.
LE GRAND ECHAILLON (LEONCEL village, 26190) 40 km of Nordic ski 04 75 41 00 15
– Restaurant
DOWNHILL SKIING
« Nature » resorts practising very attractive « family fares» for the pleasure ofyoung
and old. A very nice place to learn skiing.
FONT D’URLE – CHAUD CLAPIER (26190 BOUVANTE)9 ski lifts open on 3 red trails,
8 blue trails, 5 green trails. Tickets 04 75 48 27 67Kinder garten - 04 75 48 28 14 –
French ski school 04 75 48 28 14 – Picnic room – Restaurant
COL DE ROMEYERE (38680 RENCUREL) 3 ski lifts open on one red trail, 2 blue trails
and 3 green trails 04 76 38 96 61
SNOW SHOES
All the Nordic ski resorts also offer waymarked trails of various levels to walk with
snow-shoes as well as wild areas : a liking for adventure in an exceptional nature.
Ski resorts organize outings “snow-shoes in the moonlight” which can be followed by
a meal and musical evenings. Have a nice time in the nature sharing conviviality.
HUSKI
KITE SURF
The royans vercors is the place to discover and try out sledging with huskies.
Mushers will find trails to discover wide areas.
A network of trails quite unique in France.
You can practice the snow-kite “Cerf Volant des neiges”. A new activity based on kite surfing, consisting in being pulled by a sail, with skis on your feet.
For all these activities, you can be helped by passionate guides who will share with you their country’s knowledge
about sports, fauna, flora and all the wealth and beauty of this exceptional land
WALKS
Many foot paths have been developed by the Regional Natural Park to allow you to
discover exceptional places.
You will enjoy this area through the seasons with its colours, fragrances and contrasted landscapes : a preserved wild nature.
Everyone will find its pleasure between walking and sportive paths.
Walking guides edited by the Regional Natural Park with walks explanation are sold
in tourist Offices, they are marked in yellow and green.
.
From Pont en Royans to Saint André en Royans through “Le Paradis” (walking guide PNRV
Coulmes-Royans Isère)
Circuit
: 3h00
Difference in height : + 375
Distance
: 9.8 km
Level
: middling
Starting point from Pont en Royans next to the bakery « La Corbeille » (30 m under the Tourist Office)
Walk up to the medieval picturesque streets till the “Porte
Agnès” (remain of the old door of Pont, built in the wall of the 3 castles),
which leads to the “Paradis”. Then walk along the path till “the garides”
and “Col de Toutes Aures”.
Go down towards Saint André en Royans going through “La Croix”, “Le
Murier” and the old church. Once you are at Saint André cemetery, go
on towards “La Guibaudière” and “Le Bel” (castle “Le Bel”, former house
of a noble family “De Bologne”) to come back to Pont en royans.
Walk around Rochechinard feudal castle (walking guide PNRV Gervannes-Royans Drôme)
Circuit
: 1h00
Difference in height : + 135
Distance
: 3.7 km
Level
: easy
Walk around Rochechinard feudal castle (walking guide PNRV
Gervannes-Royans Drôme)
Rochechinard offers an exceptional view over the Royans.
Starting point from Rochechinard museum (car park), direction “Le
Château” going through “Les Grippats” and “Les Cartelats”.
At the crossroads “Le Château”, go on towards “Rochechinard museum” through a nice path with box trees to get to “Les Côtes”.
From this point, walk down till “Bois Savoyards” and back to the
museum car park, starting point of the walk.
An other path for this walk is possible. (3h30)