Our selection of the best walks in Drôme
Are you planning a trip to the Drôme? If you’re wondering what to do near Die at the weekend, or during your vacation, we can only recommend hiking. Between the peaks and mountains of the Vercors, the Gorges de la Drôme, and exceptional flora and fauna, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Not to mention the remarkable heritage you’ll come across along the way. Discover the richness of our territory through this article, and make your selection from our list of the best hikes in the Drôme.
Easy routes for relaxing hikes in the Drôme
When you think of the Drôme, it’s easy to imagine a steep landscape. However, it’s possible to enjoy easy hikes in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. An opportunity to discover the region without leaving your calves behind.
Val des Nymphes
With a name like that, this circuit is more suited to dreamy escapades than to sporting performance. And its low altitude (130 metres) and reasonable distance (8 kilometers) are not going to make us say otherwise. The Val des Nymphes hiking trail, which winds its way through the undergrowth, allows you to discover the flora and fauna of the Drôme provençale. It also offers fine views of the Rhône valley and lavender fields, among others. Halfway along the trail, you’ll come across the Chapelle du Val des Nymphes, a fine example of Provençal Romanesque art.
The waterside trail at Eymeux
If you like riverside walks, this is the one for you. With no real difference in altitude (just 60 meters), it’s more of a family stroll. During the 9-kilometer circuit, enjoy the wellbeing provided by the waters of the Isère and the Canal de la Bourne. Then discover the Chapelle Sainte-Béatrix, whose promontory offers a remarkable view of the Vercors.
The Belvédère de Révoulat hike
The ideal route for a walk in the Vercors. After all, it is a walk (5.5 kilometers with 180 meters of ascent), but at altitude, with the trail culminating at 1100 meters. After a flat, wooded start, you begin the ascent to the lookout point. Once at the top, the reward is beautiful, with a magnificent view of the Vernaison gorges.
📌 As we’re generous at Le Couriou campsite in Recoubeau-Jansac, discover 3 routes to add to our selection of the best hikes in the Drôme. While we’re at it, you should know that a hiking trail starts right outside our campsite. This trail allows you to visit Jansac and Recoubeau. So you can kill two birds with one stone!
The best hikes in the Drôme with medium-difficulty trails
After the easy hikes in the Drôme, let’s move on to the next level. Near our campsite in Recoubeau-Jansac, there’s no shortage of medium-difficulty trails. Here are 4 of the best hikes in the Drôme.
The Devil’s Gate at Saint-Julien-en-Vercors
After the nymphs, the Devil. There’s something for everyone in the Vercors! In any case, don’t be put off by your destination if you’re looking for a hike in the Drôme gorges. Especially as this one is a real feast for the eyes. Views of the cirque du Bournillon and the gorges de la Bourne, as well as the Moulin Marquis springs and the Grotte des Gaulois are all on the agenda. Not forgetting the famous Devil’s Gate, a natural limestone arch. Don’t be fooled by its short distance (4.5 kilometers) and reasonable altitude difference (230 meters). This route is best classified as a medium-difficulty hike, as the descent to the springs and the ascent to the gate are steep.
The Col de la Pousterle circuit
Looking for a walk in Dieulefit? We’ve got something better! A real hike of 11 kilometers, with a difference in altitude of almost 700 meters, for a good 5 hours of walking. No major difficulties, apart from the kilometre-long climb to the pass. As we said in the introduction, our heritage is everywhere. So you’ll have the chance to discover the Comps church and its history, before the ascent to the Col de la Pousterle.
📌 To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the events in Pays Diois during your stay, don’t forget to log on regularly to the tourist office website.
Forest tracks, ravines and passes to visit the Croix de Justin in Die
Since we’ve already mentioned it, here’s another circuit that lets you discover the Pays Diois on foot. To avoid disturbing local residents, farmers and foresters, we advise you to park in the hamlet of Ausson. After that, the forest is yours, so to speak. However, don’t be fooled by the tranquility. It’s the calm before the storm. During your 12-kilometre, 650-metre climb, you’ll come across two ravines and two passes. But to recover from your emotions, you can admire the surroundings from the viewpoints of the Bât de l’Âne trail and the Croix de Justin.
Rocher du Caire at Rémuzat
We round off this selection of medium-difficulty hikes with an unusual escapade in the Baronnies. On paper, the route looks almost easy: 10 kilometers long and 650 meters of ascent. But that’s without taking into account the climb through scree and the use of handrails and ladders to climb a wall. Suffice to say, the panoramic view from the Croix du Caire has to be earned!
📌 Looking for other activities in addition to hiking? Discover the nuggets we’ve unearthed for you around the campsite.
Challenging hikes in Drôme
Lovers of challenging hikes, this section is for you! There are plenty of them in the Drôme, but we’ve had to settle on just 3. That said, they’re well worth the detour.
The Rocher de Saint-Supière circuit
With a length of 10 kilometers and a vertical drop of 550 meters, this hike doesn’t seem all that difficult. And yet… Those who have already done it say so: the climb is rough, stony, sometimes muddy, and the flora has largely taken over. But that’s not all: the descent is steep too. Fortunately, the plateau at the halfway point offers a beautiful panorama… and a chance to catch your breath. For the record, you’re bound to come across some Highland cows on this hike.
The Grand Veymont route
If we tell you: 20 kilometers, almost 1,000 meters of ascent, with a finish at 2,321 meters above sea level. Impressive, isn’t it? That’s what awaits you on the Grand Veymont hike. A circuit that takes you to the high plateaus of the Vercors and offers breathtaking views of the entire Vercors and Mont Aiguille. Make sure you set off early, as it will take you over 8 hours to complete the route.
The Dôme du Glandasse hike from Die
Mind you, this is one of the most difficult of all the hiking trails in and around Die. Not only is its length impressive (30 kilometers), but so is its altitude difference: 2300 meters. It takes an average of 10 hours to complete the route. Impressive, we’ve already told you! In return, you’ll be able to enjoy superb views of all the surrounding massifs: Vercors, Écrins, Mont Ventoux and the Trois Becs. There’s also a good chance you’ll come across a few marmots or ibex. A hike for wildlife lovers in the Drôme.
You’re all set for a great hike in the Drôme! Just as we welcome hikers to our 4-star campsite. After the effort, you’ll have the best of all comforts, when you choose our establishment for your stay between Vercors and Provence. All you have to do is book!
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