Valley landscape in Porte de DrômArdèchePaysagevallone 03 Pleincoeur Tourism©2014 Sbridot
©Valley landscape in Porte de DrômArdèche|Sylvain Bridot
Top 5 walksaround the ideal palace

Top 5 walks around the Palais idéal

With the arrival of spring, we’re all keen to get out and walk.

It’s time to pack our backpacks, put on our walking boots and grab a water bottle for a breath of fresh air. Whether you’re with the family, on your own or with friends, let’s set off for adventure on the doorstep of DrômArdèche!”

To help you choose your itinerary, we have selected 5 must-do hikes for you.

The Dauphin Tower

Albon

Dive into history with this fascinating trail that transports you back to the landscapes of the lords of Albon. The 12th-century médiévale tower offers spectacular views over the Rhône valley, the Drôme and the hillsides of the Ardèche. The Counts of Albon, who became the Dauphins of Vienne, made it the Dauphin’s sentinel. They later passed the title on to the King of France, who re-served his son. Since then, the heir to the crown has been known by the charming name of Dauphin.

The magic pond

Manthes

At the start of the Manthes springs park, in the shade of hundred-year-old trees, you can’t resist the charm of this site with its lake, wash-house and canals. This walk is largely shaded and alternates between arable farming, forests, springs, canals and orchards that are emblematic of this valley. The little extra on the trail: The Manthes priory and its church, an emblematic heritage of the Drôme des Collines.

The pebble river

Saint jean de Galaure

Dive into a refreshing adventure with this walk that takes you from the banks of the Galaure river and its characteristic pebbles to the Prieuré Sainte Agnès, built on a molasse peron that also served as the foundation for a motte féodale where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama over the Drôme des Collines. Sand and molasse form cornices, balmes and sandy hillsides, crowned with woods. Small hills, valiant in the face of erosion, invite you to discover unique landscapes.

The Verlieux chapel

Peyraud

Discover the perfect hike to fully immerse yourself in nature. This picturesque walk takes you on an assault up the hill above the village of Peyraud between vignes de saint joseph and a wooded valley, offering you a serene and authentic experience with splendid views over the Drôme, Ardèche, isère and Pilat. Along the way, you’ll be delighted to discover the magnificent Chapelle de Verlieux, an architectural treasure trove standing majestically in the middle of this pristine landscape. Let yourself be inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds you and enjoy this privileged moment of communion with nature and the local heritage. An unforgettable hike that will awaken all your senses.

The vineyard path

Sarras

Enjoy the adventure of a most enjoyable hike, crossing a wild and rugged valley, then exploring the Ardèche plateau and the charming Saint Joseph hillsides. Immerse yourself in the freshness of the undergrowth and marvel at the breathtaking views from the Rhone mountains to the Ardèche plateau. It’s also an ideal opportunity to discover the vineyards of Saint Joseph, a wine that charmed Charlemagne himself and has been served on royal tables ever since. Let yourself be intoxicated by this unforgettable walk, combining unspoilt nature and winegrowing traditions.

The app for your RANDOS outings

The free « LES ECHAPPEES INSPIREES » application lets you use your mobile phone as a GPS. No more risk of getting lost. Enjoy your ride and live your emotions to the full. When you’re connected, upload routes, charge your smartphone and then let yourself be guided, even when you’re offline, by the active voice GPS with photos, videos and more! Thanks to location management, all the routes in the user’s vicinity are displayed on a map. All you have to do is download the route you have selected and let yourself be guided!