French Drôme region walking vacation

Date: 20st – 27th of April 2024

The sweet and sunny region of the Drôme extends east from the Rhône to the jagged peaks of the Vercors range, and to the softer southern mountains of the Baronnies, on the border with Provence. Beside the mighty Rhône, the Drôme’s most significant towns are Tain-l’Hermitage, surrounded by excellent vines.

The scenery is stunning, with such well-named peaks as Les Trois Becs (The Three Beaks), patches of vines and lavender beginning to put in an appearance down below. The castle at Crest stands out against the heights, boasting the tallest medieval keep in France.

During our French Drôme walking vacation, we’ll stay in a beautiful Auberge next to the Drome river and near the village of Chabrillan. A very charming village and named as one of France prettiest villages.

The walks during our French Drôme walking vacation are gentle and give you a very good safer of the region and also plenty of time to enjoy the pool at the Auberge and the nature around this wonderful location.

Daily cultural and walking Itinerary French Dròme region walking vacation

Day 1: Arrival – discover the Nature around the Auberge

Arrival and welcome drink
Exploring the surroundings: The Auberge is quietly located on the edge of the Drôme nature reserve in the middle of a beautiful park. The pristine river course is only 3 minutes away behind the park.

Night and dinner at the Auberge

Day 2: French Tuscany – Southern Crest walking

In the south of the medieval town of Crest (pronounced Kre), the landscape is reminiscent of Tuscany, stone houses and rolling hills characterize it. A circular hike with moderate ascents and descents awaits us. It is possible to shorten the route.

Walk: 15km, + 4oom, – 400m (4.5hrs)
Night and dinner at the Auberge

Day 3: Gorge d’Omblèze, Chute de la Pissoire

We drive to the Omblèze gorge and hike from the Pissoir waterfall (yes, that’s really its name) up 400 meters in altitude through a wild forest with southern charm and scents. After a first descent we reach the Geulards canyon. If the creek bed is dry, we go through the impressive canyon back to the gorge, otherwise along the gently sloping hiking trail.

Walk: 9km, + 400m, – 500m

Day 4: Crest – local market and medieval town

We visit the market in Crest, it is not a typical tourist market, but also the market for the locals. The colorful variety of local products spoil the eyes and nose. Further invites the highest castle tower in France, a museum about the use as a rebel prison in the 19th century.

Dinner in town tonight (not included but can be organised), Night at auberge

Day 5: Enjoy the peace and quiet around the Auberge

We enjoy the surroundings of the Auberge, a visit on foot to the nearby town of Chabrillan is worthwhile, many dreamlike photo subjects and numerous play opportunities await in the equally dreamlike park. Lunch at the Auberge. Optional excursion to the Ardèche.

Dinner in town (not included but can be organised), Night at Auberge

Day 6: The kings-way, Roche Colombe

A continuous ascent leads us from Saou (pronounced Su) to the impressive Pigeon Rock (Roche Colombe) on the edge of the Vercors Mountains. The view over the valley of the Drôme is impressive, the rocks drop vertically to the north into the valley. The descent is continuous through the beautiful forest of Saou, where you would think that behind every tree lives a gnome or a troll.

Walk: 9,5km, + 600m, – 600m
Night and dinner at Auberge

Day 7: Natural park of Drôme

The river la Drôme is the only river in Europe that is over 100km long and has nowhere been dammed by man and used for energy. We walk directly from the hostel first over flat fields to the bank of the Drôme. From there we stay on the river bank or in the nature reserve and discover several larger ponds that provide an almost untouched home for endangered species, especially fish and birds.

Walk: 12km, + 30m, – 30m
Night and farewell dinner at Auberge

Day 8: Breakfast and travel back

Costs for French Drôme region walking vacation:

1440.00 chf per person in a double room, single room supplement: 200.00 chf

Included in the costs:

Organisation, 2 hiking guides, 7 nights with breakfast included at the auberge, 5 x 3 course dinners at the auberge, 4x pack lunch, welcome drink, shuttle services to hiking starts and back

Not included in the costs:

Travel to and back from Auberge (pick-up at the nearest translation is possible and also a shared car option from Geneva or Bern is available), drinks, museum entrances, lunch and dinner on day 4 and 5

Walking level French Drôme region walking vacation

The hikes correspond to day/long hikes. There are two of us as hike leaders and we are happy to adapt them to the needs of the participants, so we can also divide the group for short hikes. For example, for those who do not dare to do the king stage, there is also an alternative. The program on site is subject to change due to weather or other unexpected factors.