Page 152 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - France

150 BACK ROADS FRANCE

Right Tiled roofs of houses in the town of Die
Below Aerial view of the large artificial Lac
du Sautet

WHERE TO STAY
6 Col de Rousset outdoor activities nearby and cellars
CHÂTILLONENDIOIS
Drôme, Rhône-Alpes; 26420 such as the Cave de Die Jaillance,
Hotel du Dauphiné inexpensive After a series of sweeping bends where guests can taste the sparkling
This hotel, in a brightly shuttered Diois
stone house in the heart of the village, around the sides of a huge Alpine wines Crémant and Clairette de Die. On
has a sun-terrace, petite bar and eight valley, the swerves concertina and the edge of town, along the Route
light-filled, retro-furnished rooms. culminate in the Col de Rousset. de Gap, the Jardin des Découvertes
Place Pierre Dévoluy, 26410; The area is a winter ski playground (open daily May–Aug) is a butterfly
04 75 21 13 13
dotted with ski lifts; its forests are discovery centre with hun dreds of
AROUND CHÂTILLONENDIOIS prime habitats for ibex, beavers, rock colourful and exotic species.
Le Mont Barral par tridge and the griffon vulture. The ª Take the D93 and turn left at Pont
inexpensive–moderate Col de Rousset ends in a road tunnel. de Quart to take the D539 and follow
This 20-room hotel, 14 km (8 miles) After the tunnel, the scenery the signs to Châtillon-en-Diois. There
north of Châtillon-en-Diois, has a park, changes distinctively in the Vercors is a large car park to the left at the
pool and a good regional restaurant.
Les Nonières, 26410; Diois region. Dominated by the foot of the village.
04 75 21 12 21; Glandasse massif, the Drôme river
www.hotelmontbarral-vercors.com and its tributa ries run through the 8 Châtillon-en-Diois
Le Sareymond inexpensive–moderate valley nourishing lavender crops and Drôme, Rhône-Alpes; 26410
This bed-and-breakfast offers bright vineyards, source of the spark ling On the foothills of the 2,041-m
rooms with mountain views. There is a wine Clairette de Die. (6,696-ft) Glandasse mountain, this
hot tub and Wi-Fi services are offered. ª Continue on the D518 to Die, sun-drenched village lies among the
Evening meals are served if desired.
Hameau de Menée, Treschenu-Creyers, following the signs to “Centre Ville” most southern cliffs of the Vercors
26410; 04 75 21 73 66; or Gap. There is a large car park near and is much more Mediterranean
www.lesareymond.com the tourist office and another at the than alpine in temperament. Explore
cathedral square. the ancient artery Rue des Rostangs
and the cobbled side alleyways with
7 Die their gaily painted window shutters
Drôme, Rhône-Alpes; 26150 and pretty ironwork. As well as medi-
With its brightly shuttered houses, eval vestiges, there are 17 fountains
squares bordered by cafés and court- with stone basins and a distinctive
yards with villagers playing pétanque, 18th-century church clock tower,
Die reminds visitors of Provence. the Tour de l’Horloge. Walk to the
The steep cobblestoned streets are crumbling arches and passage ways
lined with bars and stores full of the near the belfry tower, which is
aromas of local produce: lavender, adjacent to the lively little hub of cafés
honey, picodon (goat’s cheese), on Place du Reviron. Garden enthusi-
agneau de la Drôme (lamb) and carré asts may wish to see the 150 species
de pic (prosciutto-like smoked ham). of climbing plants in the botanical
Climb up the narrow streets around garden (open daily mid-Mar–Nov).
the ramparts; see the valley view from ª Continue on the D539 towards Col
the old stone bridge; and visit the de Grimone. Pass through Glandage
cathedral. Ask the tourist office (open and Grimone. Check fuel and water
Mon–Sat, Sun Apr–Sep) for details of the levels before tackling these passes.