Along the Bourne River – The Gentle Vercors

Museum Overview

Discover a 2-day family hike along the Bourne River: aqueduct, Himalayan footbridge, hanging houses, and forest. Accessible by train, ideal for a nature getaway!

Day 1: "Between Water and Stone – From the aqueduct to the hanging houses"
Starting from the iconic Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans aqueduct, follow the Bourne Canal, where every step offers a breathtaking view of the Vercors mountains. Cross a 90-meter Himalayan footbridge, suspended above the water, for a fun and safe thrill. In Pont-en-Royans, a listed medieval village, admire the hanging houses overlooking the river, a unique heritage site in France. Stroll through the pedestrian streets, visit the Water Museum, or cool off in the clear waters of the Bourne. Numerous accommodations (hotels, campsites, a municipal refuge) are available for a peaceful night.
Waymarking: follow the "Along the Bourne River" route towards Pont en Royans

Day 2: "In the Footsteps of the Past – Saint-André en Royans and its secrets"
Head towards Saint-André-en-Royans, a charming village nestled against the foothills of the Vercors mountains, where time seems to have stood still. Discover its 17th-century church, a listed historical monument, and its trompe-l'œil painted ceiling, a masterpiece of sacred art. The village, with its traditional houses clustered around the remains of a 12th-century castle, offers a glimpse into the history of the Dauphiné region. The return journey follows a shaded path through the forest, providing a peaceful stroll immersed in nature, before concluding your adventure.
Waymarking: After following the banks of the Bourne, take the following hiking junctions: Les Seraines, Le Bel, Chemin de Bise. Make a round trip to Saint-André-en-Royans, then from the Chemin de Bise junction, take the paths to Tarze, Les Cadettes, La Blachette, Veyrand, and Moraye. Here you will rejoin your route from the first day, which you will follow in reverse, taking the "Au Fil de la Bourne" (Along the Bourne) waymarking towards Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans.

Type : Marked loop

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