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Tour of the Roanne Valley (Drôme) |
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Starting from Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert, the trail crosses Rochefourchat, famous for being the least populated commune in France, a testament to a rural history marked by mass emigration. Climbing towards La Chaudière and the Col de la Chaudière pass, one discovers spectacular limestone ridge landscapes overlooking the Saou forest. The trail then reaches Saint-Benoît-en-Diois, where the heritage is revealed through its Romanesque church perched above the confluence of the turquoise waters of the Roanne River. Nature reigns supreme here: between the cliffs of Pennes-le-Sec and the suspended village of Aucelon, hikers wander through a mosaic of lavender, Scots pine, and juniper. Passing through Rimon-et-Savel offers breathtaking views of the perched syncline, while the isolated valleys of Brette and Volvent recall the rugged beauty of life in the Diois mountains.
The valley is located in a transition zone between the Vercors and the Baronnies. The landscapes are therefore varied, with mountains, gorges, forests and plains. The Roanne River winds through the valley, creating magnificent landscapes. The valley is home to many picturesque villages, including Saillans, Saint-Benoit-en-Diois and Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert. These villages are located in magnificent positions, with stunning views across the valley. The most common trees in the area are oaks, pines, beeches and chestnuts. The most common shrubs are boxwood, hollies and broom. The most common flowers are roses, irises and violets. The most common wild plants are ferns, orchids and lichens.
Nearby paths:
It is advisable to follow the beacons all along your hike and to bring you the 
