Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Chambéry, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Chambéry, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes - If one is looking for an exciting road trip from Chambéry, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes to Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, there are numerous attractions to visit and enjoy along the journey. The trip takes approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes (86.4 km) and halfway point Grenoble, 38 is a stunning city to stop for a meal and stretch. The scenic route offers visitors the chance to explore charming towns, magnificent landscapes, and exceptional cultural experiences.
1. Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval
This is a must-visit location for anyone touring the region. The Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval is a unique and unusual structure that combines art and architecture. Located in Hauterives, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site that reflects the vision of a French postal worker, Ferdinand Cheval.
The Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval is a fictional castle built using stones and rocks collected by Cheval during his postal rounds. This castle is a remarkable combination of naïve art and surrealism, displaying intricate sculptures of humans, animals, and fairies. A visit to this enchanting location is bound to be an unforgettable experience.
Interesting fact - Ferdinand Cheval began building the Palais Idéal at the age of 43, taking 33 years to complete it. The structure measures 26 meters long, 14 meters wide, and 10 meters high, making it a remarkable piece of art.
2. Parc naturel régional du Vercors
One of the best things to do on this road trip is to explore the Parc naturel régional du Vercors, situated in the pre-Alps. This ecological park covers approximately 207,000 acres of land and offers some of the most magnificent landscapes in France.
Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, rock climbing, and cycling, while enjoying the stunning scenery. The park also has several exciting attractions, such as the Grotte de Choranche, where tourists can go caving, and the Musée de l’eau, which provides insight into water conservation and ecology.
Interesting fact - The park is home to over 2,400 different types of plant life and various animal species such as lynx, eagles, and mountain goats.
3. Le Grand-Lemps
Located in the Isère department, Le Grand-Lemps is a charming and quaint village that offers visitors the chance to experience rural France. This historic village has a rich cultural history and architecture that reflects medieval and Renaissance periods.
Le Grand-Lemps offers several exciting tourist attractions such as the Château de l'Arthaudière and the Église Saint-Laurent. The village is particularly famous for its local market known for selling fresh produce, meats, and cheeses.
Interesting fact - The village is home to the Jardin des Fontaines Pétrifiantes, a fascinating geological structure where water deposits have created stone sculptures and structures.
4. Pont-en-Royans
Pont-en-Royans is a beautiful village located in the Vercors region, near the banks of the Bourne River. This picturesque village is famous for its stunning architecture, where houses are built on the rock overlooking the river. The village is also known for its half-timbered houses and charming stone bridges.
The ideal location on the river offers visitors access to a range of water activities, such as kayaking and swimming. A visit to Pont-en-Royans is bound to be an unforgettable experience that captures the charm and tranquility of rural France.
Interesting fact - During summertime, locals shower the river with flowers and herbs to create a fragrant and visually stunning experience.
5. Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans
At the end of this road trip, visitors will reach the beautiful medieval town of Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans. Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, this town is known for its historic castle and winding cobblestone streets. One of the major highlights of this town is the presence of various medieval festivals and fairs that take place throughout the year.
Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans offers a range of exciting tourist attractions such as the Musée de la résistance et de la Déportation and the Grotte de Thaïs, which offers visitors a chance to go caving.
Interesting fact - The town was once an important trading center and transport route for goods and people travelling from Italy to France.
Conclusion
This road trip is the perfect opportunity to explore the charming towns, magnificent landscapes, and exceptional cultural experiences in the French region. The trip is a short two-hour drive that goes beyond the typical tourist destinations, offering a unique and authentic experience that captures the history and tradition of France. Whether you're looking to explore the culture, nature, or just enjoy a scenic drive, this road trip is a must-visit for anyone travelling through France.