Discover Beaumont-En-Diois

Beaumont-en-Diois brings together a striking limestone landscape, nature by the water, walking and cycling routes, and traces of the past. You can choose your destination based on the themes that interest you most while you’re there.

Landscape and stream area

The village lies in a combe above a gorge with striking, upright limestone slabs. The D175 runs along an embankment; it is the only narrow access linking Beaumont-en-Diois with the Grand Lac plain to the north.

At the entrance to Beaumont-en-Diois, the confluence of two small streams forms an area designated as a ZNIEFF; one stream flows from there toward the Drôme. Protected beavers live along the banks. The local waters are also home to two rare dragonfly species: the Gomphus à pinces and the Sympétrum du Piémont. Alongside the rock formations, specific habitats and species are therefore central to the natural character of the area.

Hiking and cycling

The Le rocher de la Pierrelle loop starts in Beaumont-en-Diois. It is 8.7 kilometers long and takes about three hours and 30 minutes—two specific details that help you gauge the time needed for this hike. The route passes through a passage formed by the river to stone houses leaning against the rocks, then continues into a fragrant pine forest. The path reaches a scenic ridge. The loop thus combines different landscape experiences, from the passage and rocks to the pine forest.

Cycling offers a different kind of route: the Die–Valdrôme stage of the Route des Grandes Alpes à Vélo runs through a succession of high-altitude valleys and links Die with Valdrôme. While the loop has a local starting point and a stated distance, the cycling route places Beaumont-en-Diois on a stage between Die and Valdrôme.

Castle ruins and traces of history

The village nestles against a small hill crowned by the ruins of a castle. The castle dates from the early 12th century and was used to watch over the Drôme valley. The medieval village center included a town wall and a fortified settlement. The area’s history is therefore visible not only in the castle but also in its former settlement layout. The church associated with Beaumont-en-Diois is dedicated to Sainte Anne, or Saint Anne.

Saint Martin and Saint Pierre are also among the historic sites of Beaumont-en-Diois. Saint Martin was a Benedictine priory; burial sites beneath stone slabs were found there. The Saint Martin archaeological site also includes a Gallo-Roman settlement, a church, and medieval burials. Saint Pierre is associated with a medieval priory and a burial site. The former Temple de Beaumont shows how the use of a building changed over time: it was built in 1856 and converted into a residence.

The Grotte du col de Pourcieux was sealed in the 19th century. According to local tradition, Protestants held meetings in the cave and persecuted Protestants are said to have hidden valuables there.

Discover more destinations: Rochefort-En-Valdaine, Reilhanette, Donzère, Ancône, Sauzet, Peyrins, Marsanne, Puy Saint Martin.

For the broader travel overview: Drôme.