Combovin – Vercors landscapes and village culture

Landscapes between the Vercors and the valleys

Combovin lies at the foot of the Vercors and extends onto the massif’s first high plateaus. The highest point in the commune is over 900 metres above sea level. The Vollonge, Cursayes and Véore rivers rise in Combovin and flow through the commune’s three valleys. The landscape is predominantly agricultural and forested, with varied views opening up between the valleys and the Vercors massif. Since the Vercors Regional Natural Park was established in 1985, Combovin has been part of the park.

More than 500 plant species have been recorded in Combovin. The orchids found here include Anacamptis, Barlia, Dactylorhiza, Orchis and Ophrys; some orchid species are protected. The flora adds specific botanical examples to the views of ridges and valleys. In addition to the broad landscape features, nature enthusiasts can also take in individual plant groups.

Hikes and trails in the village

Several hikes of varying difficulty start from the centre of Combovin; one route leads to Sainte-Marguerite Chapel. Check local trail conditions before setting out. The Le pas du Buis route passes through wooded ridges and grazed valley basins around the Véore Valley. The hiking routes therefore offer different points of interest: one hike has the chapel as its destination, while the other focuses on the landscape around the Véore Valley.

You can explore the village centre on foot, strolling through its lanes and past the leafy arcades in front of the houses. This lets you focus on the heart of the village and take in its lanes and greenery. Exploring the centre and taking the hikes that start there differ mainly in scale: walks through the village are complemented by several hikes of varying difficulty.

Chapel, heritage and history

Sainte-Marguerite Chapel stands above the village and dates from the 19th century. A pilgrimage takes place at the chapel on the third Sunday in July. The viewpoint at the chapel overlooks the Valence Plain, with views extending to the Isère Valley. If you make the chapel your hiking destination, you will find a place with its own architectural history as well as a viewpoint over two named landscapes.

Combovin’s water-related heritage includes fountains, canals, former mills, a washhouse and footbridges. The former mills are a historic part of this heritage. Together with the other features, they make the role of water visible in the village’s built and inherited history.

A significant episode in Combovin’s wartime history was the destruction of the village centre in a bombing raid on 22 June 1944. Nine people lost their lives. This historical episode adds a major turning point in the village’s history to the themes of landscape, architecture and hiking.

Your trip can therefore focus on a range of interests: hiking, the village setting, nature and history. If you are looking for a hotel in Combovin, you can first consider which of these aspects of the destination matters most to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Pennes-Le-Sec, Vinsobres, Eygaliers, Montjoux, Allex, Crest, Valouse, Mirabel-Aux-Baronnies

For the broader travel overview: Drôme.