Discover Jaillans: Landscape, Trails and History

Jaillans offers points of interest for nature and culture enthusiasts: its landscape, two distinct trails, the Viaduc du Tram 1900 and Sainte-Marie Church. Two events also provide seasonal markers. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus primarily on hiking and scenery, architectural heritage or a specific event.

Jaillans and its landscape

Jaillans lies on the Coteaux de Baret, which mark the edge of the Valence plain. Near Jaillans, the Monts du Matin are considered the first foothills of the Vercors. The two descriptions serve different purposes: the Coteaux locate Jaillans at the edge of the plain, while the Monts du Matin indicate its connection to the first foothills of the Vercors. If you are also choosing your destination for its landscape, these names provide useful orientation alongside the individual sights.

The Viaduc du Tram 1900

The Viaduc du Tram 1900 in Jaillans carried the tramway over the Serne. The structure is 47 metres long and 17 metres high, and follows a curve. Its function, dimensions and shape each tell a different part of its story: the former crossing of the river, the scale of the structure and its curved course. If you are interested in transport and engineering history, you can consider the viaduct as a topic in its own right alongside the history of the church.

Sainte-Marie: heritage and history

Sainte-Marie Church is located in the heart of the village and is listed as a historic monument. It was once a Benedictine priory and belonged to Montmajour Abbey. The priory and the abbey represent different aspects of its monastic past: Sainte-Marie’s former role and its historical affiliation. On the north side, a depiction of Daniel in the lions’ den can be seen, accompanied by an inscription about this Old Testament event. Unlike the viaduct, the focus at Sainte-Marie is not transport and architectural form, but its former ecclesiastical affiliation and the biblical scene.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The Randonnée du Tram runs along the Serne and the Canal de la Bourne, highlighting natural and historical sights. Les Crêtes de Baret is a signposted circular hiking trail that starts and ends in Jaillans. The two options therefore have clearly distinct features: the Randonnée’s focus on nature and history, or the signposted circular route that starts and finishes in Jaillans.

Events and when to visit

Events can also help determine the right time to visit. The Médiévales de Jaillans are among the village’s recurring annual events and take place in September. The Fête des laboureurs is associated with the period from Saturday to Shrove Tuesday; if you are travelling for this event, check the exact dates in advance. September is the recurring month for the Médiévales; for the Fête, the relevant period is from Saturday to Shrove Tuesday.

Discover more destinations: Upie, Bouchet, Livron-Sur-Drôme, Étoile-Sur-Rhône, Vercheny, Buis-Les-Baronnies, Solérieux, Omblèze

For the overview of the wider region: Drôme.