Le Poët-Laval: Medieval Village and Huguenot Trail

Le Poët-Laval can be explored through its fortified medieval Vieux Village, its Protestant history and trails that lead from the village all the way to Germany. There is also a museum with a permanent collection of contemporary mosaics and an exhibition space for artistic and cultural projects. This gives you a choice of historical visits, walking, cycling and art when planning your trip. When looking for a hotel, you can consider whether your stay will focus mainly on the medieval village, the museum or the activities.

Fortified Village and Château

Le Vieux Village is a fortified medieval village, dominated by an imposing medieval keep. The village offers views over the Jabron Valley. The keep is believed to have been built in the 12th century. The château, its chapel and the ramparts, some of which survive as ruins, have been protected as historic monuments by a decree dated 23 April 1924. The village scene thus brings together the fortified settlement, the keep and the protected buildings and walls.

The Musée du Protestantisme Dauphinois

The Musée du Protestantisme Dauphinois is housed in a former residence that became a Protestant temple from the 17th century onwards. Its exhibition covers the major periods of Protestantism in the Dauphiné, from the Reformation to the present day. There is also a permanent collection of contemporary mosaics. The building thus brings together its own architectural history, the regional history of Protestantism and a contemporary art collection. Alongside the village’s medieval heritage, the cultural history of the Dauphiné offers another distinct focus for your stay.

Walking Trail and VTT/VTC Loop

The European walking trail “Sur les pas des Huguenots” (GR965) begins in Le Poët-Laval and runs for 1,600 kilometres to Bad Karlshafen in Germany. The Musée du Protestantisme Dauphinois is the starting and ending point of the trail. The figure of 1,600 kilometres refers to the entire route to Germany. A different kind of route is Boucle 3: a 9.50-kilometre VTT/VTC loop starting from Place de la mairie in Gougne. The two options differ in scale: the GR965 is a long-distance European walking trail, while Boucle 3 is a single loop with a set distance and starting point. This can help you weigh up a long-distance trail versus a cycling route when planning your trip.

Creative Projects and Visits

L’Usine brings together creatives in Le Poët-Laval, including people working in ceramics. L’Usine also has an exhibition space for artistic and cultural projects. Creative work and exhibitions thus complement the village’s historical themes. The historic site of Le Poët-Laval is open every day throughout the year for free self-guided visits; guided tours are available on request. The Château des Hospitaliers offers guided tours throughout the year. If you are planning a guided tour, take the request requirement into account when making your plans.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Roman, Chaudebonne, Claveyson, Tulette, Miribel, Truinas, Bouvante, Combovin

For the regional travel overview: Drôme.