Puy Saint Martin: Old Lanes and Hiking Trails

Explore Puy Saint Martin along the old streets of the upper village, on hiking trails, and by bike. If you are looking for hotels for your stay, considering what you are most interested in can help you plan: are you especially interested in local history, views along the way, or cycling trips in the surrounding area?

The Old Village and Its Stone Heritage

The “Village perché” walking route follows preserved old streets up to the upper village. The houses preserved and restored there date from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. In the old village, you will encounter buildings from several centuries, while the lanes themselves provide access to this higher part of the town.

Agriculture has also left visible traces: 17 stone cabanons have been preserved in the commune. Farmers used them to store tools near their fields. The washhouse in Puy Saint Martin was built in the second half of the 19th century and restored in 2012. Together, these places offer insight into different aspects of daily life in the past.

You can climb up to the castle ruins and enjoy views across the plain. They can be visited independently, individually or in groups, every day of the year, without a guide. Before your trip, check the latest access information if this is important to your plans.

On Foot: Village Trails and Landscapes

Follow lanes and small paths to reach the heights of the old village. There you will find an orientation table with a 360° panorama. Another way to explore the village’s history is the “Sur les Pas d’Adèle...” walking route: it starts at the town hall and tells the village’s story through 15 information panels.

The marked “Chevrière - Pigne” circular trail is 11.24 kilometers long, of moderate difficulty, and starts and ends in Puy Saint Martin. Along the way, there are views of the plains, Mount Couspeau, and the Saoû Forest. The route’s length, difficulty level, and circular layout are all specified.

The “Charivari” trail offers different landscapes, with views of the wooded Saoû syncline, Rochecolombe, and the Valdaine plain. The path to the orientation table also offers a 180° view. If you are choosing between hiking options, the viewpoints mentioned for each can serve as a concrete criterion: the “Chevrière - Pigne” highlights Couspeau and the Saoû Forest, while the “Charivari” features Rochecolombe and the Valdaine, among other places.

Cycling

Puy Saint Martin Initiatives, together with the Club Cyclo de Puy Saint Martin, offers three cycling routes that start in Puy Saint Martin and explore the surrounding area. The tourist information office carries the “Accueil Vélo” label and provides a bicycle repair kit. It also rents out mountain bikes and electric bikes by the day, half-day, or for several days.

This information can help you match your cycling plans to the time you have available: the rental periods listed range from half a day to several days. If you plan to use the rental or repair service, check the latest service information before your trip. The tourist information office also offers guided tours of the old hilltop village and a wind farm.

Culture and When to Visit

The Adèle Clément Festival is another cultural highlight of the town. It returned in 2025 for its third edition, from August 7 to 10. The 2026 festival program included an immersive musical walk through the lanes and landscapes of Puy Saint Martin. If you would like to combine your trip with a festival visit, check the dates and program for the relevant edition.

Whether you want to spend more time in the old village, plan a marked hike, or explore the surrounding area by bike, the trails and visiting options mentioned here offer different experiences. For your trip, choose the things you actually want to do and tailor your search for hotels in Puy Saint Martin accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Bésignan, Aurel, Taulignan, Saint-Pantaléon-Les-Vignes, Combovin, Claveyson, Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas, Montélier.

See the main travel overview: Drôme.