Roynac: Village History and Landscape
Accommodation in Roynac
Roynac brings together traces of history and landscape features. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping the different highlights in mind: Saint-Lambert and the old village reflect the area’s architectural history; the orientation table offers far-reaching views, while Chevrière is known for its natural environment and summit setting.
Landscape and orientation
The orientation table in Roynac offers a 180-degree panorama of the plain and its surroundings. The surrounding peaks can also be identified from the table. The view across the plain and the identification of the peaks make it a useful reference point for navigating the landscape.
The Crête de la colline de Chevrière is another place of natural interest. The area covers about 2.7 hectares and lies on the summit of Mont de la Chevrière, which extends across Roynac and Puy-Saint-Martin. The ridge features calcareous grassland and has high potential for orchids and entomofauna. As part of the Le Baron et Chevrière route, Chevrière is considered a remarkable natural area. These are distinct landscape features: a panorama over the plain and a specific natural environment at the summit.
The old village and Saint-Lambert
The old village includes the Lombard bell tower of Saint-Lambert Church. The former Romanesque church was a small building with two parallel naves: one dating from the 12th century and the other from the 16th century. These represent two distinct building phases, rather than Saint-Lambert belonging to a single period. Only the bell tower and four sections of wall remain; the church vault collapsed on July 16, 1768.
The historic buildings in the old village also include cellars and sheepfolds with dry-stone vaults. Dry-stone construction is a method in which stones are fitted together without mortar. The cellars and sheepfolds complement the church remains with another form of historic architecture.
Other points of interest
The Vierge du voeu de Roynac is located on the edge of the village, above the D107 departmental road in the direction of Puy-Saint-Martin. Access is prohibited at the ruins of the bell tower. Check access conditions again before your visit.
Routes and historical traditions
The route over Col du Devès is considered an approach to the old village for hikers and cyclists. Another option for planning a cycling trip is the Grand Tour de la Valdaine, which has a more challenging variant featuring the Tartaiguille climb in the hills above Roynac. These two details concern different aspects: access to the old village on the one hand, and a more demanding cycling route variant on the other.
La Pierre sanglante is a hiking destination and meeting point of three municipalities. A document from 1286 already mentions the site. La Pierre sanglante is also associated with numerous legends, including stories of Celtic human sacrifice and the execution of prisoners by the Saracens (Moors). These should be understood as local legends, not established historical events. To understand the site, you can distinguish its documented mention from the legends passed down later.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Agnan, Montmiral, Aouste-sur-Sye, Saint-Barthélemy-De-Vals, Eygaliers, Valence, Saint-Pantaléon-Les-Vignes, Montsegur Sur Lauzon.
For the broader travel overview: Drôme.
