Discover Saillans: historic routes and the Drôme

Explore Saillans on historic walking routes, among traces of Roman times and along the Drôme. The routes differ in their focus: some draw attention to arches and old passageways, while others follow a former irrigation canal or pass through vineyards. Canoeing takes centre stage on the Drôme; swimming is also among the outdoor activities in the Pays de Saillans.

Historic walks and Roman traces

The signposted Circuit historique de Saillans leads through Saillans and takes in Roman, religious and medieval sights. These include a Gallo-Roman marble milestone, which is protected as a historic monument; it was classified by decree on 16 November 1905. Other stops include the Romanesque Church of Saint-Géraud, fountains, and lanes with arches, footbridges and vaulted passageways. The walking route is available year-round.

Those particularly interested in the architecture of the old lanes can choose the Circuit de découverte des arceaux, passerelles et passages voûtés. It leads to more than 50 arches, vaulted passageways and footbridges at 29 locations in the former fortified districts. This thematic walking route therefore has a different focus from the Circuit historique, which also takes in Roman and religious sights alongside the lanes.

Two fountains dating from 1725 are also among the landmarks whose dates are known: one is near the church, the other at the Fossé. Roman remains in Saillans are associated with Mutatio Darentiaca, a station for changing draught animals on the Roman road. A marble inscription stands in front of the tourist office, about 1.5 kilometres west of the town centre.

Walks, vineyards and the Drôme

The Géobalade au frais le long de la Drôme is a shady walk along an old irrigation canal. The canal supplied Saillans's factories; the route is easy to access. In this way, the route combines a walk with a glimpse into the former water supply for the factories.

The circular route Sur les chemins de la Clairette – Les cabanons de vigne takes you through a different landscape. This family-friendly loop passes through vineyards producing Clairette de Die and by numerous traditional vineyard huts. Unlike the shady canal route, this one focuses on vineyards and cabanons.

For activities on the river, Canoë Drôme offers canoe, kayak and mini-raft hire from Saillans. Trips on the Drôme range from Pont-de-Quart to Crest; the canoe routes cover distances of 3 to 49 kilometres. This range makes route length a specific point of comparison when weighing up the scope of a canoe trip.

Swimming is also among the many outdoor activities in the Pays de Saillans. Check river conditions and access locally before planning to swim.

Cycling services and travel planning

The Saillans tourist office carries the Accueil Vélo label and offers a bicycle repair station and two bicycle lockers. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay in Saillans, you can plan your trip around the different activities on offer—for example, historic walks, walking routes or activities on the Drôme.

Discover more destinations: Condorcet, Pont-De-L'isère, Roche-Saint-Secret-Béconne, Saint-Vallier, Saint-Paul-Lès-Romans, Saint-Gervais-Sur-Roubion, Soyans, Eurre.

For the broader travel overview: Drôme.