Discover Saint-Barthélemy-De-Vals

Les Roches qui Dansent: Geology and Landscape

For a stay in Saint-Barthélemy-De-Vals, the main highlights are the combination of an unusual rocky landscape and several clearly defined activities. Les Roches qui Dansent are a natural formation of 51 sandstone blocks. They cover almost 6 hectares in three roughly concentric circles. Erosion exposed locally cemented, quartz-rich sandstone here. The figures give the landscape a distinctive scale: this is not a single rock, but a formation that extends across a larger area. Les Roches qui Dansent are accessible year-round, and admission is free. Check access information before your visit.

The rock blocks lie in a shady forest, and climbing on them ranges from very easy to very difficult. Les Roches qui Dansent are easy to access, but that does not mean the climbing is easy: the possible grades span a wide range. Check local conditions before climbing. This lets you plan access to the site and the specific sporting challenge separately.

Settlement and Traces of Earlier Use

The history of the rocks also goes back a long way: Les Roches qui Dansent have been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age. Some of the burials found in the surrounding area date from Celtic times. The outlines of millstones that were removed are also still visible on some blocks. Together, these details offer different ways of engaging with the landscape: alongside their natural formation, evidence of settlement and human use is also part of their character.

Cycling and Fishing

The “Les collines de la Galaure” cycling loop continues past Les Roches qui Dansent to Saint-Barthélemy-De-Vals. The rock formation is therefore part of a route that extends beyond it to the village. As route details can change, check the route before setting off.

The Galaure has a “No Kill” fishing section for brown trout. This information is based on the 2024 fishing regulations; check the applicable local rules before fishing. When planning a fishing trip, it is important to know not only the named section but also which regulations are in force at the time of your visit.

Weekly Market and Seasonal Activities

The weekly market on Place de la Forge takes place year-round on Thursdays from 4 to 7 p.m. Local producers of regional products gather there, including sellers of meat, charcuterie, cheese and vegetables. The market offers a concrete glimpse of the local food scene. Check market times before your visit, as dates and opening hours may change.

Swimming at Lac des Vernets is supervised during the season. Fishing is possible there outside July and August. These are two different timeframes to bear in mind when planning: swimming supervision is seasonal, while fishing is indicated as possible during a period outside July and August. Check swimming conditions and the applicable fishing regulations before your trip. Together with the year-round weekly market, this means a mix of a regularly recurring event and activities whose conditions depend on the season or specific months.

Discover more destinations: Montélier, Châtillon-En-Diois, Chamaret, Portes-En-Valdaine, Divajeu, Soyans, Die, Cobonne.

For the broader travel overview: Drôme.