Saint-Bonnet-de-Valclérieux: Hiking and History

Saint-Bonnet-de-Valclérieux lies between the Thivolet Forest and the Chambaran Plateau. There are several ways to experience the area during a stay: hiking trails cross hills, valleys and woodland, while the history of the château, archaeological traces and historic celebrations form the town’s cultural themes. When planning a trip, you can consider whether spending time outdoors, discovering specific viewpoints or learning about the town’s history should be your main focus. The following routes differ in their landscapes and the destinations mentioned for each.

Hiking among hills, forests and valleys

The “Autour de Saint-Bonnet-de-Valclérieux” route crosses hills and valley floors, as well as mixed forests of chestnut, oak and beech. This means that the same hike takes in both the terrain and the different tree species. If you enjoy forest stretches and a landscape of high ground and deeper valley sections, this route offers a specific natural feature to consider when planning.

“En amont des rivières” offers a different starting point: the route begins at the car park in the town centre. It is very hilly and leads from one hill to another and from one stream to the next. The second section opens up views of the Vercors and the surrounding valleys. Compared with the “Autour de Saint-Bonnet-de-Valclérieux” route, this one has a clearly defined starting point, undulating terrain, streams and a specific viewpoint as its highlights; the other route draws more attention to its mixed forests of chestnut, oak and beech.

“Autour de l’Herbasse” follows roads and paths between hills and through woodland undergrowth. From there, you can enjoy views of the Herbasse Valley and the villages of Miribel and Saint-Bonnet-de-Valclérieux. It can be undertaken every day throughout the year. This information is useful for planning a trip; the route also combines the landscape and named villages in a view across the valley.

The views also offer different highlights: “En amont des rivières” provides views of the Vercors and the surrounding valleys in its second section, while “Autour de l’Herbasse” looks out over the Herbasse Valley and the villages of Miribel and Saint-Bonnet-de-Valclérieux. This lets you distinguish between the routes based on the landscapes they feature.

The history of the château and traces of the past

The Château de Saint-Bonnet-de-Valclérieux stands on the Valéré. It was probably built in the 13th century and rebuilt at the beginning of the 19th century. The two dates refer to different construction phases: a probable medieval construction and a later rebuilding. For those interested in culture, the château offers a historical connection that spans more than a single period.

Remains of a Gallo-Roman villa were also discovered in Le Replat. In the mid-17th century, Reinage celebrations were held in Saint-Bonnet-de-Valclérieux in honour of “Mgr St-Clair”. These celebrations belong to a different period from the Gallo-Roman traces and the château’s construction phases. Archaeological evidence, architectural history and a historic celebration thus emerge as distinct cultural perspectives.

The Asinerie des Combes offers discovery visits, educational activities and animal-assisted learning; it also produces donkey’s milk. If you would like to include these activities in your trip, check current visiting options before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Châteaudouble, Châteauneuf-Du-Rhône, Alixan, Chateauneuf Sur Isere, La Bâtie-Rolland, Saint-Barthélemy-De-Vals, Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, Chatuzange-Le-Goubet

For the broader travel overview: Drôme.