Saint-Martin-En-Vercors – Forest Landscapes and Local History

Saint-Martin-En-Vercors is part of the Parc naturel régional du Vercors. The “Les charbonniers du Vercors” trail starts in the village, which is described as a green, forest-surrounded basin at an altitude of 750 m. Specific points of interest for your stay include an easy hike to the hamlets of the valley, a route to Saint-Julien-en-Vercors, and traces of local work and production. This makes it possible to connect your choice of hotel with the landscape and cultural themes that interest you on your trip.

Landscapes, trails and getting there

The short, easy “Le hameau de Tourtre” hike leads to the hamlets of the valley and offers lovely views of the surrounding area. The “Les charbonniers du Vercors” trail passes through hamlets and meadows on its way to Saint-Julien-en-Vercors. The climb there is 2 km.

The trails offer different experiences: “Le hameau de Tourtre” leads to the valley’s hamlets and viewpoints, while “Les charbonniers du Vercors” takes in hamlets and meadows on the way to Saint-Julien-en-Vercors. When planning your outing, you can choose between a hike with valley views and a route with a named destination and climb.

Bus route 05 between Valence and Vassieux-en-Vercors passes through Saint-Martin-En-Vercors. If you are considering this connection when choosing your hotel, check the timetable for your travel date.

Traces of work from the past

The hamlet of Hameau de Tourtre is associated with several forms of local production. Since the 16th century, iron ore was converted into metal there. In the Bois de l'Allier forest, charcoal burners made charcoal for the local metal industry. In the context of Tourtre, the water power of the Adouin was also used for many trades, including milling and sawmilling.

This provides a way to understand the history of local trades through different resources: iron ore as a raw material, wood for charcoal, and water as a source of power. These connections give the hamlets and forest a concrete link to the local metal industry, although not all of this work took place in the same location.

Crafts and products

L'Atelier de la Source makes cold-saponified skincare and antibacterial soaps, balms, and macerated oils using natural ingredients and wild plants. The workshop offers visitors a free guided tour of its soap laboratory. The tour lasts 30 minutes and is open to all audiences. Its stated duration gives you a practical point of reference if you would like to include a short visit in your day’s plans.

Ferme de Roche Rousse also makes a range of dairy products, including Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage AOP and Saint Marcellin IGP, as well as cooked pressed cheeses, fresh cheeses, Faisselles, yoghurt, milk jam and raw milk. Visitors can discover the dairy products directly at the farm. Saint-Martin-En-Vercors thus offers two local themes side by side: artisanal soap products and dairy produce.

In the village, the venerable “Sully” lime tree adorns the square in Saint-Martin-En-Vercors, adding to the other points of interest for a stay combining landscapes, local history and local production.

For the broader travel overview: Drôme.