Saint-Paul-Lès-Romans: Joyeuse, history and cycling routes

Saint-Paul-lès-Romans stretches along both banks of the Joyeuse River. Several distinct themes come together here for a stay: the history of the Knights Hospitaller commandery, cultural events, and trails and cycling routes. Options range from walks and hikes in the Collines and the Vercors to the 28-kilometre Entre Joyeuse et Collines cycling route. This lets you decide while planning your trip whether local history, an event, or outdoor activities will shape your stay.

History and culture

The private buildings of the Knights Hospitaller commandery in the town centre were acquired in 1231 to accommodate pilgrims on their way to the Holy Land. During the Wars of Religion, the commandery was burned down and restored in 1614. Four corner towers flank the building; remnants of frescoes are visible beneath the staircase.

The Musée de Valence has a dedicated section on the ancient Villa des Mingauds in Saint-Paul-lès-Romans. It includes the Mosaic of the Labours of Hercules, which is classified as a historic monument. The museum section adds an archaeological perspective on the villa to the historical themes. If you plan to visit the museum, check the Musée de Valence’s current visiting arrangements in advance.

La Petite Gare - La Locomotiv' manages and brings to life a cultural venue in the former Saint-Paul-lès-Romans railway station. Its programme includes concerts, theatre performances and exhibitions, as well as activities for Heritage Days and as part of the artists’ trail. Concerts and theatre offer a different focus from exhibitions or activities related to heritage conservation and art. As the programme may change, check the specific dates before your trip.

An annual event is the Corso, held on the last weekend in April. It lasts two days, with fireworks on Saturday evening. If you would like to plan your trip around this weekend, check the exact programme in advance.

Walks and cycling routes

From Saint-Paul-lès-Romans, you can plan walks and hikes in the Collines and the Vercors. One named local trail is the Chemin des Trois-Croix. For cycling trips, you can cycle from Saint-Paul via the Véloroute Voie Verte.

One specific cycling route is Entre Joyeuse et Collines: it is 28 kilometres long and runs through the countryside and hills north of Romans as a family cycling route. The route leaves the V63 about one kilometre after the hamlet of Buissières, passes through Saint-Paul-lès-Romans and continues to Châtillon-Saint-Jean. This sequence gives you an overview of the route; details may change, so check them before setting out.

Discover agriculture, products and activities

Domaine de Nustrale opens its doors to visitors so they can learn about agricultural activities involving free-range farm chickens. Check the current visiting arrangements in advance. Rien que des Noix produces Grenoble walnuts, as well as natural or flavoured walnut kernels, walnut oil and walnut powder. The two offerings have different focuses: Domaine de Nustrale is about agricultural activities, while Rien que des Noix is about walnut products.

Ferme des Essarts in Saint-Paul-lès-Romans provides space for courses, training sessions and artistic events. Vercors Vol à Voile operates at the Romans–Saint-Paul airfield in Saint-Paul-lès-Romans. Opening hours and activities may change; check in advance if this offering is important to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Épinouze, Montguers, Saint-Marcel-Lès-Sauzet, Portes-Lès-Valence, Bren, Piégros-La-Clastre, Beauregard-Baret, Charens

For the broader travel overview: Drôme.