Sainte-Croix – Trails, Vineyards and Heritage

Sainte-Croix sits on a rocky spur between the Drôme and its tributary, La Sûre, and at the entrance to the Quint Valley. From the village of Sainte-Croix, enjoy views across the Drôme Valley and of the 3 Becs. Explore the landscape around the village on foot, by bike and through its history.

Founded in 1970, the Parc naturel régional du Vercors brings together 85 municipalities, including Sainte-Croix, in shared projects. Walnut groves are also part of the landscape: regular rows of trees shape the area, and the groves come alive during the autumn walnut harvest.

Hiking and cycling around Sainte-Croix

Several hikes start in Sainte-Croix, each taking between two and four hours. A shorter loop near the Ancien Monastère follows a forest trail through a varied landscape of trees. It takes 35 to 45 minutes and is a circular route. There are options for different time frames: one route takes less than an hour, while several hikes are longer.

Several cycling and mountain biking loops pass through Sainte-Croix or run nearby. The Ramiat route leads to the Ramiat ridge and offers panoramic views across the Diois. It can be reached via the D93 and then the D129 to Sainte-Croix; there is a parking area at the entrance to the village. Sainte-Croix also lies on the Sentier des Pas des Huguenots and the Routes de la Lavande.

Church, abbey and traces of history

The Eglise-Temple of Sainte-Croix is part of a former abbey dating from the 11th century, around which the village developed. Since 1805, the church has brought together a Protestant nave and a Catholic choir and apses. This means that different religious uses coexist in a single building.

A free visit to the Eglise-Temple is possible by contacting the Mairie in advance. Arrange your visit with the Mairie beforehand, as access arrangements may change.

Three towers were built on Mount Quint in the 11th century. They were destroyed during the Wars of Religion in 1581; substantial ruins remain there today. The vineyard huts in Sainte-Croix also tell of earlier uses: they served as storage for tools, small shelters and places to keep pigeons.

Vineyards and events

The Clairette and Muscat grape varieties are grown in Sainte-Croix; Clairette de Die is made by blending them. Domaine Achard-Vincent offers tastings and sells organic Clairette de Die and organic Crémant de Die.

Festiwild returns to the Ancien Monastère de Sainte-Croix as a three-day festival. It focuses on the relationship between people and nature. The exact dates and program vary, so check the current festival dates before planning your visit.

Discover more destinations: Lachau, Saint-Restitut, Pierrelongue, Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, Vaunaveys-La-Rochette, Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert, La Begude-De-Mazenc, Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas.

For the regional travel overview: Drôme.