Saint-Laurent-en-Royans

Located on a traffic lane that once provided access to the forge of Cholet, the castle of La Bâtie today only reveals ruins visible by the river. Built in the 14th century, it was completely abandoned in the 17th century.

While strolling through the town, you can also admire the 19th century Saint-Laurent church, the hospice chapel or the fountain. Don't forget to meet the bear on the church square. This 20th century statue by Hervé Monpert de Combes bears witness to a local story telling that Louis XI was isolated during a hunting trip and attacked by a bear. Two woodcutters from Saint-Laurent-en-Royans would have rushed to help the sovereign and killed the animal.

In the remote valley of Combe Laval, it is also possible to discover the Orthodox monastery of Saint-Antoine-le-Grand, a dependency of the Simonos Petras monastery on Mount Athos. Inside you can see very beautiful murals by Yaroslav and Galina Dobrynin.

But it is also for its natural heritage that the municipality of Saint-Laurent-en-Royans is appreciated by visitors. In order to admire the surrounding landscapes, several marked hiking trails can be taken in the Vercors Regional Natural Park, in the Combe Laval circus or in the Sapine-Côte-Belle forest.

At the beginning of June, Saint-Laurent-en-Royans hosts the Des Pieds - Des Mains festival born from the initiative of the ACCR association - 5th season. This participative creation festival allows you to discover many puppet, theater, clown, dance and music shows.

In July, it's time for the Fête du Bleu which honors the Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage AOC, but also the culture of the region. On the program, many activities for young and old, as well as tastings.