The communes of Rimon and Savel were united in 1800. Sitting at an altitude of 1000m, the village of Rimon, with its population of 29, offers a spectacular panorama. To the south stand the Servelle, the Mont Ventoux, the Angèle mountain and the wild landscape of the 'Désert'.
The Roanne valley is known as a desert for its aridity and isolation. This should not to be confused with the clandestine Protestants meetings in the 'Désert' or wilderness which took place after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Protestants went against the authorities in order to attend these meeting. If they were caught, the women were sent to the tower in Crest and the men were sent to the galleys. Preachers risked being hanged. Several of these meeting grounds are located on the Sur les Pas des Huguenots trail.
During this time period, French Protestants had to find deserted areas (forests, scrublands, caves, or ravines...) where they could practice their faith in secrecy. The term "Désert" also has a biblical sense and refers to the 40 years of exodus during which the Israelites wandered the desert. A land symbolic as a place of suffering and as a place where they heard the Word of God.
In French Protestant history, the term "Désert" also refers to the period from the revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685) to the French Revolution (1789).
The Bishop of Die, with the title of Count, kept control of the valley through his network of parishes and Episcopal visits. Yet, in the 17th century, Protestantism gained a real foothold in the eastern part near to Die. Aucelon was the epicenter of the region's Protestantism and it's town hall and church are so close that the church steeple actually sits on the roof of the town hall.
Saint-Benoît en Diois and Rimon remained Catholic. The former did not escape the Religious Wars and its castle was stormed by Protestants in November of 1574.
What to see: The churches of Pennes le Sec and Saint-Benoît-en-Diois
Sources : Tourist information office of Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert.
DIE
Many factors influenced the history of Die and the Diois. However, the Reformation was a key event.
The majority of the Diois came to the Reformation in 1562. Thus began particularly violent religious wars. Time after time, control of Die went to the Protestants or the Catholics. The buildings and monuments of each religion were destroyed one after another.
From 1604 to 1684 a Protestant academy was established in Die. Latin, Greek, Hebrew, philosophy, theology, and rhetoric were taught, and the city became home to students and masters from all over France, Switzerland, Italy, and Scotland. A printing shop was attached to the academy and scholarly religious debates with the Jesuits marked the city.
However, upon the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, an era of persecutions began, and would only end with the Revolution.
Die and the Diois Region Archeological Museum hosts local collections across all historical periods : Prehistory (in particular the Neolithic and the Bronze Age), Antiquity, the Middle-Ages and the Modern Period. Duration of the visit: 1h30.
Come and discover the rich history of the old Episcopal city of Die, Protestant strong-hold but also birth-place of the famous Clairette sparkling wine.
Located in Aucelon village locality, this protected natural site is 337 hectares wide. It is at the cross-road of several climatic influences, both Mediterranean and Alpine, making it a particularly diverse environment in terms of fauna and flora.
A natural site with an outstanding ecological value of over 807 hectares, featuring upland pastures, forest, moors, sheer cliffs and limestone pavements. Its highest point is 'La Croix du Lautaret' at 1951 meters of altitude.
La Montagne de Glandasse is a protected natural site at the southern tip of the Vercors mountain range, on Laval d'Aix village locality. It is spread out over 375 hectares to the West of 'Pié Ferré' summit, the highest point (2041m) of the Glandasse Massif.
This 11th century mosaic is a fine example of classical art which represents the universe as seen by our medieval forebears. It was used as altar carpet in the St Nicolas Chapel (the bishop's private chapel) and also features medieval fresco and early 18th century painted wall paper.
Located in the Die rectory (Renaissance style mansion house), this small living room with groined vaulting was decorated in the XVIII century by Louis Farjon. Unifom Chinese-style design (fashionable at the time). Reasonable state of conservation.
From the former Church of Cordeliers only remains a XV century polygonal abside with its stones in embossing. Unfortunatly buttresses has been pulled out. Present from the XII century, Cordeliers settled down there in the XV century.
On the façade of a house in the Rue Camille Buffardel, at the corner of Rue Chastel, Jean Julien had been made this quote in 1662 : “Tamen rupes mea est Deus, non Movebor" (However God is my rock, I will not be shaken up). Protestant inscription.
The church of the Dominicans, where Farel preached, it was replaced by a building of the second half of the XVIII Century became the hospital chapel and Protestant temple between 1804 and 1831.
Former Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Cathedral (IX-XIII century) demolished by Protestants and rebuilt in the XVII century.
Guided visit possible with the guided tour of the town of Die.
Cistercian abbey from the 12th century, ruined during the wars of religion, converted into a farm in the 17th century and sold at the French Revolution. Today, it is a privately owned farm. Guided visits only.
"Go back in times from the Romans to today" Come and discover the history of the wine cellar and its sparkling wines as well as the secrets of the slow maturation of the Clairette de Die. A guided visit followed by a fizzy tasting !!
Posté par Christiane sur le chemin des Huguenots le 04/06/2019 :
Le sentier avec le balisage jaune et vert est complètement érodé et l'arrivée sur la piste en bas impossible, obligé de passer par le champ à droite, attention fil électrique. Apparemment une autre variante A été mise en place mais mal indiquée.
Posté par Dècle Françoise le 27/05/2018 :
Dans la descente vers Die, le chemin balisé avec le logo chemin des huguenots emprunte maintenant la trace qui était suggérée ci-dessous. Les distances affichées semblent un peu fantaisistes mais le balisage est bon jusqu'à Die.
Posté par Johannes le 05/08/2017 :
Pour info : un sentier permet d'éviter la longue descente vers Die par la piste forestière en plein soleil, depuis la Croix de Justin. C'est un itinéraire balisé par le PNR du Vercors donc "jaune - vert". Il est plus long mais c'est un sentier et il évolue à l'ombre.
En contrebas de la Croix de Justin, il faut prendre à gauche au lieu de suivre le balisage GR (blanc -rouge) à droite.
Le sentier descend (Nord-Ouest) en direction du secteur "Haute Vieille" jusqu'à l'interdiction de passage, pour ensuite se diriger vers le Pont Neuf et le camping de La Pinède à la sortie Ouest de Die. Le sentier est beaucoup plus agréable mais il faut ensuite traverser toute la ville pour retrouver le GR965 qui passe à l'Est. En distance ce tracé est plus long de 600 m environ. A vous de voir.
Posté par Jean Paul le 17/06/2017 :
je trouve le passage en balcon dangereux et qui mériterait soit une sécurisation avec un câble type via ferrata soit une indication plus claire de l'itinéraire de contournement. Il ne faudrait pas que cette belle étape soit ternie par un accident.
Revoir également le balisage de l'arrivée sur Die car il est soit absent soit incohérent
Posté par claude brand le 13/06/2017 :
deux remarques
la première concerne le passage en balcon près de Beaufayne, il serait bon de l'équiper d'un cable ou et de mieux indiquer le parcours alternatif permettant d'éviter ce passage.
Le parcours de descente sur Die est très long on s'eloigne de Die à l'Ouest et des incohérences concernant le temps et les kms d'un panneau à l'autre.
Posté par Barbara le 09/09/2016 :
Je tiens à vous informer qu'un sentier permet d'éviter la longue descente vers Die par la piste forestière, depuis la Croix de Justin. C'est un itinéraire balisé par le PNR du Vercors donc "jaune - vert".
En contrebas de la Croix de Justin, il faut prendre à gauche au lieu de suivre le balisage GR (blanc -rouge) à droite.
Le sentier descend (Nord-Ouest) en direction du secteur "Haute Vieille" jusqu'à l'interdiction de passage, pour ensuite se diriger vers le Pont Neuf et le camping de La Pinède à la sortie Ouest de Die. Le sentier est beaucoup plus agréable mais il faut ensuite traverser toute la ville pour retrouver le GR965 qui passe à l'Est. En distance depuis la Croix de Justin ce tracé est un peu plus court (600m). A vous de voir.
Posté par Denise le 27/06/2014 :
Le GR95 étant actuellement interrompu entre la Croix de Justin et Die, la descente par la piste forestière s'impose. Il reste tout de même 2,5 km jusqu'au pont en bas à Die.
Posté par Office du tourisme du Pays Diois le 21/06/2014 :
Je vous informe que le GR 95, entre la Croix de Justin et Die (lieux-dits Becs Oiseaux et Blaygnères) est FERMÉ et ce jusqu'à nouvel ordre.
NB : les 40 lacets étant également fermés à toute pratique, l'arrivée sur Die depuis la Croix de Justin ne peut désormais se faire que par la piste.
Posté par Nancy et Olivier le 17/04/2012 :
GR95A : L'arrivée du GR à Die, est dans un état détestable, dangeureux, voir impraticable en cas de pluie, avec de profonde ravine. Il est urgent d'entreprendre des travaux de remise en état, de sécurisation et d'entretien avant que ne survienne un accident. Il s'agit de la portion à partir de la cote 673m (carte IGN3137OT 1 : 25000)
Pays Diois Tourist Office - Die
Tourism institutionsDie
Our reception area, spacious and convivial, is in front of the car park "Aire de Meyrosse is at 2 minutes on foot from the historical center of Die. We propose you an individualised welcome, a WIFI access (hotspot CIGALE) and many documents to consult...
The Riou Merle Camp site is 300 meters from Die town centre. Expect peace and quiet in nature, with view of the nearby mountains. Starting point of many hikes in the Parc du Vercors and its nature reserve.
3 bed and breakfast accommodations and a studio in a typical town house in the centre of Die. Breakfast is shared with the host. Passionate about the Diois, he will be delighted to introduce you to the region's treasures. Preferably for two nights minimum.
A campsite close to the river, on a 3-hectare site with amazing views, dedicated to groups of adults or children, ideal for summer camps or a sporty stay.
Lamarmione - Dittmann Cathy et Georges
Bed & breakfastDie
At the heart of the town centre, in a soundproofed apartment, on the 2nd floor of a house with a Roman staircase, large luxury bedrooms. Indoor terrace with views on the mountains, rooftops and the cathedral.
Situated on the outskirts of town, on the ground floor of an individual house, surrounded by nature with the Diois mountains as backdrop, studio apartment newly renovated and converted to maximise space and comfort, from 2 people.
In an old farm, 5 km from Die at the heart of nature, 3 yurts on the edge of a stream, with views on the Justin forest and the Glandasse mountain. A total change of scenery and the ideal place for couples, families or groups up to 13 persons to unwind in a peaceful location.
Are you a nature or a culture lover? Active or contemplative, alone or in a group? You are welcome in our independent house with a garden, in peaceful surroundings, close to the town centre. Meals and picnics are prepared with local and organic produces. We are labelled "Accueil Vélo" (Bicycle Friendly)
Shchedrina Anna et Jacrot Christophe - La Datcha
Bed & breakfastRomeyer
4 kms from Die, in a quiet hamlet, 1 large bedroom and an extra bedroom- 30 m² and 18 m²- with a large en-suite bathroom, part of a house of character, at the foot of the South Vercors mountains. Independent entrance and terrace. Access to a garden. For 1 to 4 persons.
An ancient converted farm with independent access and terrace, vaulted rooms entirely renovated, facing the Glandasse mountain. Quiet area, 5 km from the city centre in a green environment accessible to persons with disabilities or reduced mobility.
In a little hamlet at the foothills of the southern side of Vercors, on the ground floor of the owners house, with independent entry and terrace opening on to the garden - not overlooked - vaulted room - bedroom, breakfast space and bathroom - old style recent restoration.
Valcroissant Abbey Accommodation Centre
Group gîteDie
Part of the magnificent and prestigious location of a 12th century listed abbey, at the foot of the Massif du Glandasse cliffs, Rémy and Martine will introduce you to their region.
20 minutes’ walk from the town centre, by the river Drôme, peaceful, shaded camp site with a family atmosphere. Its facilities include a heated swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a friendly snack-food restaurant and the possibility to hire canoes and cross-country bikes on site.
La Pinède Camp Site is a little corner of paradise, ideal to discover the cliffs of the Parc Naturel Régional du Vercors. With choice ranging from tent pitches to cottages and bungalows, come and relax in our water park or by the river banks.
L'Hôtel des Alpes welcomes you in a friendly and family atmosphere at the heart of the Diois region, in the town centre and invites you to spend a peaceful stopover.
3 spacious bedrooms with private facilities newly renovated, which combine the ancient charm & the mordern comfort, at the first floor in one house situated at the historical centre. A large common living room and a courtyard at the ground floor.
In the city centre, comfortable bedrooms with LCD screen TV, shower, en suite toilets, hair dryer, air conditioning, double glazing windows. One family suite with a living room and 2 separate bedrooms. Free access to a closed bike shed.
Hôtel-Restaurant l'Escale de Die
Hotel - restaurantDie
At the entrance of Die, a family run hotel-restaurant, with air conditioning and comfortable bedrooms. Our facilities include: your own sheltered car-park, a bar, a garden and a terrace. We cook a traditional cuisine with carefully selected local ingredients.
Flat area with grass- easy access. In this green setting next to the Drôme river, come and discover the view on the mountains, 1,5 kilometers away from the village centre. You will find a snack, a restaurant, a playground for children and cottages.
Shaded, municipal campsite by the river side, 5 minutes from the town centre. Supervised swimming pool and slides. Chalet rentals. Snack-bar and take-away service. Camper vans welcome: we provide service facilities. Groups welcome.
Le Martouret welcomes you all year round in a 40-hectare ground on the heights of Die. Due to its exceptional location at the foot of the Vercors and along the river Drôme, it benefits from the charms of the countryside as well as mountain activities.
Domaine du Mûrier Back-to-Nature Campsite
Tourism campsite - natural siteDie
Our peaceful, friendly and wooded campsite is on the edge of the river and near the heritage town of Die. Our pitches are shaded, 400m² each and offer superb panoramic views on the Vercors mountains. Modern amenities blocks with disabled access and a baby bath.
Hôtel-Restaurant Saint-Domingue
Hotel - restaurantDie
In between Vercors and Provence, in the town of Die, a break is necessary in Hotel-Restaurant Saint Domingue. The whole team welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Hotel-Restaurant la Petite Auberge
Hotel - restaurantDie
Located between the Glandasse and Justin mountains, at the foot of the Vercors Regional Park, la Petite Auberge is friendly, family-run hotel-restaurant showcasing the region's rich and varied products.
La Bastide des Hautes Roches Accommodation Centre
Holiday centresRomeyer
An old mansion at the foot of the South Vercors Mountain range,close to hiking paths and at the heart of 2 hectares of parkland, borded by a stream. A large table welcomes up to a hundred guests who can use our giant BBQ, between the Boules playing field and the swimming pool.
Florence and Gabriel welcome you in their bed and breakfast located 5 minutes from Die town centre: bedroom with lounge for 1 to 4 people, bathroom, independent access. Beautiful views. We welcome fishers and mountain bikers. Swimming pool and playground for children. Wifi access.
Close to Die town centre, Viviane and Gérard welcome you in their family home. On the ground floor, 2 bedrooms, bathroom, toilets. Big lounge. Independent entrance. Closed courtyard.
Resting on a hillside, at 500m altitude, the bed&breakfast offers a panoramic view on the southern foothills of the Vercors and its cliffs. The "Cabanon" is detached from the owner's house and opens onto a terrace in the shade of a cherry tree.
Bouvarel Françoise et Jean-Paul
Bed & breakfastDie
At the heart of Die town centre, in a house full of character, bedroom with a view on the mountains, on the 2nd floor. King size bed. Home-made jams. Calm. Old charming street. Car park nearby.
Close to the town centre, in a quiet residential area : one bedroom with a large double bed and a sofa bed for 2 in the living room. Breakfast with homemade jams in the garden during the warm season. Fridge and microwave available.
VVF Villages Sud Vercors - Die
Holiday villagesDie
1.5 km from Die town centre, in the middle of nature, ground-floor or one storey accommodations, gathered in small hamlets with a terrace or an outdoor space. With its location above the town of Die, it benefits from high levels of sunshine.
Vercors Park Tourisme Holiday Centre
Tourist residenceDie
15 apartments of 1 or 2 rooms each, in a recent building, free and exclusive use of the car-park, swimming pool, playground, near the town centre. Furnished apartment, fully equipped kitchen corner, living room with a sofa bed for 2, bathroom & toilet. Terrace or balcony, set of garden furniture.
Lodging for groups at the campsite La Pinède
Village of gîtesDie
Accommodation in chalets and mobile homes, except in July-August, in one natural environment. A large capacity of accommodation (until 200 people). Seminar room. Heated swimming pool from April to September. Kayak rental. Study of each request.
Small japanese café with family traditional dishes, eat-in or take-away. Bento every weekday at lunch, sushi and maki on weekends. Sale of delicatessen and artisanal products.
Tea room, organic cuisine, breakfasts, lunches, to eat in or out. Home cooking with fresh products, mainly organic and local : buckwheat pancakes, savory tarts, toasties, gratin, salads of the season, pancakes, ice creams...
Mrs Gallay and the Chef Mr Gallay offer a traditional cuisine based on local terroir products, in an air-conditioned room or on the terrace. Dinners by booking. We welcome groups, family gatherings....
Living at the heart of a rich territory, the Chef is keen to put local products of Pays Diois in the limelight. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, in the dinning room or on the terrace, come and discover fresh local produces, some of which organic.
In between Vercors and Provence, in the town of Die, a break is necessary in Hotel-Restaurant Saint Domingue. The whole team welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
In the heart of the town, in a modern and totally renovated place, we propose you pizzas, salads, bruschettas, gratins of ravioles, grill. To eat on the spot, take away or to be delivered.
In a friendly family atmosphere and a 1960’s decoration, pots and pans cuisine with fresh and local products, mainly organic. Exhibitions, concerts, a large outdoor garden. Orders at the bar.
In Die town centre, get away from it all in a welcoming oriental atmosphere and taste our royal tagine, couscous, kebab, chawirma, Moroccan salads and pastries...
In an atypical alley, decorated by the inhabitants, in the heart of Die, on a terrace different of the others, pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven, Dutch snack, chips, take away. A large choice of Belgiums' beer (Trappist).
Situated on the edge of the town centre, a brasserie with dish of the day from Monday to Sunday + à la carte. Traditional cuisine with fresh products. Atmosphere warm and convivial. Late lunch service - snacks served all day. Covered terrace.
At the foot of the cathedral, Ici et Maintenant serves a cuisine in perfect harmony with its surroundings: simple, traditional, a mix of colours and surprising flavours. Our dynamic team will ensure you enjoy a pleasant experience.
Restaurant - Crêperie le Viaduc
Hotel-RestaurantDie
Regional cuisine, pancakes, including buckwheat pancakes, car park nearby, air conditioned dinning room. Our specialties are: Picodon cheese melt on toast, frogs legs, mussels and chips.
Think Bistro Spirit and honest cuisine, home made cooking, as often as possible with organic and/or locally sourced products. A simple cuisine cooked with fresh ingredients: hamburgers, big salads and raviole pasta.
5 minutes walk from the city centre, in a warm & green environment, in a new-build with a contemporary feel. We offer quality service & traditional cuisine with local products. Themed nights and program of events in the summer.
Traditional cuisine. Stéphane and Virgine welcome you and invite you to discover their fine cuisine with local flavours. Pleasant and friendly location. Air-conditioned inside and sheltered terrace in summer. Booking is advised.
An old stable fit out in one very nice vaulted room, intimate and convivial. A variety of skewers with summer flavors, to taste on the terrace with Provencal charm, quiet and without cars. Entertainments on Fridays in summer.
Taxi company based in the Diois region and covering the villages of Saillans, Vercheny, Die, Châtillon-en-Diois and Luc-en-Diois. We provide a taxi service (train station, airport, etc...) and medical transport.
