Rimon-et-Savel - Die
RIMON-ET-SAVEL
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.
Sources: Various writings by Henri Desaye.
Tourist information
Probable emplacement du temple de Saint May Die
Probably the site of Die's first temple, built in 1612: Die's Protestants, who were in the majority in the town, built a temple in the Saint May district, which was destroyed in 1685 (the materials were used to rebuild the cathedral).
Place du marché n° 16 Die
Located at no. 16, Place du Marché, it was built in the last quarter of the 16th century using stones borrowed from the cathedral ruins by its owner, Captain Chabanas.
Emplacement de l'Académie et du Collège protestants Die
Rue du Collège takes its name from the Catholic establishment that succeeded the Protestant Academy and College, whose buildings are now occupied by the Notre-Dame school.
Temple de Die Die
Die's current temple since 1827, when the Die parish acquired the Jesuit chapel from J. Duseigneur and J.F. Chavandier.
Temple de Romeyer Romeyer
In 1644, the community of Romeyer included 60 Protestant families and 2 Catholic families. A temple built in 1851 and several private cemeteries
History and Archaeology Museum Die
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.
Die
The northern capital of the Gallo-Roman Voconces people, and the seat of a bishopric from the 4th to the 19th century, Die is now a small sub-prefecture of 4,500 inhabitants, whose main economic activities are tourism and winegrowing.
Muséobulles Guided Visits Die
"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 !!
Die
‘Le Jardin’ is a dedicated to ethno-botanical science : it is a botanical garden open to all free of charge. Its gardeners offer guided tours and workshops around plants, botanical science but also historical and ancient know-how.
Muséobulles - Cave de Die Jaillance Die
"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 !!
Sapey Mountain Protected Natural Site Die
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.
'Jardin du Roy' Protected Natural Site Die
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.
Glandasse Mountain Protected Natural Site Die
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.
La Ferme aux Papillons (Butterflies Farm) Die
Tropical garden and observation centre, home to hundreds of exotic butterflies flying freely. Duration of the visit: 1 hour.
Four Rivers Mosaic Die
This 11th Century mosaic is a symbolic representation of the universe. It was St Nicolas Chapel's alter carpet (the bishop's own chapel) and features medieval fresco and early 18th Century painted wallpaper.
Chinese living room Die
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.
Eglise des Cordeliers vestiges Die
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.
Citation sur façade Die
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.
Chapelle de l'hôpital Die
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.
La cathédrale Die
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.
Notre-Dame de Valcroissant Abbey 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.
Très bon accueil chez Laurent Besset en plein centre ville.
Vous donne beaucoup d'informations sur le chemin, les Huguenots et l'histoire locale.
Choisi l'hotel La petite Auberge que je ne peux pas recommander. Personne sur site lors de l'arrivée, pas de réponse au no mobile indiqué sur la porte. Chef tout juste poli.
Accueilli chez Laurent Besset, en plein centre ville mais dans une chambre confortable et tranquille.
Toutes facilités à proximité pour le dîner, et le pique-nique du lendemain. Excellent petit déjeuner.
Une bonne étape.
Un nouveau gîte d'étape vient d'ouvrir à Die
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tourist Offices
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...
Accommodation Partners
Other Accommodations
Bed & breakfastDie
Rental of a bright 17 m² room with kitchenette in a quiet location in downtown Die
Saint-Eloi Motor Home Parking Area Camper van service/reception areaDie
Close to town center and Tourist Office. Parking limited to 72 consecutive hours. Free from November 1 to March 31 and chargeable from April 1 to October 31. Please note random closures according to events.
Motor Home Service Area - Meyrosse Car Park Camper van service/reception areaDie
The Meyrosse Motorhome Service Area is close to the town centre and the Tourist Information Centre. Grey waters draining facilities only, drinking water point, public toilets. Wifi network.
Valdie Campsite CampsiteDie
Vally and Didier welcome you for a family holiday, between friends or for a romantic stay. Come and enjoy the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of our camp site by the side of the river, with pitches partially shaded.
OaDie Farm Campsite Camping on farm sitesDie
Would you like to camp in a unique setting, just a 15-minute walk from Die's historic center? La ferme de l'Oadie welcomes you to its 3 hectares facing the magnificent Glandasse mountains.
Gîte d'étape d'Aurouses Group gîteDie
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 1 people.
Stop-over Lodge- Libr'Escale Group gîteDie
At the heart of Die, close to all shop and amenities, touristic and sports activities, Libr'Escale is a spacious and friendly gite for 12 with a large communal room; a kitchen, living room and all the necessary equipment to make your stay comfortable.
Le Glandasse Bed and Breakfast Bed & breakfastDie
5 mn from the town centre, in the direction of the Vercors massif, detached house with three other accommodations and a swimming pool. The bedroom overlooks the garden, in peaceful and green surroundings with a pergola. We welcome horse riders and their horses.
The Ausson Yurts Group gîteDie
In an old farmhouse, 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.
Ferme d'Ausson - Le Mûrier Bed and Breakfast Bed & breakfastDie
Set in an old farmhouse, with separate entrance and terrace, fully restored vaulted rooms, facing the Glandasse mountains. Quiet location 5 km from the town center, in green surroundings, accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Les Baladins Bed and Breakfast Bed & breakfastRomeyer
In a hamlet at the foothills of the South Vercors mountains, on the ground floor of the owners' house, with an independent entrance and a terrace, with acccess to the garden-with unobstructive views - vaulted room - bedroom, dinning room for your breakfast and bathroom - Renovated in the spirit of the old building.
Abbaye de Valcroissant Stop-Over Lodge 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 the region.
Le Glandasse Camp Site CampsiteDie
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.
Le Riou Merle Camp Site CampsiteDie
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.
La Pinède Camp Site CampsiteDie
Campsite with direct access to the river, 2 steps away from Die in La Drôme. Claudine and Christophe offer a wide range of tent pitches, mobil-homes, chalet and lodges! Two swimming pools, a bar-restaurant : everything you need to relax and reconnect to yourself!
Hôtel des Alpes HotelDie
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.
Hôtel-Restaurant le Viaduc Hotel - restaurantDie
Comfortable 22 m² bedrooms (33 m² for the family suite) with air conditioning, double-glazed with LCD TV screens. All bedrooms are ensuite with a shower, washbasin and toilet. A free lockable garage is available for your motorbike or your bicycle.
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.
Chamarges Campsite CampsiteDie
Family friendly campsite with flat, grassy and easily accessible pitches in a green setting, by the side of the river Drôme, you will enjoy views on the mountains, 1,5 kilometers away from the village centre.
Justin Municipal Campsite CampsiteDie
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 Holiday Centre Holiday centresDie
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.
Parc Résidentiel de Loisirs les Gîtes Fialoux Residential leisure parkRomeyer
Six small chalets for 4 to 6 people, in the heart of nature, overlooking the Glandasse massif, on the banks of the Drôme river, in Romeyer, a small village 5 kms from Die. Many activities are possible: hiking, horse riding, climbing, cycling, canyoning...
Hôtel Saint-Domingue Hotel - restaurantDie
Set between Vercors and Provence, in the town centre of Die, Hotel-Restaurant Saint Domingue is your place to stay. The whole team welcomes you in a warm and friendly atmosphere and will be delighted to share with you a traditional cuisine based on local products. 20 bedrooms, roof top swimming pool and a terrace.
Hotel-Restaurant Le Carnot Hotel - restaurantDie
Located between Vercors and lavender fields surrounded by nature Le Carnot is a friendly Hôtel-Restaurant showcasing the region's rich and varied products in its cuisine.
Au Chamois dort Bed and Breakfast Bed & breakfastDie
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.
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.
Motorhome Service Area - Justin Campsite Camper van service/reception areaDie
A few minutes walk from the town centre and the Tourist Information Centre, the area offers beautiful views on the Vercors mountains. The town of Die welcomes you at Justin Municipal Campsite. There is a second motorhome service area in town at Meyrosse car park.
Restaurants
Restaurant Le Café des Lys RestaurantDie
A café-restaurant, simple and pleasant with bench seats and all comfort. Refined organic cuisine. Everyone is welcome, no distinction!
Délikate et Saine RestaurantDie
Nice artisan chef, Kamel has brought different flavours from his trips. World cuisine, juice bar, organic fruits and vegetables.
Le Repère Restaurant RestaurantDie
A traditional restaurant, with local and South American flavours.
Yamaneko RestaurantDie
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.
La Stazione - Bar-Restaurant-Pizzeria RestaurantDie
On entering Die, opposite Col de Rousset’s road, la Stazione Restaurant-Pizzeria offer home-made traditional Italian cuisine.
Hot spot - Pan Caliente RestaurantDie
Creation of a hot spot at the gas station : sandwiches, bread, pastries, local products. Eat on the site or take away.
Chez Christine Café RestaurantDie
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...
Restaurant l'Escale de Die Hotel-RestaurantDie
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....
Restaurant Le Carnot Hotel-RestaurantDie
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.
Casa Pizza RestaurantDie
In the heart of the town, in a modern place, we propose you pizzas, salads, burgers, tacos, gratins of ravioles. To eat on the spot, take away or to be delivered.
Sayam Restaurant RestaurantDie
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...
Brasserie de l'Etape RestaurantDie
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.
Les Petits Fourneaux Restaurant RestaurantDie
Come and try a creative, local vegetarian cuisine. At lunchtime and dinner we offer a platter of the day, burgers and raviole pasta.
Meyro's Irish Pub RestaurantDie
The Meyro’s Irish Pub serves a traditional cuisine in a pleasant park with a terrace.
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.
Les Bons Passants Restaurant RestaurantDie
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.
Bar-Restaurant - La Pinède RestaurantDie
New season, new management! Azad Sarian and his team await you at the Restaurant Pizzeria Snack Bar of la Pinède Campsite in a relaxing setting with panoramic views on the Vercors mountains! Everyone is welcome!
Le Merilou Restaurant RestaurantDie
5 minutes walk from the city centre, in a warm & green environment, in a new-build with a contemporary feel.
Bacchus & Apollon - Le Mazel RestaurantDie
Cook chef for many years, Christophe Matheron-Talon and his team welcome you to enjoy 100% homemade cooking, as local as possible and inspired by the seasons.
Other Services
JO TAXIS ServicesDie
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.