The cross of Saint Lawrence

The hike to the Croix de Saint-Laurent offers the chance to discover some of the most beautiful natural and cultural treasures of the Royans region. Towering over 500 meters above the village of Saint-Laurent-en-Royans, the cross provides a remarkable panoramic view of the mosaic of landscapes that characterizes this transitional region between the Vercors mountains and the Isère valley. From this privileged vantage point, the eye wanders between farmland, deep forests, and the limestone cliffs that shape the identity of the Royans.

The route also offers a surprising glimpse into history. At the heart of the village lies a Gallo-Roman tombstone dating from the 2nd century, a discreet yet precious testament to the region's ancient occupation. Engraved with Latin inscriptions, it reminds us that these valleys of the Vercors were already traversed and inhabited nearly two thousand years ago.

Finally, the hikers cross the Saint-Laurent Arboretum, a place with a particularly unique history. Created in 1986 on the site of a former landfill, this space has become, over the years, a true haven for biodiversity and a place for raising awareness about nature. A beautiful illustration of the capacity of landscapes to reinvent themselves.