November is, in our collective unconscious, one of the least appealing months of the year… That’s a misconception, because while fall means the return of puddles, it’s also the time when nature displays its most beautiful colors. Add to that a moderate number of tourists, and—as long as the sun decides to make an appearance—you’ll have the most beautiful weekends of the year.
The village described below checks all the boxes for this winning trio: nature, culture, and heritage. It even rounds out the picture with a touch of mystery and majesty. In short, it’s enough to get you in the mood for another fall getaway.
Pont-en-Royans, the pearl of the Vercors
Here is a place unlike any other. That’s true of the world in general, but this place in particular is truly one of a kind. In fact, it single-handedly exemplifies the remarkable ability to adapt our architecture to the environment. Houses clinging to the mountainside, a winding road, a bridge steeped in a thousand and one legends…
Pont-en-Royans has been the gateway to the Vercors since time immemorial. Its name, in fact, comes from the famous bridge that has always allowed people to travel and trade. As a result, the town has a rich and captivating history. The local architecture is perhaps the best way to experience this: the houses perched high above the Bourne River, the mill, the narrow cobblestone streets, and the feudal tower of the “Trois Châteaux.” Everything is designed to transport you to a different time and place.
The roads of the Vercors, among the most beautiful in France
“They saw me in the Vercors… bungee jumping.” That’s how Bashung begins one of his most beautiful songs (“La Nuit je mens”). Without going so far as to bungee jump, the Vercors lets you be literally blown away by the scenery while staying right in the driver’s seat of your car. And that’s perfect, since one of the most beautiful of these roads connects Pont-en-Royans to Villard-de-Lans through the famous Gorges de la Bourne.
In total, there are more than 24 km of road clinging to the cliffs and overlooking this gorge, shaped by timeless erosion. If you’re feeling adventurous, extend the wonder along the Route des Presles to the Col de Toutes Aures to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Vercors Massif…
