At the heart of the Drôme Valley, at the gates of Vercors, the little town of Crest is listed among the Most Beautiful Detours in France. Steeped in history, this charming medieval town, named after its location on a rocky ridge ("crête" in French), is essentially known for its tower: a keep 52 metres tall, the tallest in France! The view from the top of this imposing monument is breathtaking: an incredible 360-degree panorama over the Drôme Valley, the Vercors foothills and the Diois Prealps! But take care, this will not be suitable for vertigo sufferers...
Crest's geographical location meant it was very sought-after. Especially during the Wars of Religion, when the Protestants aspired to capture the fortress, built in the 10th century. To stop them, Louis XIII ordered for it to be dismantled. He nonetheless decided to retain the keep, which would be used as a prison until the end of the 19th century. Bearing witness to the past, the walls are covered in hundreds of graffiti showing the harsh conditions under which prisoners were detained. Accessible via numerous steps from the lower town, the tower has beautiful rooms, adorned with large fireplaces, like in the Middle Ages. Likewise, scale models show how the tower changed over time. And for bolder visitors, why not dare to abseil down the East wall? Available to children age 6 and up, this activity provided by climbing instructors in July and August will show you the monument from a new angle!
Further down, the old town also appeals to visitors with its narrow, winding streets, cobblestone paths and covered passages. Not forgetting its picturesque old houses and architectural edifices like the Church of St. Saviour, the Chapel of the Cordeliers and the Montségur Gate. At the end of the 17th century, Crest prospered thanks to the textile trade, especially cotton, silk and wool. Even today, the names of the districts and streets remind us of this thriving artisanal and industrial past.
Crest also has its own distinctive and flavoursome local gastronomy. Treat yourself to some Défarde, a dish of lamb tripe, or Couve, a delicious orange-flavoured shortbread biscuit.
