Top 5 things to do in Crest

Top 5 things to do in Crest

1 – Visit the monuments of the historic town of Crest

For all lovers of ancient history, a visit to the town of Crest is perfect for you. Around twenty historic buildings and monuments await you during your stroll. Fully immersed in the town, you can admire the remains of architectural feats dating back to the Middle Ages.

The monuments of Crest not to be missed :

• Former grain markets
• Chapel of the Cordeliers
• The Saboury fountain
• The wooden bridge

In the heart of the town of Crest, discover the Crest Tower, a historic monument from the 10th century.
Standing at over 52 meters tall, the tower is one of the tallest in France. Serving as a prison for three centuries, it is today an architectural masterpiece of the period.
At the end of 184 steps, the tower terrace offers you a magnificent 360-degree panorama over the Drôme valley.
In summer, the more adventurous can attempt an abseil down the eastern wall and the more epicurean can enjoy the “Major Montrond” guided tour.

Opening hours: All year round: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Duration of the visit: 60 minutes

Prices:

• adult €9.50
• child: €6.50

2 – Explore the Crest artistic center

The town of Crest, labeled Town and Crafts , participates in the development of artists and artisans.
Thanks to Crest's artistic wealth, visitors can stroll through the city's streets and take the opportunity to discover the different skills available: painting, sculpture, pottery and even leatherwork.
Rainy day in Crest? Come explore the Crest Art Center , a building hosting various pop-up exhibitions of contemporary art.

Art Center Hours:

From 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. from Wednesday to Sunday

Prices:

• Full price €5
• Reduced rate: €3

3 – Taste the city’s specialties

You can't leave the town of Crest without having tasted these two iconic dishes.

The first is a savory dish significant to the city called Défarde . A recipe invented millions of years ago, it is composed of vegetables and lamb tripe, which give the dish its full flavor. A Défarde brotherhood and a Défarde competition were even created by the city of Crest to pay homage to this dish straight out of that era.
Head to the restaurant "Sur les quais" for an evening, near the Drôme River, to enjoy a wonderful Défarde Crestoise. And if you don't have time, the Maison de la Défarde has everything you need: a Défarde ready to be enjoyed, vacuum-packed.

And to end the meal on a sweet note, head to the nearest bakery to enjoy a couve Crestoise , a pancake made with eggs and orange in the shape of a chicken nest.

4 – Stroll through the Saou forest

Heading east now, back to the Rhône Valley following the course of the Drôme passing through Saillans and the Saou forest , with a magnificent valley and forest combining Mediterranean and alpine vegetation.
For a moment of discovery, the Auberge des Dauphins welcomes you and shares its knowledge of nature. Conferences, concerts, and tours are available.
And if you want to enjoy this idyllic setting a little more, continue exploring by hiking or cycling along the various marked trails.
To see breathtaking landscapes, we recommend the “three beaks” hike . Luck and silence may allow you to see chamois, foxes, roe deer, marmots or even golden eagles.

5 – Swimming in the Drôme

Time to relax with a swim in the Drôme . A bucolic setting, turquoise waters and a Mediterranean climate for a wonderful day out with family or friends.

And for the more adventurous, enjoy a canoe trip down the Drôme River. Flexible circuits (4, 8 or 20 km) starting from Saillans .