Saint-Jean-en-Royans is a French town located in the Drôme department. It is near Romans-sur-Isère, in the Royans department.
A rural town marked by the diversity of its landscapes: Col de Gaudissart, Forêt de Lente or even Forteresse du Vercors, there is something for everyone.
If you are looking for things to do in Saint-Jean-en-Royans, here is a list of 10 activities
Written by Anto
02 May 2025
read in 1 min
Summary
Top 10 things to do in Saint Jean en Royans
1- Discover the woodwork of the church choir
The woodwork of the Church of Saint John the Baptist is a jewel of contemporary art. Imported from Val Sainte Marie, this woodwork depicts flowers and objects of Christ.
In Baroque style, they are exhibited in the church of Saint-Jean-en-Royans: a wooden and marble hotel and various paintings.
2- Visit the Orthodox chapel
The Orthodox Chapel of Saint-Jean-en-Royans is nestled at the foot of the Vercors Mountains, in the heart of the forest. Built recently in 2006, the chapel is an architectural marvel.
To share a moment of calm and serenity, visits to the chapel and painting and mosaic workshops are offered all year round.
3- Explore the Saint Jean en Royans Distillery
To discover the Saint-Jean-en-Royans distillery, head towards the Ambel camp road.
This distillery is located in the heart of Vercors National Park, in a magnificent period farmhouse. How do you turn barley into whisky? This is the answer you'll get when you visit the Vercors Distillery. A bottle tasting will be offered at the end of your visit.
A one and a half hour activity to discover the secrets of Vercors whisky.
Tours are available all summer long. Departures are at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m.
Prices:
- Full price: €12
- Child (- 15 years): 1/2 price
4- Participate in a Royans spoon-making workshop
What would Saint-Jean-en-Royans be without its local and passionate artisans?
Making wooden spoons is a must-do activity in this city.
The Desfonds tableware workshop is one of the last still operating. It offers a step-by-step introduction to the making of tableware. You can even participate in the creation of a wooden spoon, using materials and techniques dating back to the 1950s.
A rich experience to be enjoyed as a family.
5- Observe the animals - The caillat farm
In the heart of the Vercors, in an idyllic setting rich in greenery, the Caillats farm welcomes you. Stroll through the park and observe the dairy cows. At the end of your visit, don't hesitate to stop by the farm to purchase cheeses and dairy products made with high-quality cow's milk.
6- Go for a horse ride: Royans equestrian center
Discovering the Vercors landscapes on horseback is possible! The Saint-Jean-en-Royans equestrian center welcomes you to the heart of Royans to offer you a privileged moment of relaxation on horseback.
The equestrian center offers numerous activities for young and old: lessons and pony/horse rides or even tailor-made treks.
Beginners or experienced riders? The Royans equestrian center's activities are suitable for everyone!
7- Hiking - The hamlet of Fontépaisse
Departing from the town of Saint-Jean-en-Royans, explore breathtaking landscapes as you stroll along a pretty, wild stream. The hamlet of Fontépaisse is an ideal hike for families with young children. The route, which lasts about an hour, passes through the small town of Saint-Jean-en-Royans.
For the more courageous, we recommend the Tabarins hike, a hiking trail in the heart of the forest.
8- Discover the Combe Laval site
A popular tourist route between Saint-Jean-en-Royans and the Col de la Machine, it offers breathtaking scenery. Originally, the Combe Laval site was used to transport timber from Saint-Jean-en-Royans to the Lente Forest. Today, the cliffs and tunnels in the rock trace the work of men over the years.
Lookouts, peaks, cliffs and tunnels will allow you to observe this preserved natural space.
9- Go to the wire tree
A suggestion to keep the kids busy: have fun at the Treetop Adventure Park in Saint-Jean-en-Royans. Located in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park, the Treetop Adventure Park offers a wide range of activities: giant swings, bouncing nets, zip lines, tents with unusual musical instruments, creative workshops, barefoot trails, and nature observation. A magnificent location with activities suitable for everyone.
Prices:
From €10 to €19 depending on the activity chosen
10– Around: Pont en Royans
Pont-en-Royans is a charming little medieval village. Close to Saint-Jean-en-Royans, it's a must-see! These colorful houses, suspended over the void, will captivate you. Listed as a historic monument since 1844, it offers an incredible setting and wonderful daytime activities.
And if you would like to visit other towns in Drôme, don't hesitate to consult the dedicated articles: Saint-Nazaire-en-Royans, Saint-Romans-sur-Isère.