Between the Alps and the Rhône, Dauphiné proudly displays its impressive array of natural and architectural resources. It is well worth spending some time in its cities. You will be amazed by the old town, panoramic views and museum in Grenoble. You are sure to enjoy exploring the heights of Briançon or Valence and Vienne, both Cities of Art and History. The villages are not to be outdone, with Nyons, famous for its olives; La Grave, nestled at the foot of the mountains; the stronghold of Mont-Dauphin, built by Vauban and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Le Poët-Laval, a medieval Drômois village with cobbled streets.
The national and regional parks are sure to please anyone who loves authentic and protected natural areas. In the Vercors Regional Nature Park, you can admire the Bourne Gorges or the picturesque village of Pont-en-Royans with its old suspended houses, and feel like you're walking in the skies on the Combe Laval road. In Queyras Regional Nature Park, you can gaze upon a preserved natural environment and remarkable architecture. This is where you will find the listed village of Saint-Véran, the highest municipality in Europe, perched at an altitude of 2,042 metres. The Écrins and Chartreuse parks complete this exceptional list of natural areas, not forgetting Lake Serre-Ponçon and its 3,000 hectares of water surrounded by mountains.
Skiers will have the choice between three big, well-known resorts: Serre Chevalier, Les Deux Alpes and L'Alpe d'Huez. History buffs may opt to visit Grignan Castle, a remarkable Renaissance building and the most imposing edifice of its kind in South-West France. Don't miss the astounding Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace, a listed Historic Monument, where the eclectic and unusual works of the inspired postman are on display.
This is also an epicurean region, with a number of specialities: Chartreuse, the famous plant-based liqueur, the ubiquitous gratin dauphinois and Dauphiné ravioles, as well as walnuts, lavender, nougat, olive oil and tasty cheeses such as Saint-Marcellin, Picodon or Bleu de Vercors-Sassenage. There is something to suit every palate!
