The diois county

City Walls: much of the 3rd and 4th century Gallo-Roman city walls may still be seen. St Marcel's Gate: built in the 3rd century, "la Porte St Marcel" was once the major southern entry into the town. Notre Dame Cathedral: dedicated to the Virgin Mary, this venerable place of worship was erected in the town-centre between the 11th and 13th centuries. The mosaic of St Nicholas' Chapel: superb romanesque work of art symbolising the universe.

A museum with a local flavour ! Exhibits on the history of Die and the Diois. Prehistoric, Roman and mediaeval remains in an intimate setting. Valcroissant Abbey - Fine former Cistercian abbey built in 1188.

Hydroponic Garden with Butterflies in free flight - A unique opportunity to see an exotic soil-free garden in which butterflies from Africa, Asia and South America roam free. Demonstration of hydroponic gardening techniques. Botanical garden at Sainte Croix - outside there's the garden, with a fine collection of aromatic and medical herbs and plants, and a botany trail. Inside there's an exhibition which focuses on the senses - notably tactile and olfactory - and a small shop with local produce made from plants.

"Le Claps de Luc" - Huge boulders which tumbled down the Pic de Luc mountain in a mediaeval rockslide (1442 AD). Breathtaking ! Come and applaud. La Cabanette (the "little cabin") - One of the local inhabitants' favourite walks, mostly through pinewoods. Fine views over the village and the Drôme Valley from the Cabanette, 730 metres.

Cirque d'Archiane" - Ibex were reintroduced here, in this great arc of limestone cliffs so appreciated by climbers, in 1989. Follow the accessible discovery trail and discover this magnificent corner of the Vercors. At the Archiane refuge, see a sound and light show, a scale model of the High Plateaux Nature Reserve, and an Open-Air Museum. The "Lollipops" in Borne - These "Lollipops" are in fact tall slim rocks left behind by many centuries of erosion. "Vallon de Combeau" - Known far and wide for its exceptional flora (no picking, please - the plants here are protected by law). From the car park you can walk up onto the High Plateau Nature Reserve and enjoy the sumptuous scenery dotted with sheep barns, mountain huts and cairns, with a unique view over the celebrated Mont Aiguille.

Pontaix, the village - Built on either side of the river Drôme where it squeezes between lofty crags to right and left, the village held a naturally strategic position in the region for many a long year. The Keep: perched above the village, the old castle controlled all access towards the higher Drôme Valley. Built around 1200 BC, it was partially destroyed in the XVI century, leaving the hollow keep and traces of the curtain wall you can still see today. The protestant church (Le Temple): formerly a XV century chapel, this listed historic monument has a fine XVII century high altar, XV century frescoes, and two unusual corbelled chapels overhanging the river.

"La Magnanerie de Saillans" ... Silkworm farm - A guided visit explains each stage of the silkworm cycle. See how the silk is obtained by unwinding the cocoon. Film presentation on the history and uses of silk through the ages, and today. Mulberry orchard. Museum of Clairette - Come and see the grapes pressed and the "vin nouveau" flowing. Learn all the secrets of creating a naturally sparkling wine.