Crest

Crest, a town in southeastern France's Drôme department, is home to the 52-meter-tall Tour de Crest, one of the country's highest medieval keeps. You can explore narrow streets lined with Renaissance houses, visit a chocolate museum, or take a walk along the Drôme River. Situated near the Natural Regional Park of Vercors, Crest is an entry point to the Pre-Alps region.

The Tour de Crest

The Tour de Crest, an 11th-century keep, dominates the town's skyline. Once part of a larger castle complex, it now houses exhibitions about its history. As you climb to the top, you'll pass through rooms showcasing the tower's various uses over time, including its period as a prison. From the terraces, you can see the surrounding landscape of the Drôme Valley.

Medieval Old Town

Crest's old town consists of steep, narrow lanes that lead up to the Tour. As you walk through these historic streets, you'll come across several interesting buildings. The 17th-century Cordeliers Chapel and the neo-classical Church of Saint-Sauveur are open to visitors. On Rue Des Cuiretteries, you'll find the Renaissance-style Maison Labretonnière. Don't miss the "Tour du Pin Montauban" house, also known as the "maison des têtes," which has seven heads on its facade, each representing one of the seven deadly sins.

Chocolate Museum

An artisanal chocolate manufacturer in Crest has set up a chocolate museum on its premises. Here, you can learn about chocolate-making processes and taste local creations. The museum's main attraction is a chocolate model of the Tour de Crest, along with various chocolate-crafted scenes depicting the history of this confection.

Drôme River

The Drôme River flows through Crest, adding natural beauty to the town. You can walk along its banks and enjoy the calm atmosphere. For a unique experience, cross the wooden bridge to reach the Saint-Ferreol Chapel on the opposite bank. This bridge is said to be the longest wooden bridge in France.

Local Cuisine and Market

To experience local culture, try the regional specialty called "défarde," a dish made from lamb's feet and tripe. While it might not suit everyone's taste, it represents an authentic part of Crest's culinary traditions. You can also visit the town's market held every Tuesday and Saturday morning, where you'll find fresh local produce and artisanal products.

Getting to Crest

You can reach Crest by train, with the town's railway station offering TER connections to Valence and Briançon on the Livron to Aspres-sur-Buëch line. If you're driving, Crest is about 25 kilometers southeast of Valence, a nice option for a day trip or stopover.

Nearby Places to Visit

The area around Crest has several interesting villages and natural sites. You can visit Mirmande, a village 15 kilometers west of Crest that's classified as one of the "most beautiful villages in France." Another option is the ancient village of Le Poet-Laval to the south. For hiking and alpine scenery, head to the nearby Natural Regional Park of Vercors.