In the surroundings

Die: a blend of mountains, Clairette wine and the gentle way of life

Nestling between the Vercors mountains and the gentle banks of the Drôme, Die is a small town full of charm, history and flavour. Here, you can visit at your own pace and enjoy life… often sparkling, like its famous drink!

Die’s town centre is a real eye-catcher: you can stroll through its narrow streets. The medieval centre is a veritable labyrinth of small squares, stone houses, colourful shutters and terraces where you’ll want to linger. The Notre-Dame cathedral, a vestige of the Gallo-Roman era, won’t go unnoticed! On Saturday mornings, don’t miss the market: a real concentrate of local produce and good humour.

You won’t want to miss this news: you can’t talk about Die without mentioning its sparkling pride and joy: Clairette de Die. This sweet, fruity sparkling wine is the local (and national) star. To taste it, head for one of the many cooperative or family-run cellars. Visit, taste and maybe even have a bottle for the evening aperitif at the campsite (in moderation, of course)?

Die is also a paradise for nature lovers. Between the Vercors, the River Drôme and the wild forests, the possibilities are endless. Hiking, cycling, swimming, climbing, or just lazing by the waterside: it’s up to you! There’s also a local atmosphere, with a special mention for the Est-Ouest festival, which is sure to take you on a journey…

Canoeing on the Drôme: between nature walks and dream landscapes

Want to cool off while admiring the breathtaking scenery? Climb aboard a canoe and let yourself be carried away by the waves of the Drôme. You don’t need to be a great adventurer: here, canoeing is all about relaxation, nature and a good time out with friends or family. Directly accessible from the campsite, you can also hire your boat on site, at reception! Royal, isn’t it?

The Drôme is the only unchannelled river in Europe that is still so accessible and wild. It meanders gently between cliffs, pebble beaches and lavender fields, with a gentle current… making it super accessible for families looking for a thrill! Shallow and refreshing: just what you need!

For our adventurers who don’t really know which route to take, here are a few suggestions for descents: From Die to Pont de Sainte-Croix (7 km / approx. 1h30 to 2h): perfect for a gentle introduction, with a few mini-rapids to spice up the ride. From Die to Pontaix (13 km / 2h30 to 3h): a beautiful descent between vineyards, cliffs and small stone bridges: ideal for families looking for a quiet adventure. For day trips: try the Die to Saillans route (25 km / 5 to 6 hours): for experienced and motivated paddlers! Don’t forget to pack a picnic lunch, a swim in the Drôme and sun cream.

Take to the skies: a breathtaking paragliding adventure over the Vercors peaks

Fancy getting up high and discovering the Drôme valley from a completely different angle? In Die, paragliding is the ultimate activity, allowing you to soar above the mountains and experience all the thrills… On the programme: peace and quiet, just you, fresh air and a picture-postcard panorama!

There’s no shortage of majestic flying sites around Die. Between the cliffs of the Vercors and the green plains, all you have to do is choose your first flight!

Among the choices, the Col du Rousset is a classic. With its easy access and 360° views, it’s a popular spot for paragliders from all over the region. Take off facing the Diois, fly over the forests and land with stars in your eyes. Another choice: the Montagne de Glandasse, better suited to experienced paragliders. It’s a bit like the local Mont Blanc. A long, majestic ridge and a long-distance flight all the way to the Drôme. For those new to paragliding, the Croix de Justin (above Die) is more accessible and perfect for a first paragliding experience or an evening flight. You rise gently above the town, admiring the lavender fields just below: incredible views!

So, are you ready for adventure?

A day's excursion and hike at the Col de Rousset: the Vercors within easy reach

Want to breathe in the fresh air and flirt with the peaks? Then head for the Col de Rousset, one of the best routes into the Vercors from the Drôme valley. Just 30 minutes from Die, this legendary road takes you 1,254 metres higher… and that’s just for you! Whether you’re by car, motorbike or bike (you’ll need to warm up your calves), the Col de Rousset promises incredible views of cliffs, forests, mountain pastures, and if you keep your eyes peeled, maybe a few quiet ibex! Don’t forget your camera…

In summer, this is the place to be for hikers, mountain bikers and paragliders. Dozens of footpaths start from the pass and allow you to explore the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors, a wild and grandiose natural area. Ideal for families, with quiet little walks!

When it comes to hiking, we have several routes to suggest: Whether you’re a zen walker or a motivated hiker, you’ll find something to delight you.

La Tête du Faisan (1,5 hrs) is an easy walk and a short, splendid loop, perfect for a warm-up or a digestive hike. On the menu: panoramic views of the mountains from the first few metres, with an ‘end of the world’ feel. For intermediates, Les Crêtes de Chironne (approx. 3 hrs) is accessible directly from the top of the chairlift. This hike follows the vertiginous ridges of the Beure mountain. On the programme: sheer cliffs, breathtaking views over the Die valley and, with a bit of luck, a ballet of griffon vultures in the sky… Finally, for those who are not afraid of the cold, the Pas de la Ville – Montagne de Glandasse (5/7 hrs), to which access is indirect, is one of the most emblematic hikes in the area. Start at the col, then climb up to the Pas de la Ville. Then descend or continue towards Glandasse, a veritable balcony overlooking the Drôme. An ideal hike for lovers of wide open spaces!

Pontaix and Saillans: two local gems along the Drôme river

To take a break from your intensive outdoor activities, we suggest you visit the small villages where time flows as gently as the river. Among them, Pontaix and Saillans are not to be missed. These two little jewels of the Diois, set on the banks of the Drôme, are perfect for a stroll or a break on the terrace.

Pontaix is the picture-postcard village where you’ll want to stop! Less than 10km from Die (and easily accessible by canoe, for those who like adventure), Pontaix is a small village clinging to the rock, with a notable charm. There are narrow stone streets, a superb Romanesque church and, last but not least, a ruined medieval fortress that dominates the village, perched on a rock and the perfect vantage point from which to admire the Drôme valley! The Drôme flows through the village, lined with small bridges and pebble beaches. Ideal for a picnic or a refreshing swim.

In Saillans, you’ll find a festive spirit in the heart of the vineyards! A little further down the valley, about 20 minutes from the campsite, Saillans cultivates the art of living à la drômoise: lively, friendly and slightly bohemian. Surrounded by vineyards (yes, Clairette again!), this dynamic village has everything you could wish for: terraces where you can relax, a colourful local market (perfect for chatting to the local traders), pretty shops, galleries, and sometimes even impromptu concerts or good-humoured festivals! The Drôme is never far away: swimming, kayaking, relaxing with your feet in the water… Everything we love here!

The Gorges de la Bourne: the route that will blow your mind!

If you love an eye-popping walk, the Gorges de la Bourne (approx. 40km from Die) is the place for you. This spectacular natural canyon, carved out by the river of the same name, links Pont-en-Royans to Villard-de-Lans, and promises an incredible series of twists and turns. This is the road trip par excellence!

Go at your own pace: the route des Gorges, carved into the side of a cliff, is one of the most beautiful in the region. You follow the river below, weaving your way between vertiginous walls. Rest assured: the road holds, and rather well! Every panorama is a potential cliché. Between the mossy waterfalls, the natural arches sculpted by erosion and the turquoise colour of the river, nature is spectacular!

Along the way, you’ll come across secret caves (like the nearby Choranche cave, with its fine stalactites), vertiginous suspension bridges and, of course, discreet but very cool swimming spots! It’s also an ideal spot for nature activities such as climbing and hiking.

The Musée de la Clairette: a sparkling visit full of good humour!

If you love family stories, deep-rooted traditions and above all… tasty bubbles: the Musée de la Clairette is a must-see during your stay in Die. Situated just a stone’s throw from the town centre, on the premises of the famous Maison Jaillance, this museum exudes the spirit of the vine, the local atmosphere and the know-how.

Here, we take you on a sensory journey through the centuries to discover Clairette de Die, the delicate 100% sparkling wine from the Drôme. You’ll learn how the Romans themselves were already making the grapes sparkle (they were way ahead of their time!). You’ll also discover period tools, wine presses and even an immersive room with videos and lights: an ideal, fun outing for all the family! And of course… older visitors can finish the tour with a tasting, because you can’t visit a wine museum without toasting at the end (in moderation, of course). A visit that rhymes with culture and taste buds!

Full of thrills and adventure: canyoning and via ferrata around Die

Fancy spicing up your holiday in Die with some siestas on the banks of the Drôme? The good news is that here you can climb, slide, jump and… almost ‘fly’, in the midst of breathtaking scenery. The Diois is a real life-size playground for outdoor activities and sensational sports, whether you’re solo, in a duo or with the whole family! It’s sure to create some wonderful memories. And don’t panic, all outings are supervised by professionals!

The landscapes and terrain of the Drôme are ideal for canyoning: a clever mix of hiking, natural waterslides, gentle climbing and jumps for the more adventurous. And around Die, the choice is yours! Among them, the Canyon du Rio Sourd (at Châtillon-en-Diois, 26km from the campsite): perfect for beginners and families! Easy jumps, gentle abseils, beautiful pools of crystal-clear water… and a fairly easy start for those who are a little apprehensive. The second option is the Canyon des Moules Marinières, at St-Andeol, 65km from Die (yes, the name is real): a little more technical, but a real adventure with waterfalls, abseils and a wild atmosphere. Thrills guaranteed! Finally, discover the Canyon des Écouges (lower section, 67km from Die): for the more adventurous. More rugged, with narrow passages and abseiling down waterfalls. Only for the sporty with a good guide.

For those who prefer to stay on terra firma but don’t mind a bit of adrenalin: via ferrata is a mixture of rock climbing and hiking on a rock face, with a cable to secure you and rungs to help you climb. And all with breathtaking views! One of the best spots in the area is the Via ferrata du Claps (near Luc-en-Diois, 22km from the campsite), a classic! Easy to get to, there are several routes at different levels, with breathtaking views over the rocky chaos of Le Claps. Or check out the Via ferrata at Chironne (Col de Rousset, 20km from the campsite): a sporty, aerial route above the Vercors forests, with monkey bridges, ledge sections and an exceptional panorama at the finish.

Explore the underground world at the Grottes de Choranche and de la Luire!

When it’s hot in summer, or when you’re in the mood for a bit of natural magic, all you have to do is go underground… And in the Vercors, nature has done things right: between stalactites and crystal-clear rivers. The Choranche and Luire caves are two hidden treasures, just a few kilometres from Die. And they offer an exceptional spectacle!

1st stop at Grotte de Choranche (about 1h15 from Die, via the Col de Rousset, accessible to all), without doubt one of the most beautiful caves in France (in all fairness). Situated on a cliffside in the Gorges de la Bourne, the grotte de Choranche is a little jewel of limestone sculpted by thousands of years of patience and fresh water. You’ll discover a unique natural spectacle, with needle-thin stalactites and a turquoise underground river at the bottom of the cave. And above all, the protoea, a strange little blind and almost translucent amphibian that has lived here in total darkness for centuries… The tour ends with a light and sound show.

Less well known but rich in history, the Grotte de la Luire has nothing to envy its cousins. Located near Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors (30km from the campsite), this cave takes you on an underground and historical journey. It’s the largest resurgence in the Vercors: a cave that spits out water like a volcano would spit out lava… on days of heavy rain. It was also used as an underground hospital during the Second World War. Discover the impressive rooms and mysterious galleries, accompanied by an enthusiastic guide.

Don’t forget your fleece jacket for the cool caves!