With its colorful houses above the void, this medieval village is one of the most original in France

This French medieval village with its unique architecture is a hidden gem of our territory!

France is the birthplace of medieval villages, each more astonishing than the last. Castles, dungeons, towers, churches and abbeys from the period, half-timbered houses, cobbled streets… We are directly transported to the Middle Ages. In addition to the most popular medieval villages in France, historical treasures that have a European or even global aura like Mont-Saint-Michel, there is a more confidential medieval village in France whose architecture is nevertheless unique.

Colorful houses suspended above the void… Welcome to Pont-en-Royans in the Dauphiné. Located at the entrance to the Gorges de la Bourne, this town displays houses on the mountainside until you arrive at the banks of the Bourne. There, the houses suspended in the void, listed as historical monuments since 1944, have a long history to tell. They were built in the 16th century to facilitate the transport and trade of Vercors wood, which flowed down the Bourne to be transported to the south of France, more precisely to Beaucaire for the manufacture of boats. A unique architecture that allowed for a gain in space in this site surrounded by of cliffs.

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The name of the town, Pont-en-Royans, comes from the bridge that spans the Bourne torrent. It was built between two rocky piles during the Early Middle Ages, surrounded by inns, stables and shops. This hilltop village was the political and economic capital of Royans. Today, the town has lost none of its old-world charm with its bridge, ramparts, alleyways and terraced gardens, which Stendhal was very fond of. At the very top of the village, the old feudal tower of the “Three Castles” allows you to enjoy a sublime panorama of the Royans and the Gorges de la Bourne.

Beyond visiting the town, a walk is a must along the banks of the Bourne which will offer you a breathtaking view of the hanging houses. The walk is ideal for improvising a picnic in its many shaded areas or for enjoying a swim in the village waterfall or a spot of fishing along the river. Step into the time machine and head to the village of Pont-en-Royans!