Crest

Visit Crest, Rhone-Alpes

Crest is located south-east of Valence, on the edge of the foothills of the Alps and at the entrance to the Natural Regional Park of Vercors. The Drome River passes through the town.

Explore Crest

As you approach Crest, from far away you will see the 'trademark' monument of the town - the Crest Tower. Dating from the 11th century, the tower was once part of a castle and is the highest medieval keep still standing in France (with a height of a little over 50 metres). The rest of the castle was destroyed under the orders of Louis XIII in the 17th century. The Porte Montsegur is another remnant from the original fortifications in Crest.

Likewise, the best views of the surrounding region are from the terraces around Crest Tower - there is a sign here to show you what you are looking at in the distance.

In the streets below the tower Crest has an attractive historical centre and old town with medieval buildings lining the narrow streets.

Some of the highlights include the Cordeliers Chapel, the Saint-Ferreol Chapel, the Church of Saint-Sauveur, and the lavoirs. It is the long stone staircase of the Cordeliers that will perhaps stay in your memory the longest after your visit!

Spend some time exploring along the banks of the Drome River - very pretty as it passes through Crest, then if you are feeling adventurous be sure to try the local speciality - called défarde and made from lamb's feet and tripe.

A small museum explains the history of the tower and the town.

Note: The bridge to reach the Saint-Ferreol Chapel is said to be the longest wooden bridge in France.

Note 2: The town name is pronounced WITHOUT the 'st' on the end!

Attractions nearby

There are several pretty villages in the Drome countryside to discover near Crest, many very small but most with their own unique character and appeal. There are also ample opportunities to enjoy the local scenery - on foot, bike or by car.

Tourist classifications for Crest: Village in bloom (ville fleurie) 1*; Recommended detour town (plus beau detour);

Suggested places to visit near Crest, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Romans-sur-Isere 35km; Viviers 38km; Alba-la-Romaine 39km; Tain-l'Hermitage 40km; Saint-Montan 45km; Pont-en-Royans 45km; Desaignes 50km; Aubenas 51km; Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye 52km; Vogue 52km; Antraigues-sur-Volane 53km; Vaison-la-Romaine 54km; Ailhon 56km; Balazuc 57km; Seguret 58km; Mens 58km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Crest

Crest tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Abbatiale Sainte-Marie (Cruas) - religious monument (22km) : Montelier - ville fleurie 4* (23km) : Parc Jouvet - remarkable garden (25km) : Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire (Valence) - religious monument (25km) : Abbaye d'Aiguebelle (Montjoyer) - religious monument (31km) : Jardin japonais - remarkable garden (33km) : Cirque d'Archiane - site of natural beauty (38km) : Vercors - regional natural parc (39km) :

French version: see Crest (Francais)