Attractions and places to see around Margès, a charming commune in the Drôme department of southeastern France, offers a tranquil village experience. Recognized for its "ville fleurie" distinction, Margès features historical sites such as its church and chapel. The village serves as a base for exploring the wider Drôme region, including the Drôme des Collines and Drôme Provençale areas. This region provides access to diverse historical, cultural, and natural sites.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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The FRANCE VOYAGE website reports on the origin of the current place name with Saint DONATUS: "With the advent of Christianity, Saint-Donat bore the name Jovincieu or Jovenzieux. In 732, during the invasion of the Saracens, Corbus, the bishop of Grenoble, fled to Jovenzieux and brought with him the relics of Saint Donatus, who died in the 6th century, on his way to Sisteron – hence the name Saint-Donat." However, the collegiate church located in the town has a different patron saint than the place name; here, the choice was made for the two prince of the apostles, SAINTS PIERRE et PAUL, whose common feast day is celebrated on June 29th in the calendar.
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Easy to cycle for anyone with any type of bike.
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Very beautiful cloister with sculptures of musicians
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Fishing pond that is ideal for a relaxing stroll. Signs show the layperson the types of fish. There is a large car park with a toilet nearby.
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A beautiful place that is definitely worth visiting. It was pouring with rain when we were there, but it was still great - the rain always passes quickly
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Overall, the Veloroute 63 is a great bike route and we hardly met anyone ;-)
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These are two water reservoirs which allow fishing as well as a walking and nature discovery trail. There is also an observatory and identification panels for the species that can be observed there.
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This greenway cycle route begins in St Nazaire en Royans. The crossing of Romans can be improved but the walk is nice.
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The region around Margès is rich in history. You can explore the Historic centre of Romans-sur-Isère, known for its medieval architecture and shoe industry. Another significant site is the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Saint-Donat-sur-l'Herbasse, dating back to 894. Further afield, consider visiting the extraordinary Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives, or the grand Château de Grignan, the largest Renaissance palace in Southeast France.
Yes, the Drôme region offers several unique experiences. The most notable is the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives, a fantastical palace built by a postman over 33 years. You might also find the medieval houses perched above the river gorge in Pont-en-Royans to be quite distinctive. For more unusual discoveries, you can check out visitesendrome.com.
Margès is surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes. The Drôme des Collines offers bucolic scenery perfect for walks. You can visit the Bellevue Ponds, which are ideal for relaxing strolls, fishing, and nature observation. The River Drôme, known as Europe's last wild torrential river, is great for family bathing, canoeing, or rafting. For more extensive natural exploration, the Vercors Regional Natural Park and the Forêt de Saoû offer diverse landscapes and hiking opportunities.
Cyclists can enjoy the Isère Valley Greenway Cycle Route, which starts in St Nazaire en Royans and is suitable for all types of bikes. For more options, you can find various cycling routes around Margès, including loops around Lac de Champos and longer tours like the ViaRhôna. Explore detailed routes on the Cycling around Margès guide.
Yes, the Drôme des Collines landscapes surrounding Margès are ideal for walking and nature discovery. You can find moderate running loops from Margès itself, or explore trails around Lac de Champos. The Forêt de Saoû also offers spectacular hiking trails with magnificent views. For a comprehensive list of trails, refer to the Running Trails around Margès guide.
Families can enjoy several activities. The Historic centre of Romans-sur-Isère offers an engaging walk through medieval history. The Bellevue Ponds provide easy walking trails and nature observation, which can be fun for kids. The River Drôme is excellent for family bathing or gentle canoeing. The Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval is also a captivating and inspiring visit for all ages.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with mild temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be warm, but is ideal for water activities on the River Drôme. The region's 'ville fleurie' distinction means Margès is particularly charming during blooming seasons.
The wider Drôme region is known for its culinary delights. Tain-l'Hermitage, a short drive away, is renowned for its excellent local chocolates (Valrhona is based here) and prestigious vineyards, offering tours and tastings. Romans-sur-Isère is famous for its shoe industry but also has local eateries. You'll find cafes and restaurants in the larger towns surrounding Margès.
While Margès itself offers serene village views, the surrounding Drôme des Collines landscapes provide glimpses of the Alps and Vercors mountains. For more dramatic panoramic views, consider hiking in the Forêt de Saoû or visiting the Tour de Crest, which is the tallest dungeon tower in France and offers extensive vistas of the region.
Visitors appreciate the blend of historical richness and natural beauty. The Historic centre of Romans-sur-Isère is praised for its well-preserved medieval buildings. The Isère Valley Greenway Cycle Route is popular for being easy to cycle and quiet. The Bellevue Ponds are enjoyed for relaxing strolls and nature observation. Overall, the tranquility of the area and the variety of historical and outdoor experiences are highly valued.
While Margès itself is a small commune, larger nearby towns like Romans-sur-Isère and Valence are more accessible by public transport. From these hubs, local bus services might connect to some regional attractions. However, for exploring the more rural natural sites and smaller villages, having a car is generally recommended for greater flexibility.
Many of the natural walking trails and outdoor areas around Margès, including those in the Drôme des Collines and around the Bellevue Ponds, are suitable for walks with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and you follow local regulations. Always check specific attraction rules beforehand, as some indoor historical sites may not permit pets.


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