Sainte-Croix is situated on a rocky promontory between the Drôme and its tributary, the La Sûre, at the entrance to the Quint Valley. From the village, views extend across the Drôme Valley to the 3 Becs.
Those choosing Sainte-Croix as a destination may be planning to rent a holiday apartment there.
Landscape and Location
Regular rows of trees in the walnut groves characterize the landscape around Sainte-Croix, which becomes particularly lively during the walnut harvest in autumn. The Vercors Regional Natural Park was established in 1970 and brings together 85 municipalities, including Sainte-Croix, in joint projects.
Things to Do
Several hikes lasting two to four hours start from Sainte-Croix. Several loop routes for cycling or mountain biking pass through Sainte-Croix or its immediate surroundings.
At the Ancien Monastère, a forest trail forms a 35- to 45-minute loop through a varied woodland landscape. The Ramiat Route leads to the Ramiat ridge and offers panoramic views over the Diois.
The Ramiat Route can be reached via the D93 and then the D129 to Sainte-Croix; there is a car park at the entrance to the village. Sainte-Croix lies on the Sentier des Pas des Huguenots and the Lavender Routes.
History and Culture
Sainte-Croix has vineyard huts that were used to store tools, as small shelters, and for keeping pigeons.
The Eglise-Temple of Sainte-Croix is part of a former 11th-century abbey around which the village developed. Since 1805, it has combined a Protestant nave with a Catholic choir and Catholic apses. The building can be visited free of charge after contacting the town hall in advance.
Three towers were built on Mont Quint in the 11th century; they were destroyed in 1581 during the Wars of Religion, and significant ruins still remain there today.
Festiwild returns to the Ancien Monastère de Sainte-Croix as a three-day festival dedicated to the relationship between people and nature.
Wine and Agriculture
The Clairette and Muscat grape varieties are grown in Sainte-Croix and are combined to produce Clairette de Die. Domaine Achard-Vincent offers tastings and sells organic Clairette de Die and organic Crémant de Die.
Other places: Saint-Marcel-lès-Valence, Cléon-D'andran, Aulan, Pont-De-Barret, Mirmande, Crest, Les Granges-Gontardes, Eurre
