The best walks and hikes around Dieulefit

Beautiful village with a beautiful market.

Le petit mont dans la vallée, the small mountain in the valley. That is what the name of Le Poët-Laval means. In the Middle Ages, the fate of the village was closely linked to the Order of Malta. The religious connection became a problem with the Reformation. Conflicts arose between Catholics and Protestants. In the end, Protestants had to choose between giving up their religion and moving away. They chose the latter, as religion was more important. This started a trend in the history of Le Poët-Laval. Depopulation occurred. A further wave began around 1850. The second district of Gougne in the valley on the Jabron experienced a boom. The train station was also located there. The old village center gradually fell into disrepair. It was not until the 20th century that the trend reversed. The old town became an artists' colony. This, and the founding of the Association des Amis du Vieux Poët-Laval, the Friends of Old Poët-Laval, brought new life and the preservation of the old town. Part 13 of the Petit Train du Picodon bike tour.

I have taken note.

A historically interesting place that is worth a visit.

A small, medieval village that immediately captivates you with its romantic and picturesque atmosphere. A visit is highly recommended.

Perched on a hill overlooking the Jabron valley, this village, listed among the most beautiful villages in France, can be seen from afar from the road from Dieulefit to Montélimar. To get there, you will have to climb a small, very steep road on both sides, whether you come from the east or the west. In the 12th century, the order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem (which later became the Order of Malta) decided to establish a commandery on this hill and built a castle and its keep at the top of the village. In this era of crusades, the place served as a stopover and refuge for pilgrims heading to the Holy Land. Like any medieval village, its history is rich and the imprint of wars is very present. Marked by significant damage during the wars of religion, the village was gradually abandoned by the commanders who settled in Montélimar. This departure marked the decline of the site, which eventually transformed into a ghost village. It was from the 1920s that its rehabilitation began, and the restoration of the buildings brought a second life to this village which has managed to retain its former appearance. One of the buildings houses a museum of Dauphiné Protestantism, which has left a lasting mark on the region's history.

The village of Poët-Laval is a charming town known for its medieval history, its picturesque streets and its peaceful atmosphere. It provides a picturesque setting for visitors with its old stone houses and surrounding natural landscapes.

The Castle of the Hospitallers is an iconic medieval fortress, once occupied by the order of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. It is renowned for its imposing defensive architecture and its history linked to the Crusades.