A Visit to the Medieval Village of Crest

Michelin has published a book called Les 100 "Plus Beaux Detours" de France (The 100 Most Beautiful Detours in France).  It's a great book; each of the 100 villages has its own page with picture, short explanation of why it's in the book, and basic information such as where the tourist office is, facilities available,etc. as well as a small map of the village.  Perfect for people like us who enjoy daytrips.  Crest is one of those 100 villages and is only about 1hour and 45 minutes  away using the autoroute.  So off we went!



Showing part of the village with Anna in the foreground.

The village of Crest is very picturesque with lots of narrow "streets" and many medieval and renaissance houses. The Tourist Office actually has written information about self-guided tours. (So many things to do - so little time!) There is also evidence of a settlement going back to Neolithic times. And, of course, the Romans were there. In fact workers discovered evidence of a Gallo-Roman Inn (3rd century) when they were working on the TGV (fast train) line near here.

David took these two panoramic views of Crest and the countryside.


However, Crest's main claim to fame is its tower.  It is actually a castle keep and all that remains of a grand medieval fortress.  It is also the tallest castle tower in France at 52 meters (around 159 feet).  The fortress was built around 1145, and the castle and village were claimed by both Bishop of Die and the Count of Valentinois (part of the Poitier family).The Count's family prevailed, and the last Count in the line gave city and castle to the King of France in the 15th century.  Various Kings actually "gave" them to other families like the Grimaldis (Prince of Monaco) from time to time.  Finally, Louis XIII (in the 17th century) became nervous about the fortress and had all but the tower destroyed.  The tower was turned into a prison and remained one until the 20th century.

View of tower from the village below.

David took this near the top of the tower.

And, like so many of these lovely, old villages, Crest remains a vibrant town with over 8000 inhabitants, and plenty of shops and restaurants.  We enjoyed a delightful, leisurely lunch under an arbor near the center of the village.  As usual, we seemed to be the only Americans around.


Lunch al fresco.

 A pleasant day exploring another lovely village.