Top 10 family walks around Valence/Romans
There are some beautiful walks and family rambles on offer around Valence and Romans. But we know what kids are like! They can be... hard to please. Children need easy, accessible walks that aren’t too long. So here are our Top 10 child- and family-friendly walks and rambles for everyone – from beginners to die-hard walkers!
1. Chabeuil discovery walk
Chabeuil is a picture-postcard pretty village east of Valence. This walk takes you to all the best bits: the neogothic Town Hall built in 1877, the Monumental Gateway and the Church of St John the Baptist , containing a painting of the Virgin Mary donated by Napoleon III (whose face is modelled on his wife, the Empress Eugénie).
2. Lorient Park
Popular with the locals, Lorient Park is a great place to take time out and enjoy a family walk, the orienteering course or a morning run. This vast urban park in Montéléger, just south of Valence, covers no less than 17 hectares (42 acres)! On the lovely 1.5km walk around the park you can stop off at the riverside and play ball games with the children.
3. Beauvallon discovery trail
Beauvallon, a little town sandwiched between Etoile-sur-Rhône and Montéléger, not far from Valence, grew up around its ancient castle. This trail includes 11 stopping points where you scan the QR codes to read about the local history and heritage. All along the 1.2km walk, you’ll find information boards explaining different buildings, places and the people who lived here.
4. The Bois des Naix
The Bois des Naix is beautiful 12-hectare green space right in the middle of the town. Boasting mature trees and hundreds of varieties of shrubs, flowers and aquatic plants, this park is the perfect place to spend time with the kids. And through it all runs the little Charlieu River, which you can follow to where it meets the mighty Isère, for a lovely view of the tranquil riverside. The 5km footpath explores the Vallée des Fleurs, taking you past the garden of aquatic plants and under hundred-year-old plane trees. People come here for fresh air, to chill out, walk, run and relax... In short, to take time out and indulge in a moment of pure happiness! There is also a fitness trail, wooden children’s playground and an orienteering trail here.
Top tip: you can also join the ‘In the Frame’ walk here – great fun for all the family!
5. Châteauneuf sur Isère
This short walk explores the area around Châteauneuf-sur-Isère, with some of the route following quiet tarmac roads. Along the way, you’ll see the Chapel and Church of Saint Hugues, the famous cave dwellings, and lots more besides. A great way to take in the sights and sounds of Châteauneuf-sur-Isère!
6. The canals of Valence
There’s a choice of two walks exploring the canals, a must-see right in the heart of Valence. The first route, The canals of L’Épervière
, takes you through three parks: Parc des Trinitaires
, Parc l’Épervière (and the marina) and Parc Jouvet. Alternatively, on the canals of Châteauvert
route, you’ll see the Fontaine des Malcontents, Parc Châteauvert and Canal de la Grande Marquise.
Route guide available from Valence Tourist Office, or here:
7. Walk along the River Rhône
You’ll love this stroll along the Rhône riverside, taking in the marina. Along the way, you’ll pass the wreck of the grounded boat – a local landmark by the marina.
8. Montrigaud walking circuit
Montrigaud lies to the north of the Romans-Valence conurbation. This easy walk of around 6 km, which starts from the hamlet of Le Bourg on the Saint-Christophe-et-le-Laris road, is perfect for a Sunday afternoon.
9. A walk at Eymeux
This walk runs between the River Isère and the Canal de la Bourne, taking in the Chapelle Sainte-Béatrix at Eymeux , standing on a promontory overlooking the Isère that rewards you with an incredible panorama of the Vercors .
10. In the footsteps of the Pellafols
Is this a walk? Yes and no – it’s certainly an entertaining way to get the kids out walking at Barbières! With the illustrated leaflet available from the Tourist Office, they can follow a fun route, answering questions and taking challenges along the way.
