Pont-en-Royans, Medieval commune in Isère, France
Pont-en-Royans is a commune at the gateway to the Vercors Regional Natural Park where the Bourne and Vernaison rivers converge at approximately 210 meters elevation. Houses in the settlement extend directly into the cliff faces along these river courses.
In the sixteenth century, local residents built multi-level houses directly into the cliff faces along the Bourne river. This distinctive construction approach emerged from the need to create living spaces in this mountainous terrain.
The Water Museum showcases an international collection of around 900 different water bottles and teaches visitors about water resources through interactive displays and demonstrations.
The best time to explore is during fair weather, as the rock paths and walkways can become slippery. The settlement is easily navigable on foot and offers several natural rest spots overlooking the rivers.
The houses rest on wooden beams and stone foundations integrated directly into the natural rock formations. This unusual construction method allows them to overhang the river and nearly touch the water below.
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