4.6
(38)
885
runners
46
runs
Jogging around Crest offers diverse routes through varied natural features. The town is situated on the banks of the Drôme River, providing accessible paths along its water. Surrounding Crest are hilly terrains and ridges, offering rewarding experiences with panoramic views over the Drôme Valley and towards the Vercors mountains. Its location near the Regional Natural Park of Vercors also provides access to a rich tapestry of environments for runners.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
10
runners
4.60km
00:40
160m
160m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
3.9
(12)
104
runners
9.47km
01:01
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3.3
(3)
110
runners
19.4km
02:34
600m
600m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
2.0
(1)
66
runners
13.8km
01:36
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
26
runners
12.9km
01:31
250m
250m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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Crest Castle is the ruin of a hilltop castle above the southern French commune of Crest in the Drôme department. Its preserved keep, at 52 meters high, is probably the highest in France and has been listed as a historical monument since June 1877. Crest Castle was built in several phases from the 10th century to the second half of the 14th century. It was owned by the French crown from 1419 onwards. Louis XIII had it demolished in 1633, with the exception of the keep, which still stands today. The tower then served as a prison until the mid-19th century. In 1988, the commune of Crest acquired it from the French state. The tower has a floor area of 20 by 32 meters and a height of 52 meters. Portcullises, defensive bay windows, and loopholes bear witness to its past as a medieval fortification. The tower has 15 rooms, which were used as living quarters in the Middle Ages and as prison cells after 1633. Numerous graffiti date from this period, including those by Protestants imprisoned there. Source: Wikipedia A tour of the tower is open to the public. The current cost is €10 per adult. The bravest can abseil down the tower's east wall from a height of 42 meters, but this wasn't possible during our visit, presumably due to a lack of tourists.
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The Grand’Rue de Crest, the main artery of the city, is punctuated by the characteristic facades of buildings and mansions built between the Renaissance and the 19th century. Note: the figures of the Seven Deadly Sins on the listed facade of the Maison de la Tour du Pin. The majestic Tour de Crest, the highest keep in France, overlooks the city from a height of 52 meters. A former fortress then a state prison, the Tower bears unique witness to medieval times and prison life.
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Pretty views of the river Drome and the valley in both directions, with the tower of Crest visible above the town in a third direction. The bridge has a specific pedestrian/cycle path with seating all the way along it so you can have a good view of the river while catching your breath.
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Crest is a small town in the Drôme Valley. It is the gateway to the Vercors from the west.
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This path offers a beautiful course on the heights of Crest. The views of the surrounding fields and mountains are stunning as you run along the ridge line.
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Komoot offers a selection of over 45 running routes around Crest, catering to various fitness levels and preferences. These include easy riverside paths, moderate loops, and more challenging trails with significant elevation gain.
Yes, Crest offers several easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. For instance, the Drôme loop from Crest is a moderate 7.3 km trail along the Drôme River banks, providing a tranquil experience with minimal elevation.
Many of the running routes around Crest are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. Examples include the popular The Rocks and the Tower of Crest - running loop and the longer The Drôme – Crest Tower loop from Crest, which combines riverside sections with views of the iconic tower.
Jogging routes in Crest offer diverse and stunning scenery. You can enjoy tranquil paths along the Drôme River, panoramic views over the Drôme Valley, the Vercors mountains, and the Forêt de Saoû from hilly terrains and ridges. Routes like The Crest Ridges – Crest Tower loop from Crest provide excellent vistas.
While specific routes are not explicitly marked as 'dog-friendly' in the data, many natural trails along the Drôme River and in the surrounding hills are generally suitable for running with dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and local regulations are followed. Always ensure your dog is well-behaved and that you clean up after them.
For families, the flatter, more accessible paths along the Drôme River are ideal. The Drôme loop from Crest is a moderate 7.3 km trail that offers a pleasant and relatively easy experience for all ages, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of the riverbanks.
Yes, several routes incorporate historical landmarks. The iconic Tower of Crest, the highest medieval keep in France, is a prominent feature. Routes such as The Rocks and the Tower of Crest - running loop and The Drôme – Crest Tower loop from Crest offer views of this historic structure. You can also explore the old town's narrow streets as part of some discovery circuits.
The running routes in Crest are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from around 30 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse terrain, the beautiful riverside paths, and the rewarding panoramic views from the ridges, especially those overlooking the Vercors mountains.
Absolutely. For experienced runners seeking a challenge, Crest offers longer and more difficult routes. The Ancient Feudal Village – Crest ridges loop from Crest is a demanding 43.6 km trail with significant elevation gain, providing an extensive and rewarding experience through varied landscapes.
The running experience in Crest is defined by its diverse natural features. The Drôme River provides accessible and scenic paths along its banks. Hilly terrains and ridges offer challenging runs with panoramic views. The town's proximity to the Regional Natural Park of Vercors and the Forêt de Saoû also provides access to a rich tapestry of environments, from riverside trails to forest paths.
Yes, beyond the Crest Tower, you can explore several natural attractions. Highlights include The Drôme at Crest for riverside beauty, and viewpoints like Point de vue des Lèches, View of the Gervanne Valley, and View of Roche Colombe and Lavender Fields for breathtaking vistas. The Ramières Ponds also offer a serene natural setting.
The terrain for jogging around Crest is quite varied. You'll find relatively flat and accessible paths along the Drôme River, as well as more challenging hilly sections and ridges with significant elevation changes. Some routes feature mostly paved surfaces, while others delve into more natural, unpaved trails through forests and open landscapes.


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