Roynac is tucked away at the edge of the plain. The church, with its triangular pediment like that of a Greek temple, overlooks the communal wash-house, which has recently been restored.
Old vaulted passages lead in to the houses. Hundred-year-old plane trees surround the squares.
But don't be deceived. This is, in fact, a “new” village. The old one is on the nearby hill, where a steeple can be seen marking the spot.
At its feet are spread out the ruins of fifty or so mediaeval houses. It's worth going up to have a look. A diagram setting out the features of the horizon allows you to pick out all the peaks that surround the Marsanne region.
To see this impressive panorama, take the road which runs alongside the lower church. After several hundred metres, in the woods, a notice reading “table d'orientation” signposts the path to take on the right. The climb is quite steep at the beginning but your efforts will be well rewarded.