A must: Grignan and its countryside
Grignan: an island of architecture in an ocean of greenery.
Surrounded by an ocean of greenery or lavender in bloom, depending on the season, Grignan is set high above sea level, spreading out around the impressive and elegant château . You'll love getting lost in the narrow streets , which you'll have to climb by the strength of your calves. To find out more about Grignan, read our article here.
Grignan and its château as seen on arrival. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme
But also the villages around Grignan
It's a real pleasure to discover small villages like Chantemerle-Lès-Grignan, Malataverne, la Baume de Transit, Rochegude, les Granges Gontardes, Pierrelatte or Valaurie, which boast delightful little streets, houses (many of them second homes) and plenty of photo opportunities.
Saint Michel de la Garde Adhémar church on its limestone rock. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme
Don't miss La Garde-Adhémar, perched on its promontory with an incredible view of the Vivarais mountains and the Rhône Valley. The little streets, the "calades", offer a lovely stroll before discovering the church of Saint Michel, which dates back to the 12th century. At the foot of the church, you'll find a lovely garden (listed as a remarkable garden) that's a delight for botany enthusiasts. It's very educational. Further afield (2 km from the village), the Val des Nymphes site is steeped in mystery, and it will surprise no-one to learn that long before the Christians, the goddesses were already being prayed to here. The Prieuré church is a treasure trove of Provençal Romanesque art, beautifully reflected in the water.
The remarkable garden at La Garde-Adhémar. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme.
Links
Saint Paul Trois Châteaux.
Don't miss Saint Paul Trois Châteaux. The town is well worth a visit (fortified gateway, town houses, church...) and the food is excellent. And since we're in truffle country, we might as well make the most of it! So there are plenty of restaurants in Saint Paul (and in the surrounding villages, for that matter), boutiques, some of them really original, and a few cafés for a drink in the sun.) And don't forget to get lost in the little streets - you'll be in for some nice surprises.
Links :
Drôme Sud Provence and all the information about Saint Paul Trois Châteaux.
Nyons and surroundings
Nyons, a pretty town in a beautiful valley sheltered from the wind
Nyons and its bridge. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme
On the left bank of the Eygues, near the ancient bridge that made its fortune, known as the Pont Romain , but which actually dates back to 1409. It culminates at 18 meters above the river and its arch is over 40 meters wide. The little streets are lovely. Pass through ancient gates, and climb up to the astonishing Tour Randonne, built around 1280, remodeled in the 18th century and topped by a curious bell tower in 1862. The Thursday Provencal market is a great place to discover (real) local produce. Around Nyons , in the hills above the town, you'll find a number of charming gites with magnificent views of the town and mountains.
the Tour Randonne in Nyons. Photo chosen by Monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme
The streets of Nyons sometimes offer a kind of journey back in time. In particular, you may come across stores that you don't see at all these days, seemingly frozen in the past. They too are worth a detour, especially as they are still in business, like this cobbler with a very good reputation whose facade is a must-see, no? Thursday's Provencal market is a great place to discover (real) local produce.
Links
The Nyons tourist office offers easy-to-use maps (for example, to find out what to see in Drôme Provençale) and footpaths classified by level and by "shade" if the sun is too strong. The welcome is great and you'll get excellent advice. We highly recommend it.
The big surprise: Sahune.
Sahune church ruins / Photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme
Sahune, on the road to Montbrun les bains, is a village you'd pass through without paying much attention if a small sign didn't tell you it was an "old village" . And yet it would be a shame to miss the pleasure of climbing up to discover a village abandoned at the beginning of the 20th century, when people moved down to live in the valley because it was easier and there was work to be found. Beautiful ruins remain from the village's past, including those of the church, and the commune has set up photo panels to tell you all about the village of yesteryear. As you explore the ruins, there's also a great botanical trail where you can learn about local plants and their names. If you've been to the Luberon, this place will remind you of Oppède le Vieux. Not to be missed, even if it is rather poorly signposted. It would be a shame to miss out on this magnificent place and the fruit of so much hard work (the place is well maintained and enhanced).
Discovering the history of the village of Sahune / photo selected by monsieurdefrance.com: Jérôme Prod'homme
Also to be seen: Parc Naturel des Baronnies Provençales, Montbrun les bains...
The Parc Naturel Régional des baronnies provençales, with its twists and turns, gorges and gorges, offers so many wonderful discoveries and photoopportunities. Nature is often presented through useful, unobtrusive signs. Montbrun Les Bains is well worth a visit for its architecture, and you can treat yourself to a spa treatment if you want to take some time for your body too. Of course, we're at the foot, on the north side, of the famous Mont Ventoux, a must for any seasoned cyclist.
In the Parc Naturel Régional des Baronnies Provençales / Photo chosen by monsieurdefrance.Com: Jérôme Prod'homme
Gourmet delights in Drôme Provençale
This is, of course, the land of olives, in particular the famous Nyons black olives (A.O.P), which you can enjoy as an aperitif with a good local wine, since we're in the Côtes du Rhône and you can taste Hermitage, Croze Hermitage and Vinsobre (all three have Protected Designations of Origin). The bread is also very good, especially at the Nyons market.
Geo info links
Drôme Provençale is located in the Drôme department (Montélimar, Valence, Nyons...) 2H00 from Lyon, 6H45 from Paris via the A7. There are train stations at Pierrelattes and Montélimar, the closest to Grignan and Nyons.
You can also continue on to the Luberon, which is notfar away .
