I spent a week in Drôme Sud Provence, in the South of France, back in October. It’s a stunning region, and there’s so much here to see! This is the quintessential French countryside, with charming villages and rolling hills, dotted with vineyards. Here’s my guide on the best places to visit in Drôme!
The Best Places to Visit in Drôme Sud Provence
La Garde-Adhémar
I’m slightly biased, as La Garde-Adhémar was my base for my week in Drôme Sud Provence. This is a beautiful hilltop village, one of the Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (Most Beautiful Villages in France) and my favorite place in Drôme. The village is small, with a 12th-century church, an herb garden, a few restaurants, a small village shop, and plenty of charming cobblestone streets. The views from the church are especially stunning – I loved watching the sunset here! While there’s not many attractions to tick off, this is a wonderful place to just be.
Val des Nymphs
This Romanesque chapel, just a short distance from La Garde-Adhémar, is full of intrigue. It was originally an ancient pagan site, dedicated to the goddesses of water and fertility – there are permanent springs in the area which make this a logical location. The remaining structure dates back to the 12th century, and there’s a uniquely designed fountain at the site.
Montélimar
Another pretty town in Drôme, Montélimar is known as the Capital of Nougat. There’s plenty of spots around the town to sample the tasty treat! The main attraction is Montelimar Castle, overlooking the city – there are excellent views from the walk along the castle ramparts. The Romanesque chapel shouldn’t be missed on a trip here.
Grignan
Grignan is yet another gorgeous town in Drôme, with pretty cobblestone streets and a tranquil, charming atmosphere. But the real showstopper here is Grignan Castle, an impressive Renaissance palace built into the rocky mound above town. You can see for miles from the castle terrace – and the history here is fascinating. It was originally a 12th-century fortified castle, turned into a fortress, and then transformed into a Renaissance palace by the Adhémars, the rulers of Grignan. It was damaged during the French Revolution, but subsequently restored since the 20th century. This is a real highlight to see in Drôme, so don’t miss it!
Valence
Valence is a large city, known as the gateway to the South of France. It’s just an hour south from Lyon, giving easy access to Provence. Step back in time at the Cathedral Saint Apollinaire (a Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 11th century) and the Maison des Têtes, a 16th-century house built by university professor Antoine de Dorne. Stroll along the Champ de Mars, a sprawling esplanade and park, and look for more historic monuments in Vieux Valence.
Pierrelatte
This city is home to three main heritage sites: a windmill built in 1839, the Museum of Achaeology, Paleontology, and Mineralogy, and a captivating miniature village. Next to town is Pierrelatte Rock, a former quarry now transformed into an open-air concert venue. This is a great place to base yourself in Drôme if you don’t have a car, as it’s central and the train station has direct trains to Lyon and Marseille.
Suze-la-Rousse Castle
Another imposing castle, Suze-la-Rousse Castle was built as a medieval fortress and transformed in later years to a Renaissance palace. Since 1978, it has housed the University of Wine, an internationally renowned school which offers training courses. Explore the history and viticulture of the area, all in one place!
Drôme’s Wineries
Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to France without sampling some vino. There are a number of wineries around Drôme that offer tastings. Les Domaines Aubert, a family-owned vineyard, is conveniently located close to Pierrelatte and Montélimar. Vinsobraise has activities on throughout the year, in a beautiful setting. Domaine de la Bouvaude is another highly rated winery in Drôme which also hosts special events. Be sure to designate a driver if touring wineries!
What to See Outside Drôme Sud Provence
Trogladyte Village of Barry
Just across the Drôme border, you’ll find the Trogladyte Village of Barry in the Vacluse region. This is a fascinating place to explore – it’s village of caves and buildings built into the rocky hill. The houses were continuously inhabited from the Neolithic period (as far as historians can tell) up until the early 1900s, when the final resident left. You can do a short hike through the surrounding countryside to get here. Construction has begun to create a visitor experience here, which is exciting!
Bourg Saint-Andéol
This charming town is located on the Rhône in Ardèche, with a stunning view of the pretty buildings as you drive across the bridge. Don’t miss a visit to the Bishop’s Palace, it has an impressive 100 rooms, recently restored painted decorations, and an amazing view over the river. Be sure to check out the peaceful St. Andéol’s Church, a large Romanesque church – you can make a booking to climb to the top of the tower in July and August.
Viviers
Located in Ardèche, Viviers is a stunning village that you can’t miss when visiting the Drome region. You’ll want to head to the beautiful Cathedral of Saint-Vincent first, then see the magnificent view over the village from near the Tour de Châteauvieux. Stop by the House of the Chevaliers, with its intricate façade, then take time to stroll around the charming streets of the Old Town, complete with picturesque passageways and historic buildings.
Gorges de l’Ardèche
The Gorges de l’Ardèche are one of the main attractions in this part of Southern France, and can’t be missed if you’re traveling the area. The canyon is 32km long, with high cliffs flanking either side of the river at the bottom. This is a super popular area for hiking, canoeing, and camping – the scenery here really is spectacular. There are 11 viewpoints along this 29km panoramic route, but the most unique is definitely the Pont d’Arc, a natural arch spanning the river.
Planning Your Trip to Drôme Sud Provence
Drôme is located in the South of France, between Lyon and Marseille. Either of these airports will be convenient for flying, with public transport available into the area. I always use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. It’s much easier to travel around the region with your own set of wheels. There are train stations and a bus network, but it’s limited and not necessarily frequent. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Where to Stay in Drôme Sud Provence
I highly recommend staying in La Garde-Adhémar if you’re visiting Drôme. I felt like a princess, staying in a village on a hill, surrounded by history! The gîte (holiday house) where I stayed wasn’t necessarily somewhere I’d recommend because of how uncomfortable the bed was, but there are other places in and around the village that look amazing.
- LA GARDE ADHEMAR, L’escalier Médiéval – a gorgeous one-bedroom apartment in the heart of the medieval village, with welcoming hosts
- Mas Bella Cortis – just outside of the village on the way to the Val des Nymphs, this bed and breakfast has cozy rooms, a pretty terrace, and an outdoor swimming pool
- Les Esplanes – this property offers a unique stay in Drôme Sud Provence, in bubble rooms; the bed and breakfast is in an older farmhouse outside of La Garde-Adhémar and boasts an outdoor swimming pool
Use the map below to search more accommodation in the area!
I loved my trip to Drôme – this is a magnificent part of the South of France to explore. With charming hilltop villages, historic castles, and pretty countryside views, there’s plenty to see and do here. It’s easy to get to attractions in neighboring regions like Ardèche, and it’s a fairly quiet region compared to other tourist-heavy spots in Provence. I hope this post helps planning your trip to Drôme Sud Provence!
Apologies for any language/transliteration errors on the site – I know just a little French!
Have you visited Drôme Sud Provence? Where were your favorite places?
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