The Drôme is known for its varied landscapes, perched villages, and gastronomic products. The Vercors Regional Natural Park is a must-visit.
The Department of Drôme, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France, offers a variety of tourist activities ranging from gastronomy to heritage and outdoor activities. Here is a list categorized by type:
Gastronomy
1. Wine tasting: Drôme is famous for its wines, particularly those from the Rhone Valley. Visit vineyards such as Tain-l'Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph.
2. Local markets: Explore local markets in Valence, Nyons, or Die to discover products like Nyons olives, truffles, and cheeses.
3. Gastronomic restaurants: Enjoy local cuisine in starred restaurants or traditional inns.
4. Visit the Truffe et Tricastin House: Learn about black truffle, a hallmark product of the region.
Heritage
1. Grignan Castle: A magnificently restored medieval castle famous for its gardens and history.
2. Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval: A unique and fantastical architectural work built by a postman at the beginning of the 20th century.
3. Perched villages: Visit picturesque villages such as La Garde-Adhémar, Mirmande, and Le Poët-Laval.
4. Valence Cathedral: An outstanding example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
5. Museum of Resistance and Deportation of Drôme: An important memorial site located in Romans-sur-Isère.
Outdoor activities
1. Hiking: Explore hiking trails in the Regional Natural Park of Vercors, Baronnies massif, or Diois.
2. Cycling: Ride ViaRhôna, a cycling route along the Rhone, or explore country roads.
3. Water sports: Practice canoeing, rafting, or swimming in rivers and lakes like the Drôme or Lake Monteynard of the region.
4. Climbing: Enjoy numerous cliffs and climbing sites in Vercors and Baronnies.
Culture and events
1. Festivals: Participate in festivals such as the Correspondance Festival in Grignan or the Hay Festival in Corrençon-en-Vercors.
2. Museums: Visit the Valence Museum, the Prehistory Museum of the Gorges de l'Ardèche, or the Museum of Resistance and Deportation of Drôme.
3. Theatre and shows: Attend performances at venues such as the Valence City Theatre or the Croix-Rousse Theatre in Lyon (near Drôme).
Other must-see activities
1. Visit the Crocodiles Farm: A unique zoo located in Pierrelatte.
2. Industrial tourism: Discover the Valrhona Chocolate City in Tain-l'Hermitage.
3. Thermalism: Enjoy the benefits of thermal waters in Montélimar or Die.
The Drôme offers a rich diversity of activities for all tastes, whether you are a gastronomy enthusiast, heritage lover, or nature lover.