Drôme (number 26) is a department in South East France within the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It borders the dramatic gorges and slopes of the Ardèche to the West and the lavender-filled fields and pretty hilltop villages of Provence to the South. It is also adjacent to the departments of Isère, Hautes-Alpes and Vaucluse. The Vercors Regional Natural Park, which is often referred to as the pre-Alps and is in fact the lower altitude western edge of the Alps, stretches across both Drôme and neighbouring Isère. Characterised by its beautiful countryside and lack of big towns and cities, Drôme is an ideal destination for those who enjoy natural environments and the outdoor life. In winter, cross-country skiing is a popular pastime and summer activities include mountain biking, hiking through the Saoü Forest and kayaking on the Drôme River, which gives this part of France its name.
Geographic Context
The area is within easy reach of Switzerland and Italy and the nearest major French city is Lyon. Western Drome is the most populated part of the department and is served by the A7 autoroute and the rail networks of the LGV Rhône-Alpes, LGV Méditerranée and Valence TGV. Just like its neighbour Provence, Drôme boasts some beautiful hillside towns and villages. One of the most notable is the town of Crest with its Medieval castle and steep, winding streets.
Charming Villages of Drôme
To the west of Crest lies the pretty village of Mirmande with cobbled lanes and spectacular views across the Drôme countryside. Mirmande has been named one of the most beautiful villages in France as have fellow Drôme villages La Garde-Adhemar, Le Poet-Laval and Montbrun-les-Bains. Other villages worth exploring include Cliousclat, Pontaix, Chatillon-en-Diois, Saillans and Montclar.
Montélimar - The Nougat Capital
One of the most famous towns in Drôme is Montelimar, which is renowned for its nougat. Tourists have stopped here for centuries to buy the local delicacy and the Nougat of Montelimar is even mentioned in a Beatles song in the White Album (Savoy Truffle).
Gateway to the South
Montelimar is the second largest town in Drôme, the largest being Valence, which is the capital of the department and lies about 100km south of Lyon. Valence is frequently referred to as the door to the South of France and is a very pleasant town to walk around with canals running through it and pedestrianised streets. One of Valence’s most popular attractions is Jouvet Park, which has hundreds of rare trees, an animal park and a miniature railway.
Key Information about the Drôme
- Main City/Prefecture: Valence
- Nearest Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (approx. 100 km)
- Population: Around 525,000 (as of the latest census)
- Area: 6,530 sq. kilometres and 2,521 sq. miles
- Landmark: Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval, an extraordinary handcrafted palace built by a postman.
- Number of Tourists per Year: Approx. 2.5 million, drawn by its lavender fields, charming villages and outdoor activities.
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