Guide to Drôme & Property for Sale in Department 26

Drôme (number 26) is a department in Southeastern 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 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 the 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, with Valence being the largest, which serves as the capital of the department and lies approximately 100km south of Lyon. Valence is often referred to as the door to the South of France and is a very pleasant town to explore, 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 (26)

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.

Why Buy a Property in the Drôme?

Swept in golden sunlight and surrounded by rolling vineyards, lavender fields, and hilltop villages, the Drôme embodies the finest of southern French lifestyle. Here, classic Provençal charm blends seamlessly with refined modern amenities.

Property Types in the Drôme

Whether it's charming restored stone farmhouses, stylish villas with pools, a character mansion with views or a convenient pied-à-terre in town, this region is ideal for those seeking a peaceful rural escape, a vineyard estate, or a city lock-up-and-leave.

Most Common Types of Properties

Provençal Country Mas: These iconic ochre-stone houses with blue shutters are a hallmark of the region. Full of rustic charm, they often come with generous gardens and shaded terraces.
Farmhouses to Renovate: Ideal for buyers looking to blend modern living with authentic rural character.
Village Houses: Located in the heart of picturesque villages, these older homes combine history, conviviality and local charm.
Villas with Pools: Elegant and modern, these properties are designed to make the most of the region’s sunny climate, often with spacious terraces and landscaped gardens.
Apartments: Contemporary apartments in vibrant urban centres such as Valence and Montélimar offer a practical lifestyle with easy access to shops, restaurants, and transport.
Exceptional Properties: The Drôme also boasts unique estates, from bastides and tastefully renovated farmhouses to prestigious châteaux and vineyard properties.

Average Property Prices in the Drôme (26) in 2025

Houses: the average price per sq. metre: €2,440 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
Apartments: average price per sq. metre: €2,284 (source: Le Figaro - October 2025)
Price trends: -4% over the last 12 months, +26% over the last 5 years (Le Figaro)

2025 House Prices in the Main Towns in the Drôme

Average House Price near Valence: €2,531 per sq. metre
Average House Price near Montelimar: €2,346 per sq. metre
Average House Price near Romans-sur-Isère: €2,152 per sq. metre

(source: Le Figaro - October 2025)

Find Your Dream Lifestyle in Drôme Provençale

Provençal Charm at a Lower Cost: Located between the Luberon and the Rhône-Valley, Drôme Provençale has stone farmhouses (mas), lavender estates, and hilltop villages, often 30–40% cheaper than Vaucluse or the Riviera.
Rental Income Potential: Tourists drawn to villages perchés and truffle markets help properties generate 5–9% annual yields, especially for holiday rentals near Nyons or Dieulefit, where rural retreats and wellness tourism grow.
Good Accessibility: Montélimar TGV (2h40m to Paris), Avignon Airport (1h), and the A7 motorway make the region accessible for second-home owners and weekend visitors. Its proximity to Provence and the Alps offers great exploration opportunities.
Mediterranean Climate: Enjoy over 300 days of sunshine, hot summers (30°C+), ideal for lavender harvesting, and mild winters (around 5°C).
Authentic Lifestyle: A region rich in tradition with olive oil and truffle festivals, wine estates, and historic bories (stone huts). Life combines slow living, gastronomy, and community spirit.