Located in the southern part of the Rhone-Alpes region, the departement of Drome is a popular day trip destination for those staying a short distance away on the Cote d'Azur. Home to many of the typical Provencal industries, such as vineyards and lavender fields, the region is also well known for some other, more surprising exports. Pretty hilltop villages can be found throughout the region, while the main towns of Montelimar and Valence have some fine examples of historical architecture, dating from medieval times, as well as pleasant areas to enjoy the Provence sunshine.
The pretty town of Valence has an interesting old town, with narrow shopping streets, an impressive fine arts museum and plenty of open areas, such as the Jouvet Park and the Champ de Mars Square. This main square is home to the Bandstand of Peynet's Lovers, a 19th century structure that features in a famous painting by the French artist Raymond Peynet. To the north of Valence is the smaller town of Romans-sur-Isere, which as well as being a pleasant small community, is sure to be high on every woman's list of places to visit. Many of the most famous French shoe designers have factories and stores in what is little more than a village. Even husbands might find the International Shoe Museum mildly interesting, but they might prefer to find a bar to relax in while their wives head for the factory outlets.
Montelimar is probably most famous for the nougat sweet that bears it's name; just one of the unusual delicacies that originate in this area of France, such as Nyon olive oil and the many Drome vineyards. The candy is still made in the town today and many of the smaller factories offer visitors tours round the shop floor – and a free sample of their produce, of course. The town itself is a fairly typical Provencal town, with narrow pedestrianised streets, open squares and pavement cafes.
Head into the mountains towards the east and you enter a region of hills, open spaces and villages perched on cliff tops, rather than the rolling Provencal hills you might find in the west. The Vercors Regional Nature Park is one of the most popular areas in Drome for walkers, with its walking trails and winding roads that take visitors past caves, deep abysses, waterfalls and huge cliffs. The area's caves were used by the French Resistance in World War II as a hiding place and when you are walking round this remote and exposed region it is easy to see why.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Drome? Then below is a selection of gites in Drome and villas in Drome that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
