Advice

We'd like to digress for a moment to introduce you to all the other points of interest that we weren't able to include in our itinerary. For those who want a bit of freshness while staying in Valence, head for the south of the city, to the Trinitaires park, which runs alongside the Rhône. If you walk alongside the park, you'll get to the Epervière park, which offers 7 hectares of nature and a pretty marina for a pleasant walk. If you're staying in the area for a while, I recommend paying a visit to the village of Chabeuil, around fifteen kilometers away from the town center. It's an ancient medieval hillside town with beautiful heritage. Another village not to be missed in the region is Mirmande. Classified as one of France's most beautiful villages, it is an impressive hilltop village with well-preserved medieval streets. Closer, and just as historic, are the ruins of the Crussol Castle, built in the 12th century. The castle dominates the Rhône Valley, offering magnificent views over the surrounding area. To continue your visit of the region, you can also opt to discover the “Cave Thaïs”, located at the gateway to the Vercors. You'll explore an exceptional underground landscape, accompanied by a guide who will tell you all about the site! A 45-minute drive away from Valence, you'll find France's highest keep: the Tour de Crest. At 52 metres, it offers superb views of the surrounding area, both of the Vercors peaks and the Ardèche mountains. This former fortress, which became a prison was classified as historic monument in 1877. It is now open to visitors, allowing them to discover an extraordinary medieval defensive system. In a completely different style, the Ideal Palace of Facteur Cheval is also a highlight of your visit to the Drôme. It's an incredible, highly original structure with a knack for surprising visitors. If you'd like to discover another remarkable palace, head south of Valence, about 1 hour away, where you'll come across the elegant Grignan Castle. This beautiful Renaissance palace overlooks the village of the same name. While you're in Valence, take the opportunity to explore Montélimar, Drôme's second most populated city. You'll have the chance to explore its castle, garden, European fighter plane museum and, for those with a sweet tooth, the Palace of Sweets, Nougat and Souvenirs. Finally, in Valence, you're at the crossroads of two of France's great regional parks, both equally worth a visit: the Vercors Natural Park and the Monts d'Ardèche Natural Park. Each located on either side of town, less than an hour from the center, they are true realms of paradise for those who love hiking and outdoor activities. Well, with all this, you've got plenty of things to do, if you feel like staying in the area for a while.