Drome, All about the department 

The 10 must-sees in the Drôme

1. Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval - Hauterives

A unique masterpiece byspontaneous architectureThe Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval is a feat of engineering born of the imagination of a rural letter carrier, Ferdinand Cheval. Inspired by nature and his readings, he spent 33 years building this dreamlike, multi-influenced monument by hand, stone by stone: Hindu, Egyptian, medieval, biblical, pagan...

The place is full of raw poetry and symbolism. Visitors from all over the world come to admire what was hailed by André Breton and the Surrealists as one of the finest examples ofnaive art. A magical place, between architectural fantasy and daydreams, ideal for young and old alike.

2. The Crest Tower

Dominating the Drôme valley, the Tour de Crest is one of the region's most emblematic medieval remains. Rising to 52 meters highis simply the highest medieval keep in France still standing.

Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, the tower was in turn a fortified castle, a state prison and a symbol of feudal power. Today, it offers spectacular view on the Vercors mountains and surrounding hills. Inside historical reconstructions, prisoner graffitiand themed trails offer a truly immersive experience.

3. Vercors Regional Nature Park

The Vercors is a a natural setting straddling the Drôme and Isère departments, and is one of the most beautiful in France. France's regional nature parks. It's a mosaic of sheer cliffs, limestone plateaus, deep forests and spectacular gorgesideal for hikers, climbers, potholers, cyclists and lovers of wilderness tranquillity.

The park is home to a exceptional wildlife These include ibex, wolves, golden eagles and griffon vultures, as well as an abundance of alpine flora. Emblematic sites include the Hauts Plateaux, the Grotte de la Luire, and the sublime gorges de la Bourne. Summer or winter, the Vercors offers adventure and disconnection.

4. La Cité du Chocolat Valrhona - Tain-l'Hermitage

For those with a sweet tooth, the Cité du Chocolat is a must! Located in Tain-l'Hermitage, it plunges you into the world of chocolate through a sensory courseinteractive and gourmet.

You'll discover the secrets of making high-end chocolatefrom the cocoa bean through to tasting. Thanks to workshops, events, tastings, screeningsYou'll learn to recognize aromas, distinguish terroirs, and savor great chocolate vintages.

Valrhona is a global benchmark, used by the world's greatest pastry chefs. Visiting the Cité means a complete gastronomic experiencefun and unforgettable.

5. La Ferme aux Crocodiles - Pierrelatte

Located in Pierrelatte, this tropical reserve is Europe's largest animal park dedicated to reptiles. With over 600 crocodiles, giant tortoises, snakes, exotic birdsCrocodile Farm fascinates young and old alike.

Under a giant greenhouse, the animals evolve in a tropical-style ambiance reproducing their natural habitat. You can observe the crocodiles up close, watch them being fed, and learn more about their biology and conservation. The park is also a European-recognized breeding and conservation center.

6. The Most Beautiful Villages in France

The Drôme has 6 villages classified "Most Beautiful Villages in France“each representing a jewel of history and heritage:

• Grignan famous for its Renaissance château and its connection with the Marquise de Sévigné.

• Mirmande perched village with cobbled streets and artists' studios.

• Le Poët-Laval Former Templar commandery with Protestant museum.

• Montbrun-les-Bains Drôme Provençale: a spa nestling in the heart of the Drôme Provençale region.

• La Garde-Adhémar Provence: typically Provençal, overlooking the Rhône valley.

• Châtillon-en-Diois A picturesque wine-growing village surrounded by vineyards and mountains.

These villages offer a concentration of charm, history, craftsmanship and local gastronomy.

7. Drôme Provençale and the Baronnies

This is the south of Drômebetween lavender and cicadas, gentle hills and olive trees. The bright and colourful atmosphere of the Provencewith hilltop villages, Provencal markets, and lavender fields as far as the eye can see (especially around Grignan, Nyons, Buis-les-Baronnies).

Visit Baronnies Provençales are a protected area, ideal for gentle outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, river bathing and rock climbing. AOC wines, black truffles and Nyons olive oil.

8. Drôme gastronomy

The Drôme is a rich soil and generous. Key products include:

• Visit Montélimar nougatwith almonds and honey.

• Visit black trufflequeen of gourmet cuisine.

• Visit olives from Nyons (PDO) and their sweet oil.

• Visit Clairette de DieA light, fruity sparkling wine.

• Visit Côtes du Rhône wines southern regions.

The weekly markets are a feast for the senses, and the restaurants showcase a wide range of culinary delights. local cuisine authentic. From gastronomic routes are also an opportunity to discover local producers and artisans.

9. Valence and Romans-sur-Isère

• ValenceA town of art and history, with its old town center, shady squares, museums and proximity to the Rhône river. Visit Kiosque PeynetSaint-Apollinaire cathedral and the quays of the Rhône are a must-see. This is also the city of the 3-star chef Anne-Sophie Pic.

• Romans-sur-Isèrethe historic capital of luxury footwear, offers a remarkable architectural heritage (Saint-Barnard collegiate church, Renaissance houses), a shoe museum and an authentic atmosphere.

These two towns form a cultural and urban stage between countryside and mountains.

10. Natural sites and spectacular gorges

The Drôme is a paradise for lovers of large natural spaces. Among the most impressive sites :

• Omblèze Gorge spectacular road, steep cliffs, waterfalls, hiking trails.

• The Forêt de Saoû A "perched syncline" unique in Europe, rich in biodiversity and trails.

• The Ramières Nature Reserve A protected area on the banks of the Drôme, ideal for birdwatching and family walks.

These spaces offer complete change of sceneThe area is ideal for exploring on foot, mountain bike or kayak.

Drôme tourist guide: nature, heritage and art of living

The Drôme in a nutshell

Located in the south-east Francein the heart of the region Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesDrôme is a department with contrasting landscapes. From Mountainous Vercors to the Lavender-scented Drôme Provençalethrough to the green hills and the Rhone Valley, it's seductive for its geographical and cultural diversity.

With a surface area of over 6,500 km² of landThe Drôme is criss-crossed by the river of the same name, which flows into the Rhône after tracing fertile valleys and plains. Here, the heritage of the Dauphiné in the north than the mild Mediterranean in the south.

Visit Drômois enjoy a pleasant climate, oscillating between Mediterranean influences and mountain climate in massifs.

The major regions of the Drôme

The Drôme des Collines

To the north, this hilly region offers bucolic landscapes, orchards and emblematic sites such as the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives. It's an ideal gateway to the department.

The Vercors

To the east, the Vercors Regional Nature Park impresses with its sheer cliffs, deep forests and limestone plateaus. It's a paradise for hikers, climbers and winter sports enthusiasts.

The Diois and the Drôme Valley

Nature and wine-growing region, known for the Clairette de Diewith its picturesque villages and rivers ideal for swimming or canoeing.

The Drôme Provençale

To the south, it's a postcard image: lavender, olive trees, cicadas, Provencal marketsand hilltop villages like Grignan, Nyons or La Garde-Adhémar. A warm, sunny atmosphere.

Places to visit

• Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval (Hauterives)

• The Crest TowerFrance's highest medieval keep

• Listed villages : Grignan, Mirmande, Montbrun-les-Bains, Le Poët-Laval, La Garde-Adhémar

• La Cité du Chocolat Valrhona (Tain-l'Hermitage)

• Crocodile Farm (Pierrelatte)

• The Forêt de Saoû and spectacular gorges (Omblèze, Bourne)

• Nyons and its olives, Montélimar and its nougat, Romans-sur-Isère and its shoes

• Valencea city of art and gastronomy

What to do in the Drôme

• Hiking in the Vercors, the Forêt de Saoû and the Baronnies Provençales.

• Winter sports Downhill or cross-country skiing at family-friendly resorts in the Vercors and Diois regions.

• Gastronomic discovery black truffles, Clairette de Die, AOC wines, Montélimar nougat, Nyons olive oil.

• Family activities The Crocodile Farm, swimming in the Drôme and cycling along the Viarhôna.

• Culture & heritage castles (Grignan, Suze-la-Rousse), museums (Shoes in Romans, Art and Archaeology in Valence).

Recommended routes

2-day stay: the essentials

• Day 1 Valence (old town, Kiosque Peynet), Tain-l'Hermitage (Cité du Chocolat, vineyards).

• Day 2 Visit: Facteur Cheval's Ideal Palace, followed by a stroll through a hilltop village (Mirmande or Grignan).

5-day stay: nature and villages

• Day 1 Valence and Romans-sur-Isère.

• Day 2 Vercors (hiking, Bourne gorges, wilderness).

• Day 3 Crest and its tower, then river bathing in the Drôme valley.

• Day 4 Perched villages of the Drôme Provençale (Grignan, Nyons, La Garde-Adhémar).

• Day 5 Montélimar (nougat), Pierrelatte (Ferme aux Crocodiles).

10-day stay: full immersion

• Day 1-2 North Drôme and hills (Palais Idéal, villages, Tain-l'Hermitage).

• Day 3-4 Vercors (hiking, cliffs, caving, cultural visits).

• Day 5-6 Drôme Valley and Diois (Clairette de Die, villages, swimming).

• Day 7-9 Drôme Provençale (Nyons, Baronnies, lavender fields, castles).

• Day 10 Montélimar and its specialities, return via Valence.

Practical advice

• When to go?
  Spring and summer for lavender, autumn for light and grape harvests, winter for skiing.

• Getting around A car is essential for exploring rural areas.

• Lodgings B&Bs, nature campsites or hotels in town.

• Gastronomy Don't miss a Provencal market (Nyons, Die, Grignan) to sample local produce.

👉 The Drôme is a destination of choice rich, contrasting and convivialperfect for those seeking both nature, culture and gastronomy.

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The rise of organic farming in Drôme

A historic commitment to organic

The history of organic farming in the Drôme goes back to the 1960s, marked by the emergence of the first pioneers of this practice. The back-to-nature movement of 1968 stimulated the development of organic farming, which is characterized by the rejection of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in favor of natural solutions. Founded in 1962, the Association Française pour l'Agriculture Biologique (AFAB) was instrumental in promoting and regulating organic farming in France.

The Diois region of the Drôme is particularly active in the organic sector. Entities such as Corabio contribute to the development and organization of organic producers, supporting this initiative. The adoption of organic farming by neo-rurals and local farmers is motivated by ethical and environmental considerations, with the aim of preserving a sustainable future for future generations.

Statistics and economic impact

Drôme is recognized as France's leading organic department, thanks to its abundance of organic farms and varied production including fruit, vegetables, wine, herbs and livestock. Along with Ardèche, it is the leading French department in terms of the number of organic farms, representing over a third of all farms.

The economic impact of organic farming in Drôme is considerable. The steadily growing organic market in France reached 9.7 billion euros in 2018, marking an increase of 15% on the previous year. Mass retail, responsible for 49% of organic sales in 2018, plays a key role, while specialist stores and direct sales account for 34% and 12% of the market respectively.

Demand for organic products is growing in all categories, with a clear preference for short distribution channels. This trend favours direct purchases from farms or local shops, supporting the local economy and encouraging agriculture that is both sustainable and efficient.

Innovations and sustainable practices

Cutting-edge technologies and techniques

Drôme stands out as a leader in agricultural and environmental innovation. The Tech&Bio trade show, which has been held in the region since 2007, is a perfect example. It brings together professionals from the agricultural sector to showcase the latest in organic techniques and practices, encouraging innovation and knowledge-sharing.

The region adopts environmentally-friendly technologies, including renewable energy production systems such as wind turbines and solar panels. These technologies provide energy for entire structures and villages, such as the vacation village La Fontaine d'Annibal in Buis-les-Baronnies, reducing their impact on the environment.

Local companies such as FabTools are developing innovative tools like the "Snake" electro-portable crimping tool, which make work easier for professionals and private individuals alike, while reducing their ecological footprint.

Exemplary projects and collaborations

The Drôme also shines in terms of projects and collaborations in support of sustainable development. The Biovallée area is a model of experimentation for ecological transition initiatives in rural areas, uniting three inter-communities to promote sustainable practices.

Organizations such as Terre de Liens, which acquire farmland to preserve access to it, play an essential role in maintaining sustainable agriculture. Similarly, initiatives such as Villages Vivants encourage citizen investment in local commerce, stimulating the regional economy and supporting ethical agriculture.

These collective efforts illustrate Drôme's commitment to sustainable, inclusive and harmonious development, inviting every entity - whether local authority, association, company or citizen - to play an active part in the ecological transition.

Drôme's role in national organic leadership

Training and awareness-raising

The Drôme is at the heart of organic farming training and awareness-raising, both locally and nationally. The Biovallée project, which federates several inter-municipalities, is a perfect illustration of this commitment. It aims to encourage an ecological transition and equip local players with the knowledge they need to adopt sustainable farming practices. The project encompasses awareness-raising and training initiatives targeting farmers, consumers and local elected representatives, enabling them to fully grasp the challenges and benefits of organic farming.

In addition, events such as the region's Tech&Bio showcase the latest innovations and techniques in organic farming. They attract professionals and amateurs from all over France, promoting the spread of knowledge and best practices. These events underline Drôme's status as a leader in the organic farming sector.

Influence and collaboration at national level

Drôme has a major influence on national organic farming policy and practice. Recognized as a world leader in the production and processing of organic perfume, aromatic and medicinal plants, it is regularly featured in national debates on sustainable agriculture. The Cosmébio association, based in the Drôme, is a key player in the promotion of ecological and organic cosmetics, influencing national standards and regulations in this field.

The Drôme is also involved in national collaborations to promote organic farming. Entities such as Agribio Drôme and the Communauté de Communes du Val de Drôme en Biovallée collaborate with national partners to develop strategies for ecological transition and support public policies in favor of organic farming.

These collaborative and influential efforts position the Drôme region as a leading example of organic farming in France, encouraging other regions to follow suit in the move towards more sustainable and ethical agriculture.

Conclusion

Drôme is a pioneer in organic farming and sustainable development in France. Thanks to its long-standing commitment, innovative technical advances and exemplary partnerships, it has become a national benchmark.

Its efforts in training and raising awareness of eco-responsible practices, coupled with its notable impact on agricultural policies, accentuate its influence in promoting virtuous agriculture. Adopting the Drôme approach is essential to forging a greener future, where all players are invited to play an active part in the ecological transition.

It's time to take action for greener, more ethical agriculture, by following the example of Drôme's successes.

FAQ

What is the number of the Drôme department?

The Drôme department is number 26.

What are the major towns in the Drôme?

The main towns in the Drôme, in terms of population, include Valence, Montélimar, Romans-sur-Isère, Bourg-lès-Valence, Pierrelatte, Bourg-de-Péage, Portes-lès-Valence, Livron-sur-Drôme, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, and Crest, according to 2008 statistics.

What are the Drôme's gastronomic specialities?

Drôme is renowned for its gastronomic specialties, including goat's cheese, Swiss croquets, Nyons olives and olive oil, black truffles and Montélimar nougat. It is also renowned for its quality wines, notably Côtes du Rhône and Grignan les Adhemar.

Where is the 26 department located?

Located in France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the 26 department, or Drôme, is in the east of the country, bordered by the Isère and Ardèche departments.

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