Valence

Situated on the great North-South route and prefecture of the district, Valence charm lies in its pedestrian and commercial streets, its squares, its welcoming terraces and its festive evenings. For the traveller passing through, the Maison des Têtes and the Maison Dupré-Latour - both dating back to the 16th century, merit a detour. The St Appolinaire cathedral, with its polychrome decoration, and the Valence Museum (a permanent collection of superb red chalk drawings by Hubert Robert) also warrant a visit. And for those who feel like daydreaming, there's nothing like a stroll through Jouvet park or a cruise on the Rhône.

Photo: CDT Drôme, L.Pascale 

Montelimar

Heart of the Drôme Provencal, with its pedestrian lanes where one can linger outside on the terrace late in the evening, the nougat capital is the kingdom of the art of living. Not to be missed: a stroll through the old quarters, a short visit to the house of Diane de Poitiers, the Hotel du Puy Montbrun, the Sainte Croix Collegiate, Porte Saint Martin..... without of course forgetting the Chateau Adhémar, centre for contemporary art, the palace of the Bourbons or, for the gourmands, the nougatiers. As for the Musée de la Miniature, it offers those drawn towards the infinitesimal something to contemplate.

Photo: CDT Drôme, Isler

Crest

The town of Crest is primarily known for its Tower, France's tallest dungeon, at 52 meters. A chateau initially (13th century), the Tower became a fortress, and then, until the 19th century, a prison. Guided tours in the summer offer a discovery of the old town and its past (the Chapel and the Cordeliers' staircase, the Porte Montségur, Rue des Cuiretteries). Crest hosts the nationally renowned Vocal Jazz Festival in the summer.

Photo: CDT Drôme

Romans

The town of footwear attracts visitors with its international Museum set up in the ancient convent of the Visitation, a superbly redesigned venue. More than 13,000 collector's items created by the greatest shoemakers are exhibited in this universally unique space. The heart of the ancient centre also provokes wandering: Saint Bernard's Collegiate, Armillerie Street, the Josaphat Staircase. The Place aux Herbes, the Calvaire des Récollets. Musical concerts in the old town add charm in the month of August. Free music concerts are offered at the Place de l’horloge on Thursdays. The ambience is warm and friendly.

Photo: CDT Drôme, Isler

The Chapel in Vercors (La Chapelle en Vercors)

This burg bears the complexion of a meridional village with its facades and roofs in warm colours. Its location in the centre of Vercors made it a historical, and later a tourist, crossroads. Bombarded and destroyed in 1944, the Chapel in Vercors was rebuilt in 1948. Its main access is via the spectacular "route des Goulets", which runs through the deep valley of Vernaison. The Grotte de la Draye Blanche, on the Vassieux road, offers visitors stalactites, strange stony draperies and 15 meter high petrified cascades.

Photo: CDT Drôme, Isler

Die

The town of Die played an important part during the Roman era, in the Middle Ages and during the Renaissance as is evident from the Porte Saint Marcell, the Saint Nicolas Cathedral, and the Valcroissant Abbey. The Renaissance, Protestantism and the resistance movement have all marked this city steeped in tradition. Add to that a 12,000 hectare vineyard of AOC vines spread over 32 villages, diverse land and, of course, a sparkling and fruity clairette. Imperative to (re)discover.

Photo: CDT Drôme

Nyons

An ancient medieval city that invites wandering, with its market districts, forts and burg. To visit: Musée Archéologique, Musée de l'Olivier, the Oil Mills and the Botanical garden. To taste: the famous olive oil, picodons and olives. A real treat for the palate. And in the summer, joyful Mediterranean get- togethers and the Olivades without forgetting the Alicoque, the festival of new oil in February. For coolness and relaxation, also visit the leisure centre that has developed in Nyons.

Photo: CDT Drôme, L.Pascale