What to do in the Drôme? Must-sees, visits and activities
Published on updated: - 10 min read - By Théo Mercier-Balaz
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Drôme is one of the most appealing departments of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — a territory with multiple faces that combines the gentleness of Drôme Provençale, the peaks of Vercors, the gastronomy of Valence and the curiosities of the Drôme Valley. Between weekly market with southern flavors, guided tour of Crest Keep, excursion to Facteur Cheval’s Ideal Palace and tasting Clairette de Die in the valley, activities to do in Drôme enchant all ages. This complete guide reviews the must-sees for a weekend in Drôme or an extended stay.
Must-see attractions to visit in Drôme
Valence: the gateway to Drôme
Valence is the prefecture and cultural capital of Drôme — a charming town positioned between Vercors and Provence, on the left bank of the Rhône. The Museum of Valence (fine arts and archaeology, in the former episcopal palace) is one of the richest in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral, the Pendentif (unique Renaissance monument in France) and the corbelled houses of old Valence deserve an in-depth guided tour.
Valence is also the gastronomic capital of Drôme: Anne-Sophie Pic directs the Pic House there, one of the most starred restaurants in France. The Thursday morning market on the Place de la République is one of the most beautiful weekly markets in Drôme Provençale — local producers, fruits, vegetables and cheeses from the valley abound. Valence‘s central square and its terraces are ideal for lunch after the market.
Claire’s tip: In Valence, don’t miss the Peynet Kiosk on the Champ de Mars esplanade — this small Belle Époque pavilion inspired Raymond Peynet’s famous lovers. And if you enjoy concerts and exhibitions, check the agenda of Valence Romans Agglo: the cultural agenda of Drôme is particularly rich from September to June, with shows and exhibitions in the town’s heritage locations.
Crest Tower: France’s largest keep
Crest Tower is one of Drôme‘s most impressive monuments — the largest medieval keep in France (52 m high), listed as a historic monument, dominating the town of Crest and the Drôme Valley. This 12th-century stone colossus was alternately a seigniorial residence, a state prison under Louis XIV (Huguenots and Jansenists were imprisoned there) and an essential visit site since the 19th century.
The visit to Crest Tower includes an ascent of 200 steps rewarded by an exceptional panorama over Drôme, Vercors and the Alps. Graffiti carved into the stone by prisoners over the centuries constitute a unique historical testimony. Crest Tower, listed as a historic monument, is open April to November. A guided tour of Crest and its keep takes 2-3 hours.
Claire’s tip: Crest Tower is one of the most memorable guided tours in Drôme. Climb to the top of the keep on a clear day to see the Alps — the view over the Drôme Valley and the hills of Drôme Provençale is extraordinary. Combine with a walk through the medieval streets of Crest and a meal on the banks of the Drôme.
Facteur Cheval’s Ideal Palace: the madness of Hauterives
Facteur Cheval’s Ideal Palace in Hauterives is one of France‘s most singular monuments — and one of the world’s masterpieces of naive art. Ferdinand Cheval, a rural mailman in Drôme, single-handedly built during 33 years (1879-1912) this palace of stone and cement with delirious forms, inspired by his readings and mail delivery rounds. The ideal of this mailman Cheval turned builder has been listed as a historic monument since 1969, at André Malraux’s proposal.
Facteur Cheval’s Ideal Palace is Drôme‘s most original tourist attraction: an unclassifiable work, between Hindu temple, medieval castle and Asian pagoda, decorated with hundreds of cement sculptures. A fascinating visit for all ages, accessible from age 5. Allow 1 to 2 hours on site.
Drôme Provençale: Nyons, Grignan, Suze-la-Rousse
Drôme Provençale is the southernmost part of Drôme — a land of lavender, olive trees and perched villages with a decidedly Provençal atmosphere. Several towns deserve a stop.
Nyons is the olive capital of Drôme — its olive oil benefits from a unique PDO in France (only table olive and PDO olive oil in a cold region). The Thursday morning market in Nyons is one of the most colorful in Drôme Provençale: olives, cheeses, honey, lavender and local products in abundance. The square of medieval Arcades in Nyons and its Roman bridge are the perfect settings for a photo.
Grignan and its castle — where Madame de Sévigné stayed — is one of the most beautiful villages in Drôme Provençale. Guided tours of Grignan castle (venue of summer festivals) allow you to discover 17th-century life in an extraordinary setting of lavender and white stones.
Suze-la-Rousse houses the Wine University in a remarkable medieval castle — a unique institution for learning to taste the great wines of Drôme and the Rhône Valley.
Claire’s tip: For a weekend in Drôme Provençale, start from Nyons in the morning (Thursday weekly market), pass through Grignan in the afternoon for a guided tour of the castle and finish in Suze-la-Rousse for a tasting at sunset. An ideal program to feel the soul of deep Drôme.
Clairette de Die and the Drôme Valley
The Drôme Valley between Crest and Die is one of the department’s most secret wine regions. Clairette de Die — PDO — is a white sparkling wine, slightly muscat, produced solely in this valley according to a unique ancestral method. Sweet and fruity, Clairette de Die is the celebration wine in Drôme: a glass of Clairette by the banks of the Drôme is one of the simple but memorable pleasures of the region.
Die, the Clairette capital, deserves a visit for its Roman arenas, its cathedral and its Clairette de Die cellars. The Saturday weekly market in Die is a fine introduction to this preserved valley.
Montélimar Nougat and Drôme specialties
Montélimar is the nougat city in Drôme — this candy made from almonds, honey and egg whites has been manufactured there since the 17th century. Montélimar nougat shops compete in creativity and visits to manufacturing workshops allow you to discover the secrets of nougat making. The Candy and Nougat Palace in Montélimar is an entertainment attraction for families, with tasting and history of regional confectionery.
Drôme abounds with other local specialties: Drôme clementines (PGI), Tricastin hillsides (PDO), Dauphiné ravioli and the royal handful of Romans-sur-Isère.
Crocodile Farm in Pierrelatte
The Crocodile Farm in Pierrelatte is Europe‘s largest crocodilian farm — an unusual Drôme attraction that fascinates young and old. 400 crocodiles and alligators of 25 different species evolve in heated tropical greenhouses at 30°C, recreating an equatorial environment in the heart of Drôme. An essential visit for families, with crocodile feeding on weekends.
Vercors Regional Natural Park
The Vercors Regional Natural Park occupies the northwestern part of Drôme — a limestone plateau with wild landscapes of cliffs, forests and gorges. The Bourne Gorges, the high plateaus of Vercors (Corrençon, Villard-de-Lans) and the Romans-sur-Isère quarries offer exceptional nature activities: hiking, cross-country skiing in winter, climbing, mountain biking and caving.
The Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park, further south in Drôme, protects 186,000 hectares of Mediterranean landscapes around Montbrun-les-Bains — a remarkable perched thermal village, ranked among France‘s Most Beautiful Villages. Montbrun-les-Bains and its thermal baths, its spiral streets and panoramas over the Baronnies deserve a stop during your stay in Drôme.
What to do in Drôme with family and children?
Drôme is an ideal family destination. The Crocodile Farm in Pierrelatte fascinates from age 3. Facteur Cheval’s Ideal Palace in Hauterives delights young and old. Crest Tower (climb the keep) appeals to history-curious children. Weekly markets in Nyons, Die and Valence introduce children to local flavors.
Concerts, exhibitions and shows on the Drôme agenda liven up the whole season: the Grignan Festival (open-air theater in the castle) is one of Drôme‘s most beautiful outdoor shows. Check the Drôme agenda before your visit not to miss anything.
Campground with water park in Drôme
Drôme offers varied camping options, particularly in Drôme Provençale, the Drôme Valley (between Crest and Die) and around Valence. 3 to 5-star campgrounds offer water park facilities with heated pools and water slides — ideal for combining cultural visits and family relaxation. The Drôme River, with its turquoise waters, is one of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes‘ most appreciated wild water swimming sites.
Claire’s tip: For a successful weekend in Drôme, settle in a campground in the Drôme Valley (Crest-Die sector): you’ll be in the heart of deep Drôme, within reach of Crest Keep, Clairette de Die and weekly markets in the valley. The Drôme River at the foot of the campground completes the picture. Consult our selection of campgrounds with water park in Drôme.
FAQ – What to Do in the Drôme?
Frequently asked questions
The must-see sights of the Drôme include: the Tour de Crest (France's tallest keep, a listed historic monument), the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives, the Drôme Provençale (Nyons, Grignan, Suze-la-Rousse), the Ferme aux Crocodiles in Pierrelatte, the Clairette de Die in the Drôme valley, and the Vercors Regional Nature Park.
The Tour de Crest (a medieval keep and listed historic monument) is open from April to November. Guided tours are offered in season. Climbing the 200 steps is suitable for children aged 8 and up, and rewards you with a panoramic view over the Drôme valley, the Vercors and the Alps.
Clairette de Die is a sparkling white wine with AOP status, produced in the Drôme valley between Crest and Die using a unique traditional method. Lightly muscat-flavoured and sweet, it's the Drôme's signature aperitif. Tours of the Die wine cellars are organised in season to reveal the secrets behind this local sparkling wine.
Yes, the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives is open all year round (except for a few days in January). This one-of-a-kind historic monument, built single-handedly by Ferdinand Cheval between 1879 and 1912 and listed thanks to André Malraux, is the Drôme's most original tourist attraction. Allow 1 to 2 hours for the visit.
Yes, particularly in the Drôme valley (the Crest-Die area) and in the Drôme Provençale. 3- to 5-star campsites offer water parks with pools and slides, often right by the turquoise waters of the Drôme river. Check out our selection of campsites with water parks in the Drôme.
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