Drôme Provençale should definitely be on your list if you’re considering visiting Provence. It’s the quieter, off-the-beaten-path region that will make all your French dreams come true. In this post, I’m sharing the very best things to do in Drôme Provençale—all of which I got to experience during my two weeks there. So keep scrolling for the best things to do in Drôme Provence!
Tucked away in southeastern France, Drôme Provençale is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s the kind of place where you can really soak in the charm of traditional Provençal life—think rolling hills, lavender fields, and medieval villages. If you’re looking for a peaceful, laid-back escape, this is the spot. Whether you’re hiking through scenic landscapes or sipping local wines, Drôme Provence gives you that authentic southern France experience. Let me walk you through the best places to explore, eat, and enjoy in this beautiful region.
Why visit here instead of Provence?
Drôme Provençale has all the charm of Provence but feels a bit more off the beaten path. Unlike the classic Provence region, which is known for its glamorous spots like the Côte d’Azur, Drôme Provençale offers a quieter, more rustic escape. The rolling hills, quaint villages, lavender fields and olive groves feel less touristy, with fewer crowds and a more laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect place if you’re looking to experience something a little more relaxed and authentic.
How do you get to Drôme Provence?
The best way to get to Drôme Provence is by flying into one of the nearby airports like Lyon or Marseille. We flew into Lyon, which was perfect for the region, and then drove two hours to our vacation rental. Plus, we got to explore Lyon along the way! Alternatively, you can take a longer train ride from Paris to towns like Grignan in the Drôme.
Should I rent a car in Drôme Provence?
Yes, you definitely should! While you can get around with trains, driving gives you the ability to explore the hidden gems of the region. With a car, you’ll have access to those tucked-away places that make Drôme Provence so special.
Where should I stay in Drôme Provence?
We stayed in a large house since our group included 11 adults and 3 kids, so this might not fit everyone’s needs or budget. However, I have to say, the house was magnificent! It had plenty of space, with each room featuring its own en-suite bathroom. There was a nice-sized backyard, a playground, swimming pool, hot tub, and even an exercise room. The decor was beautiful, and there were plenty of outdoor seating options for everyone to relax. If this fits your group size and budget, I highly recommend it!
Click Here for La Maison D’Ambrine–La Villa Miami
What are the best Things to do in Drôme Provence?
Visit Nearby Villages and Towns
Nyons
Nyons is a charming small village that’s definitely worth exploring. Famous for its olives and the beautiful Pont Roman bridge, it’s a great spot to soak up some authentic Provencal charm. During the summer, it hosts a large, lively market. For families, there’s a nearby ropes course called Les Barons and a public pool for swimming. Whether you’re there for the history, the olives, or just the laid-back atmosphere, Nyons offers a taste of the real Drôme Provence experience.
Grignan
I loved my time exploring the medieval town of Grignan. Originally built in the 11th century, this fortified village is dominated by the impressive Grignan Château, which towers over the town and is well worth a visit. Spending an afternoon touring this Renaissance château is a fantastic way to dive into the area’s history. Grignan itself is a charming place, with narrow lanes to wander through and steps leading up to stunning views of lavender fields and vineyards. For lunch, Le Café des Vignerons is a perfect spot, and Le Clair de Plume offers a lovely tearoom experience. If you’re visiting Drôme, this town is a must-see!
Suze-la-Rousse
Suze-la-Rousse is famous for its massive medieval Château, which was originally built as a military fortress in the 12th century and dominates the surrounding landscape. The Château is an impressive example of medieval architecture and is now home to a museum dedicated to winemaking in Drôme. It’s absolutely worth a visit! Beyond the Château, the town itself is charming, with narrow lanes that invite exploration. There are even markings on the sidewalks that guide you through the village, making it a fun way to discover its hidden gems.
Montélimar
Montélimar is a more bustling town compared to others on this list, with a lovely pedestrian-only area perfect for shopping and leisurely strolls. It’s a great spot to spend a day exploring. The town is also famous for its nougat—a chewy, sweet treat often filled with hazelnuts or pistachios. It’s delicious, so be sure to pop into one of the local shops and try some while you’re there!
A great place to eat is at Café du Temple. The food was great but the outdoor courtyard was beautiful and oh so charming.
La Garde-Adhemar
La Garde-Adhémar is officially one of the most beautiful villages in France, recognized by Les Plus Beaux Villages. Perched on a hilltop, it’s everything you imagine a charming French village to be—quaint, picturesque, and full of history. The village is pedestrian-only, with parking conveniently located just across the street from the main entrance. Wander through its original ramparts, medieval houses, and winding lanes. Don’t miss the Church of Saint-Michel, a stunning 12th-century church. The village has gorgeous views of the surrounding countryside. It’s truly a special place, so make sure to add it to your list!
Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux
I absolutely loved Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux! It was such a joy to wander through its narrow streets and bustling courtyards. Exploring this charming town was one of the highlights of my trip, and I highly recommend taking the time to soak it all in.
Vaison-la-Romaine
Vaison-la-Romaine is famous for its Roman ruins, medieval city center, and an impressive Roman bridge. It’s a great small town to visit while you’re in the area, offering a good mix of history and charm. The Cathedral Notre Dame de Nazareth is also a must-see, with its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere. But honestly, when I visited, I had one main goal in mind—the massive market! (More details on that below.) It’s a perfect stop to soak in some history and grab a few local goodies at the same time.
Chamaret
This is a very small town with not much to see (this was our base for the trip), but if you’re into medieval clock towers, they’ve got one! They offer tours on the weekends, and it might be worth a visit if that’s your thing. It’s also the starting point for a great walk (more on that below).
Take a Great Walk
Since Chamaret was our base for the trip, I did some searching on AllTrails and found an absolute gem of a hike. This 6-mile trail has everything an American tourist dreams of when visiting France. We wandered through lavender fields, vineyards, dense pine forests, and even a medieval town with stunning views. It was honestly one of my favorite adventures of the trip.
AllTrails: Chamaret between Vines and Lavender: I started the walk while on wifi and quickly lost service but the app worked the entire time. I was pretty impressed with AllTrails.
Go to Market Day
Did you even visit France if you didn’t wander around a market? Honestly, forget the major tourist sites—one of the best things to do in France is explore a local market. If you’re in Drôme, the summer Tuesday market in Vaison-la-Romaine is the place to be. This market weaves through the medieval town center, with stalls that seem endless—cheese, meats, clothes, spices, you name it! It’s just the best way to soak in the beauty of the town while browsing its lively market. If you’re not near Vaison, don’t worry—just do a quick Google search for local market days wherever you are!
Visit a Local Winery
While driving around the countryside, we stumbled upon Domaine Gabriel Monier, a small, family-run organic winery. They produce AOC Côtes du Rhône wines, including reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines, and also sell olive oil. The outdoor patio is adorable, with cows, donkeys, dogs, and more, making it a fun and relaxing stop for families. Most importantly, their wines are fantastic—I especially loved the sparkling red and rosé. The staff was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making this a perfect stop on your trip.
Kayak Down the Ardeche River
One of my favorite experiences in the Drôme area was kayaking down the Ardèche River with Pirates Canoe. Pirates Canoe was great. They had wonderful guides and the equipment was great. They even gave us wine at the end of the tour. The river is beautiful and offers plenty of peaceful moments, especially when kayaking under the iconic Pont d’Arc. We even stopped on a nearby beach for pictures, snacks, and wine. Since we had young kids with us we had to go with a guide and ended up on an evening tour, which I highly recommend. There were fewer people on the river, making it even more peaceful and enjoyable. Just be aware that there are a few rapids, and some can be tricky to navigate, so listen closely to your guide for tips.
Get Active with a Ropes Course
I’m not going to lie—I don’t like ropes courses. I have this strange fear of heights when I’m climbing things with gaps (it makes no sense, I know). BUT if your family loves them like mine does, I highly recommend Bollène Adventure. They offer safety instructions in English and have a range of courses for different abilities, including a toddler-friendly one, so even my niece could join in. Even if you’re like me and skip the more challenging courses, it’s still a beautiful way to spend the afternoon in the pine trees.
Note: This is a bit outside of the Drome region.
Take a Day Trip
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape: Châteauneuf-du-Pape isn’t just about wine, although it’s famous for it. The town itself is incredibly charming, making it a must-visit for everyone. Definitely worth a stroll!
- Orange: Orange is packed with things to do and perfect for a day trip. The town is great for wandering and getting lost in. One of the highlights is the impressive Roman Theater, and there’s also an art museum to explore. If you’re in the area, it’s definitely worth adding to your list!
- Avignon: Depending on where you’re staying in Drôme, Avignon is just a short drive away and is a must-visit destination in Provence. Known worldwide, Avignon offers fantastic dining, pedestrian-only alleyways to explore, and plenty of history. The highlight is the Palais des Papes, a massive fortress that served as the papal residence in the 14th century, making it one of France’s top tourist attractions. My personal favorite, though, is wandering through Avignon’s streets, discovering hidden courtyards, and enjoying a cup of coffee.
- Have a great dinner or lunch at La Table De Sorgues. Though it’s a bit out of the way, this was hands down the best meal I had during my trip. We enjoyed a delicious three-course meal on a beautiful patio surrounded by trees and plenty of shade. It was such a memorable dining experience that I highly recommend making the drive—it’s absolutely worth it!
Your Thoughts on Drôme Provence
This is a collection of the best things I did in Drome Provencale or Drome Provence. What are you goin to do while in Drome? What are you excited about? Leave us a comment.
