Between Valence and Montélimar, amid the orchards and hills, lies Mirmande, a magnificent and charming hillside village which has kept some remains of its medieval past.

Mirmande is a really enchanting place for a stroll. Enjoy a wander around the maze of sloping, leafy side streets. Take the time to admire the superb houses with their beautiful stone façades. You'll see why Mirmande is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France... At the top of the picturesque village, the little square and its 12th-century Romanesque building, the Church of St. Faith, mark the end of your ascent. The view is exceptional up there! Indeed, beneath your very eyes lie the Rhône Valley and the Vivarais mountains, which you can locate easily using the orientation table.

After a period of decline linked to the end of the sericulture industry (silk worm farming), Mirmande enjoyed a new lease of life with the arrival of several artists like André Lhote, a Cubist painter and writer who contributed particularly to its renewal. So be sure to spend some time at one of the many art and craft studios in the village!

Between Montélimar and Valence, a charming little village nestles in a bucolic hillside setting. The village of Marsanne, in Provençale Drôme, is proudly perched in the middle of a lush, green landscape. To reach the top of Marsanne, you have to walk the picturesque, steep streets that wind their way through the area. First you'll discover the central square with its obelisk-shaped fountain, adorned with a sun dial, along with the 19th-century Montluisant Castle, before heading to the belfry and the old medieval village where a few ramparts still stand. It's a steep uphill climb here, as evidenced by Rue des Comtes de Poitiers, a street nicknamed "la Côte" ("the Hill"). However, the beautiful stone houses and the cobbled streets cannot fail to charm you. Once you reach the top, the 12th-century Romanesque Church of St. Felix greets you, with a stunning view of the Rhône Valley! Close by, the remains of a keep mark the spot where the old feudal castle of Marsanne stood, evidence of its eventful medieval past.

Located between Valence and Crest, the zoo in the small village of Upie in Drôme is a fun and educational place for the whole family to visit. Also known as the Garden of Birds (Jardin aux Oiseaux), this zoological and botanical park is home to over 200 feathered species. That's around 1,000 birds from every continent swooping and soaring around 6 hectares of greenery.

Open to the public since 1976, Upie Zoo is also a rearing, conservation and breeding centre for endangered species. Learn about them on an educational trail dotted with lush plants, as well as the action taken by the zoo to protect them.

When it comes to entertainment, the bird of prey and parrot shows delight children and adults every day in summer. Children can also enjoy the various attractions like the tropical greenhouse, a mini-farm where they can meet the animals, and an inflatable play area!

At the heart of the Drôme Valley, at the gates of Vercors, the little town of Crest is listed among the Most Beautiful Detours in France. Steeped in history, this charming medieval town, named after its location on a rocky ridge ("crête" in French), is essentially known for its tower: a keep 52 metres tall, the tallest in France! The view from the top of this imposing monument is breathtaking: an incredible 360-degree panorama over the Drôme Valley, the Vercors foothills and the Diois Prealps! But take care, this will not be suitable for vertigo sufferers...

Crest's geographical location meant it was very sought-after. Especially during the Wars of Religion, when the Protestants aspired to capture the fortress, built in the 10th century. To stop them, Louis XIII ordered for it to be dismantled. He nonetheless decided to retain the keep, which would be used as a prison until the end of the 19th century. Bearing witness to the past, the walls are covered in hundreds of graffiti showing the harsh conditions under which prisoners were detained. Accessible via numerous steps from the lower town, the tower has beautiful rooms, adorned with large fireplaces, like in the Middle Ages. Likewise, scale models show how the tower changed over time. And for bolder visitors, why not dare to abseil down the East wall? Available to children age 6 and up, this activity provided by climbing instructors in July and August will show you the monument from a new angle!

Further down, the old town also appeals to visitors with its narrow, winding streets, cobblestone paths and covered passages. Not forgetting its picturesque old houses and architectural edifices like the Church of St. Saviour, the Chapel of the Cordeliers and the Montségur Gate. At the end of the 17th century, Crest prospered thanks to the textile trade, especially cotton, silk and wool. Even today, the names of the districts and streets remind us of this thriving artisanal and industrial past.

Crest also has its own distinctive and flavoursome local gastronomy. Treat yourself to some Défarde, a dish of lamb tripe, or Couve, a delicious orange-flavoured shortbread biscuit.

Located south of Valence, Montélimar is a welcoming city in Provençale Drôme. A legendary stop on the Route Nationale 7 road, the city is famed for its nougat and is the uncontested capital of this sweet treat.

Steeped in history, Montélimar possesses some beautiful built heritage represented by its flagship monument: the Adhémar Castle. Built on top of a hill, it overlooks the city and offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. Once a medieval palace, its Southern Romanesque architecture dates back to the 12th century. Some fine reminders of its past still stand today, like a fortified enclosure with a wall walk on top, a seigniorial lodge, a chapel and a keep. At the end of the 16th century, it became a bastioned citadel then a prison until 1926. Today, it is a contemporary art centre that hosts temporary exhibitions. At the foot of the castle is a park where you can make the most of its splendour and take a pleasant stroll.

Continue your tour of Montélimar with a leisurely walk along the pedestrian streets in its historic centre filled with shops. There are still a number of old mansions to see, like the Renaissance-style house of Diane de Poitiers, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. There's also the 17th-century Hôtel du Puy-Montbrun and the 18th-century Hôtel de Chabrillan. The St. Martin Gate, made of stone, is one of the last remnants of the ramparts. Rebuilt in the 18th century, the Collegiate Church of the Holy Cross (Sainte-Croix) still has its bell tower and choir from the 16th century. Around the church, enjoy the streets of shops and town squares with terraces where you can soak up the city's lively atmosphere!

Another famous spot in Montélimar is the Allées Provençales, avenues planted with plane trees and dotted with cafés next to a pleasant park. Popular with children, this huge park with century-old trees has a small farm, a large duck pond, a playground and a merry-go-round.

Culture enthusiasts mustn't miss the Saint-Martin Museum of Contemporary Art, which hosts a temporary exhibition every summer featuring big names in contemporary art.

Your trip to Montélimar will also be a trip back to your childhood days. Start with the Palace of Sweets and Nougat, a fun interactive space for children and grown-ups. Then head to the Museum of Miniatures. Based in an old chapel, this attraction devoted to the art of miniature-making has a very fine collection of dolls' houses. And of course, don't forget to stop by one of the city's many nougat shops!

Drôme is full of typical localities reminiscent of medieval times. One such place is Châteauneuf-de-Mazenc. Located to the east of Montélimar, this small hillside village is located in Provençale Drôme, at the entrance to Pays de Dieulefit, in the municipality of La Bégude-de-Mazenc.

With its relaxing atmosphere, Châteauneuf-de-Mazenc is an ideal place for a peaceful stroll. The charming cobbled side streets lined with pretty houses will lead you to the top of the village, where several buildings stand. Among them, the 15th-century Church of St. Peter in Chains (Saint-Pierre-aux-Liens) is a perfect example of the transition between the Romanesque and Gothic styles. Attached to the church, the fortified gate is the last remnant of the old ramparts built in the 13th century. Continuing on your way, you will see the belfry along with a few traces of the old feudal castle.

A little further up the hill, the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel) is one of the oldest monuments in the municipality. A Romanesque building from the 12th century, it was probably the chapel of the first castle built on this land. The panoramic view from there over the Rhône Valley is simply superb and even more amazing at sunset!

From its high position on a basalt ridge, overlooking the Rhône Valley and the village of Rochemaure, this 12th- century fortress has retained features from its medieval past such as a Romanesque keep, the remains of a stately home, as well as crenellated ramparts that go all the way down the hill. You must be sure to take a stroll around the restored Fare quarter, beside the castle, where there are picturesque stone houses .Below stands the outline of the 13th-century Chapel of Our Lady of the Angels (Notre-Dame-des-Anges), in the Provençal Gothic style.

In July and August, a sound and light show highlights the heritage of fortified Rochemaure.

Between Rhône and Cévennes, along the Roman road of antiquity, the Romanesque abbey church of St Mary of Cruas, listed as an Historic Monument by Prosper Mérimée, is worth going out of your way to see, for more than one reason! Its magnificent monastic rostrum, with fifteen columns which have delicately worked capitals, its old Byzantine-style mosaic dated 1098 which decorates the apse, and its 11th-century crypt which houses a fabulous medieval bestiary, are all to be appreciated in the course of a guided tour...

A former Huguenot capital in the 16th and 17th centuries, now Prefecture of the Ardèche and also a gateway town to the Ardèche Mountains Regional Nature Park, Privas is famous for its chestnut purée and candied chestnuts, which have earned it the label of "remarkable site of taste".

In the course of an amble through this quiet little town you can explore its squares, its shopping streets, and reminders of the past such as the Diane de Poitiers Tower from the 15th century, in the Renaissance style. There is plenty of heritage to be enjoyed along the historic trail, which is marked out with 24 information boards. Then take a break to have a drink on one of Privas' café terraces, before climbing to the Montoulon site, where three crosses stand along with a sculpted Pietà, and where you can delight in a superb view over the town's roofs and the Ardèche Mountains.

Another site to see, on the picturesque banks of the Ouvèze, is the remarkable Louis XIII bridge, which is a listed historic monument.

Between the Vercors massif and the Baronnies massif, Le Poët-Laval is a picturesque village in Provençale Drôme where time seems to have stood still in the medieval era. There are no cars or roads here. A peaceful atmosphere reigns in the cobbled side streets lined with old houses, a nice place for a stroll. Full of charm and authenticity, it's no surprise that Le Poët-Laval is listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France!

The hillside village was founded in the 12th century by the Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Back then, a castle stood at the top of the village, and the imposing feudal keep and ramparts are its last remnants. From here, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the wooded Jabron Valley! Parts of a 12th-century Romanesque building still remain near the keep. The nave and choir of the Chapel of St. John of the Commanders can still be seen today.

Le Poët-Laval was a Protestant stronghold for a long time. Based in an old 15th-century home that was converted into a temple in the 17th century, the Museum of Dauphinois Protestantism tells the story of Protestantism in the region. The village is also home to the Yvon Morin art centre, devoted to various cultural activities such as exhibitions, concerts and lectures.

At the foot of the Coiron massif, in southern Ardèche, stands Alba-la-Romaine, famous for having been the capital of the Helvian people in antiquity. From this glorious past there are still some remains of a Roman theatre, a sanctuary, and a monumental centre to explore, going along a trail which is marked out with information signs.

But Alba-la-Romaine is not only an ancient Romano-Gallic settlement, Alba Helviorum, but also a charming medieval village, with cobbled streets lined with ancient white limestone and black basalt houses, overlooked by an impressive feudal Castle which can be visited from Easter to the beginning of November.

The gateway to the South of France and the capital of Drôme, Valence is a charming city in the Rhône Valley. Thanks to its sunny climate, location by the river and City of Art and History label, this is an attractive city in all respects. With its many café terraces, pleasant pedestrian squares, shopping streets and listed monuments, the old city offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Valence has some beautiful buildings, the oldest of which, the Cathedral of St. Apollinaris, dates from the 11th century. Its decorations are made of polychrome stones and its white stone bell tower contrasts with its molasse structure. At the heart of the cathedral's old cloister stands the Pendentif, a surprising funerary monument in the Renaissance style, dating from 1548. Also unmissable is the magnificent House of Heads on 57 Grande Rue, which is thus named after the many carved heads adorning its façade and inner courtyard. Built in the early 16th century, it marks the transition between the Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles. Inside, a permanent exhibition tells the story of the city.

Don't forget to go and admire the elegant façade of the 19th-century Mauresque House, on Rue Gaston Rey, with its Orientalism-inspired architecture. Then there's the Church of St. John, with its beautiful Neo-Romanesque porch bell tower from the 19th century, and its carved capitals from the old medieval Romanesque church. The monumental fountain dating from 1887, designed by Eugène Poitoux and installed at the heart of the city, on Boulevard Bancel. Or the 13th-century Draper's House, the oldest house in Valence, built from stone and tucked away in the Saint-Jean district.

For a spot of culture, the Valence Museum of Art and Archaeology, installed in the old episcopal palace, has an archaeological section telling the story of the civilisations that once occupied the Drôme and the middle of the Rhône Valley through a display of over 1,500 objects. The Art collection, meanwhile, has a collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and decorative arts on the theme of landscapes, from the 16th century to the contemporary era. Don't miss its belvedere on the top of the building, which offers an exceptional viewpoint over the city and the surrounding landscape.

Did you know that 10% of Valence's population is of Armenian origin? Head to the Armenian Heritage Centre to discover its permanent exhibition about the history of the Armenian genocide and exile.

The many parks have earned Valence its status as a green city. Right in the city centre, the Jouvet Park covers 7 hectares and is home to over 700 trees, some of which are listed as remarkable specimens. The canals that run through it and the menagerie make it an ideal place for walks with the family. Le Champ de Mars overlooking the superb public park is also an unmissable part of the city, in particular due to its fountains and its bandstand made famous by Peynet's Les Amoureux cartoon. Popular with the locals, this vast esplanade offers fabulous views over the Jouvet Park, Ardèche and Crussol Castle.

At the southern exit from the city, don't hesitate to stop by Valence harbour. The biggest river marina in France, it is located within the Épervière Park, a vast green space of 7 hectares featuring an arboretum, orchard, flower meadow, fun sports trail for children and a water fun centre.

Above all, don't leave Valence without having tasted its delicious speciality, the Suisse. This little shortbread man, flavoured with candied orange peel and orange blossom, is the ideal accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee!

Next to the village of the same name, Saou Forest is probably one of the most beautiful forests in Drôme. Surrounded by rocky cliffs forming a natural wall, it is remarkable for its perched syncline, the highest in Europe. It covers a surface area of 2,500 hectares whose culminating point, Les Trois Becs, is at 1,589 metres in altitude. A listed Sensitive Natural Area, Saou Forest is a place of incredible biodiversity. The fact that the forest is almost completely enclosed explains how well-preserved it is, and the presence of many animal and plant species. Chamois, foxes, marmots, golden eagles and passerines live together amid wild and enchanting countryside.

Saou Forest is also a paradise for hikers and climbing fans. On foot, by bike or on horseback, several marked paths and itineraries provide a way to discover the totally unspoilt natural environment.

Another of the forest's treasures, L'Auberge des Dauphins, resembling the Petit Trianon, is at the centre of a major restoration project. This former restaurant is set to become a Visitor Centre for the site, providing information all about the forest.

Perched on a rocky spur like a sentinel, Crussol Castle, in the commune of Saint-Péray, looks down majestically on the Rhône Valley. Visible from afar, the remains of this 12th-century medieval fortress, which stands in a conservation area listed by Natura 2000, can also be admired close up, if you go on foot along a path which begins at the castle car park. This takes about a half-hour each way. As well as its ramparts, keep and ruined stately home, there you can admire a superb panoramic view of the Rhône plain and the city of Valence!

Every last weekend in June, Crussol celebrates its festival, a fun social event dedicated to the Middle Ages, with a medieval encampment, events with horses and falcons, and a sound and light show...

Taulignan is a beautiful little medieval village south-east of Montélimar, in Provençale Drôme. Fortified in the 14th century, it still has an exceptional built heritage today. Indeed, you cannot fail to admire the 700 metres of enclosing walls that surround the historic centre. These fortifications are interspersed with eleven round towers, with one on either side of the Anguille Gate which faces the Route Nyons.

Inside the ramparts, the village centre dotted with pretty side streets will reveal remarkable traces of its past to you, like the 15th-century Church of St. Vincent, built on the ruins of a priory, or the many houses with Renaissance façades.

In the 19th century, Taulignan enjoyed great prosperity thanks to silk milling. The Silk Museum and Workshop tells the story of this period, looking at the history of the workers, the operation of the machines and the techniques used to make silk.

But before you leave Taulignan, take a seat in the shade of the plane and lime trees and enjoy a glass of Côtes du Rhône Villages from the nearby vineyard (responsibly of course).

The administrative and religious capital of Vivarais, the town of Viviers, on the right bank of the Rhône, in southern Ardèche, retains an important heritage from its rich past, including many listed monuments. A heritage discovery trail will lead you to its architectural treasures: the Town Hall, in the former bishops' palace; the 18th-century Hôtel de Roqueplane, now the seat of the diocese; the Cathedral of St Vincent, Romanesque, flamboyant Gothic and 18th-century in style, with its choir decorated by Gobelins tapestries and its marble high altar; the 16th-century Knights' House (Maison des Chevaliers) with its magnificent Renaissance façade, decorated with medallioned busts; the Grande Rue with the elegant mansions of Beaulieu and Tourville, both dating from the 18th century...

If you stroll around the upper town, you can discover its fine viewpoints, especially the Châteauvieux belvedere, which gives a superb panoramic view over the roofs of the town and the Rhône Valley.

Discover the Eyrieux Valley, in the heart of Ardèche, between Le Cheylard and La Voulte-sur-Rhône. It is a verdant area with unspoiled countryside alternating with typical villages, chestnut groves and cultivated terraces. A wonderful place to spend time relaxing or indulging in an outdoor leisure activity like rambling along signposted paths, going down the Eyrieux by canoe-kayak, bathing or fishing in the river, or cycling along the Dolce Via, with its 45 kilometres of gentle cycle paths...

You could also take the Eyrieux coast road, a fine road on a ridge, with a magnificent panoramic view of the Eyrieux and Rhône Valleys from the hillside ruins of the Pierregourde!

Amidst its exceptional built heritage, Drôme also offers some superb natural landscapes. At the heart of the Rhône Valley, not far from Montélimar, the Défilé de Donzère pass is a very fine example!

Once upon a time, the River Rhône forced its way through the limestone massif in a long corridor, thus forming a magnificent, steep-sided passage. Along the left bank of the river, between Donzère and Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, tall cliffs tower majestically over the Rhône and the Robinet suspension bridge. The many caves in these limestone rocks were homes for people in around 2,500 B.C. Known as "baumes" in Provençal, today they are a refuge for many animals like bats, genets and Mediterranean warblers.

At Sceautres, in the heart of southern Ardèche, you can admire the largest neck in Europe, a piton of hard rock on the site of an ancient volcanic chimney. You can also explore the charming little village of Sceautres at the foot of this unusual site, with its pretty stone houses. You can see the remains of medieval constructions such as the fortified door...

To have a fine view of the village and its surroundings, take the footpath towards the peak of the neck and its statue of the Virgin, which will take about fifteen minutes.

Founded in 1137, at the heart of a remote valley between Montélimar and Grignan, in the municipality of Montjoyer, Aiguebelle Abbey is as superb as ever. Its location at the confluence of three streams explains where its name comes from. Indeed, Aiguebelle means "beautiful waters". This isolation amid unspoilt countryside enabled it to stand the test of time, especially during the Hundred Years War. During the Revolution, the monks were driven away and the abbey was not revived until they returned in 1815.

Benefiting from a peaceful and verdant setting to this day, the Trappist monastery of Aiguebelle is one of the most spiritual places in Provençale Drôme. Lovers of religious heritage will be able to discover its abbey church, as well as an exhibition room and a video about the life of the community. A religious bookshop and a shop selling monastery products including cakes, chocolate, jam, cooked meats and confectionery are also open to the public.

South of Montélimar, La Garde-Adhémar is a medieval village with the typical charm of Provençale Drôme. Its white stone façades, vaulted passages and picturesque streets make it a truly beautiful place. Perched on a rocky spur, with its fortified enclosure whose high walls are still perfectly preserved, La Garde-Adhémar is listed among the most beautiful villages in France.

At the heart of the village, the 12th-century Church of St. Michael is typical of the Provençal Romanesque style. Its octagonal bell tower with two storeys is a structure that will delight lovers of old buildings. From the forecourt, contemplate the Rhône Valley and the mountains of the Vivarais stretching out into the distance.

Down from the church, let yourself be swept away by the scents of the magnificent Herb Garden, a medley of aromatic and medicinal plants... A certified Remarkable Garden, it offers a splendid view of the Tricastin!

Between the Vercors and Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Parks, Roanne Valley alternates between authentic landscapes and villages. Nestling between the mountains, it owes its peaceful atmosphere to its location far from any main roads. This ideal position makes it a wild and unspoilt sanctuary in Drôme and Pays Diois.

The variety of landscapes in the Roanne Valley is an invitation to discover its natural heritage. Rivers with turquoise colours, narrow gorges, marl reliefs, waterfalls, pastures and lavender fields: there's nothing monotonous about this secluded valley. There is also no shortage of activities to delight children and grown-ups alike.

Roanne is the ideal place to indulge in the joys of swimming or a picnic along the riverbanks. Head to the Escharis gorges for example, a must in summer when the heat can be overwhelming. Hikers can explore the various paths in the valley. On the ridges and plateaus or through the pine forests, it's up to you. And why not both, to admire this valley of many secrets?

The Roanne Valley also has a rich built heritage. Saint-Benoit-en-Diois possesses a charming little church, standing on a promontory right in the middle of the village with a beautiful view of the valley. Meanwhile, perched on a rocky peak, the site of the old Aucelon Castle offers an unobstructed view of a magnificent natural amphitheatre. Further south, Saint-Nazaire-le-Désert is a charming little village built around an old Benedictine priory. Don't miss the beautiful view from the forecourt of La Motte-Chalancon Church. This picturesque medieval village with cobblestone streets in bloom cannot fail to win you over. And then there are all the little hamlets, whose charm is as powerful as ever...

The charming Ardèche village of Mirabel is a much-appreciated stop for people who love the picturesque, with its cobbled lanes, its stone houses and arched passages. Above the former stronghold, on basalt cliffs, stands a square tower, made of blocks of black basalt, with white limestone wall ties, the remains of medieval fortifications which once stood at this site. From there you have a superb view of the Coiron plateau, the Auzon Valley and the Lower Vivarais!

Located between Crest and Die, at the foot of Vercors, Pontaix is a charming Drôme village nestling at the heart of the mountains. The River Drôme which runs through it, with houses on either side, provides a cool haven during the summer period. A Protestant stronghold of the Diois area during the Wars of Religion, its fortifications were destroyed in the late 16th century. It was also in this period that the castle's chapel, whose frescoes from the 13th and 14th centuries can still be seen, became a Reformist temple.

At the top of the town, the ruins of the old castle fort and its 13th-century pentagonal keep dominate the landscape majestically. From the village, a scenic path leads to the ridge, where an unobstructed view of the Drôme Valley awaits you!

Don't forget to go and admire the Aiguebelle falls, which are also in the hills of Pontaix. To get there, take the Calade de la Cascade, a tiny hidden side street that will take you to the path...

Not be be missed for anything is the superb Saint-Romain-de-Lerps Belvedere, at 649 metres high, where the grandiose view encompasses a 360 degree panorama. Overlooked by a Romanesque chapel, this ancient strategic, military and religious site is absolutely worth going out of your way to see, for its viewpoint over the Rhône Valley, the Ardèche Cévennes and the Alps. This incredible balcony-style belvedere has a panoramic view of thirteen departments! Along the edges of its two orientation tables is an interesting themed path, dotted with information boards about flora and fauna, geology, the Mistral wind, the Rhône and the chestnut tree.

In the commune of Saint-Michel-de-Boulogne, in the Ardèche Mountains Regional Nature Park, on top of a rocky promontory, stand the remains of a beautiful medieval Castle, which was refurbished during the Renaissance. It is classed as an Historic Monument, dating from the 11th, 14th and 16th centuries, and has a remarkable Renaissance door decorated with twisted columns.

Discover, at the entrance to the Sainte-Beaume gorges in southern Ardèche, the beautiful medieval village of Saint-Montan, which has been admirably restored, with charming little sloping streets dotted with pretty stone façades. At the peak of the village are the remains of a great feudal Castle, which was said to be impregnable. Having strolled along the Saint-Montan streets, you can amble around the scented "curate's" garden, then go back to the road towards Larnas and its Romanesque church, to explore the unspoilt, craggy countryside of the Sainte-Beaume gorges.

Not far from the hillside villages of Provençale Drôme, the town of Pierrelatte has Europe's biggest animal park dedicated to reptiles. The Crocodile Farm is home to 11 of the 23 crocodile species currently existing in the world. Today, nearly 400 live in the animal park. Among them are the famous Nile crocodiles and a particularly rare species: the Albino Mississippi alligator. There are indeed only twenty or so in the world, and two of them live in the park.

Discover the trail created in a tropical glasshouse, where the temperature is around 30 degrees. Its explanation signs tell visitors all about how the various crocodile species live. A listed botanical garden, this glasshouse contains over 600 exotic plant species.

The Crocodile Farm is also home to other reptiles such as giant tortoises, varans, iguanas, anacondas and pythons. It also has fish and tropical birds. An ideal place for a fun and educational day out with the family!

The capital of the Tricastin, a historic region in the Rhône Valley, Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux is an ancient fortified town in Provençale Drôme. It possesses a magnificent medieval heritage represented mainly by its remarkable 12th and 13th-century cathedral. A marvel of the Provençal Romanesque style, its choir contains a mosaic from the same era depicting the city of Jerusalem. The 17th-century high altar of gilded wood, the carved decorations in the nave, and the pipe organ from the early 18th century complete this harmonious interior.

Located at the very heart of the historic centre, the cathedral is the starting point for a wander along the cobbled streets of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux. On your walk, you can not only admire Renaissance-style mansions but also relics from Roman and medieval times.

Let your curiosity lead you all the way to the Chapel of St. Justus, perched on a rocky spur accessible via a marked footpath of around 2.5 kilometres. Up there, the 360° panoramic view of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux and its surroundings is quite simply exceptional!

The Tricastin is a major centre for black truffle production. Opposite the cathedral chevet, the House of the Truffle and the Tricastin has a fun and interactive exhibition telling the story of this unique mushroom, the region's black diamond.

To the east of Valence, in the Vercors Regional Nature Park, the small village of Léoncel still has an old Cistercian abbey. Founded in 1137, it was once the main monastery in Vercors. Like other monuments, the abbey was affected by the various wars of the time. However, it has kept its abbey church and the monks' wing, where the remains of the chapterhouse and cloister can still be seen.

Located in a pretty setting, the abbey church is very beautiful. Its mix of styles accentuates its uniqueness and makes it a very interesting architectural monument. Indeed, the streamlined and robust Romanesque choir, in which a Provençal influence can be seen, offers a contrast with the nave and its pre-Gothic leanings. When you come, don't forget to pay a visit to the charming garden of medicinal plants adjoining the church.

To help preserve and promote this historic monument, the Friends of Léoncel association offers various cultural activities amongst other things, such as concerts, exhibitions, talks and guided tours.

Famous for its black olives, the town of Nyons is located in the south of Drôme, at the heart of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park. Its olive grove is a Remarkable Site of Taste and its olive oil has earned PDO certification.

Nyons' history goes back a long way and many traces of its past can still be seen today. Take a journey through time in this welcoming town, listed among the Most Beautiful Detours in France...

One of the most iconic buildings in Nyons is probably the Pont Roman bridge over the Eygues. With a span of 43 metres, this vaulted grey stone bridge has just one arch and stands 18 metres tall. The viewpoint over the river and the surrounding area promises some beautiful photo opportunities! At the foot of the bridge, old oil mills from the 18th and 19th centuries remind us of how important olive oil production has been for hundreds of years here.

The old town, which you can reach via Rue des Bas-Bourgs, is also brimming with architectural beauties. There is the 14th-century St. James Gate (Porte Saint-Jacques) in particular, which is part of the medieval town walls. Or the 17th-century Church of St. Vincent, which houses a beautiful collection of paintings. We should also mention Place des Arcades, which dates from the 14th century. To this day, it is still the site of the traditional market on Thursday mornings, where flavours and smells mingle with bright colours.

Another emblem of Nyons to discover is the 13th-century Randonne Tower, located in the hills near the town. The somewhat steep ascent to get there is well worth the effort. Indeed, once you are up there, you will be treated to a magnificent view of the town and surrounding scenery! The medieval Randonne Tower was originally used as a keep and a military prison, before becoming a religious building in the 19th century, the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Succour (Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours), which can today be recognised by the statue of the Virgin on top of it.

Next, head to the picturesque Forts district. The medieval atmosphere is still in evidence here, with typical cobbled side streets and vaulted covered passages. Not forgetting the old feudal castle and a few remaining sections of wall depicting other traces of this historic past.

Nyons is therefore a great town for a stroll. With its shaded town squares and many cafés, restaurants and shops, this place has plenty of appeal. Let your curiosity lead you to the Scourtinerie, the last olive-pressing mat factory in France. These small, flat mats woven from coconut fibre, known as "scourtins" in French, are used as filters for olive oil extraction.

In the heart of the old hillside town of Aubenas stands Montlaur Castle, a gem of Ardèche civil architecture. Listed as an Historic Monument, the castle was inhabited from the 12th century up to the Revolution by six successive seigniorial families. Covered by varnished tiles, flanked by a keep with watchtowers and two round pepperpot towers, mullioned windows, and a Renaissance courtyard, Aubenas Castle is also special in that it houses a wide collection of paintings, sculptures and etchings.

Opposite the castle stands Delichères House. Gothic in style, this great 15th century dwelling is decorated with gargoyles. The town's heritage also includes Saint-Benoît Dôme, the old chapel of a Benedictine convent in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today it houses religious art objects and the marble mausoleum of the Marshal and Marshaless of Ornano.

Then head for the belvedere and orientation table on the Place de l'Airette, which gives you a great panoramic view of the Ardèche Valley!

Every Saturday morning on the Place du Château, there is a local produce market, full of colours and flavours.

At the heart of the Côtes du Rhône vineyard, overlooking the village, Suze-la-Rousse castle in Provençale Drôme stands out thanks to its dualistic architecture. Erected in the 12th century, it gradually became a military fortress. Its location on a rocky promontory made it a strategic defensive point at the time. And surprisingly, the castle did not suffer much damage. Then from the 16th century onwards, the fortress became a large holiday residence. The military architecture made way for a less austere design inside. The grand staircase with two spirals, the monumental fireplace in the grand drawing room and the wall decorations are examples of this architectural renewal. The same goes for the Italian-style inner courtyard with arcades, one of the most beautiful in France! This remarkable reminder of the Renaissance is indisputably the building's flagship feature.

A museum exhibition tells the story of the fortress and its inhabitants, and that of wine-growing and the uses of wine through the centuries. The prestigious University of Wine is located inside the castle, in fact. This internationally famous institution offers courses and conferences on the subject of vines and wine.

Suze-la-Rousse Castle is located within a large woodland park, La Garenne. Holm oaks, stone pines and other tree species make up this former seigniorial hunting reserve. This vast green space has a few relics from the past, like a 16th-century jeu de paume court, a 17th-century chapel and an old dovecote.

Situated in the commune of Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, near the famous Pont d'Arc, which marks the entrance to the Ardèche gorges, the Chauvet-Pont d'Arc Cave, discovered in 1994 by three passionate speleologists, is a masterpiece of prehistoric cave paintings. This Palaeolithic decorated cave has an extraordinary bestiary on its walls, which display no fewer than 425 animal figures! Dating from the Aurignacian period, these paintings and engravings are amongst the oldest in the world...

To conserve this unique place, closed to the public since its discovery, a reconstruction area composed of five buildings, with a facsimile of the Chauvet cave and a permanent exhibition about the Aurignacians and cave painting, is open since 2015, at the Razal site in Vallon-Pont-d'Arc.

32 kilometres of spectacular gorges in the heart of southern Ardèche! That is what lovers of grandiose landscapes can admire between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche... It took more than a hundred million years for the waters of the famous Ardèche river to have hollowed out this deep canyon. The result is astonishing: an immense defile of limestone cliffs which can reach heights of 300 metres high, where the natural wilderness remains unspoilt...

The gateway to the gorges, the famous natural arch of the Pont d'Arc, is the ideal point of departure for making a descent of the Ardèche river by canoe-kayak. Many routes, ranging from the mini-descent of 8 kilometres to the long descent of 32 kilometres, are possible over one, two or three days. Heaven for canoeists and kayakers! Those looking for peace and tranquillity, however, should avoid going there in July and August, when the area is much visited by holidaymakers. At the foot of the Pont d'Arc, pleasant sandy beaches encourage lounging and bathing.

Leaving from the Vallon-Pont-d'Arc, you can explore the Ardèche gorges' superb tourist trail, dotted with impressive, landscaped belvederes. There are splendid, incredible views to admire from the Serre de Tourre, the Cathédrale, the Balcon des Templiers or the Ranc-Pointu belvederes.

Listed as a Nature Reserve, the Ardèche gorges are dotted with signposted walks and are also suitable for rambling. A marvellous, immediate way to enjoy the beauty of nature in Ardèche!

Located in the municipality of Omblèze, in the Vercors Regional Nature Park, the Col de la Bataille pass connects the villages of Léoncel and Vassieux-en-Vercors. It is one of the few paths leading to the south of the Vercors massif. Popular with cyclists, its highest point is 1,313 m in altitude and it offers some beautiful views over the craggy, wild landscapes all around.

There are three theories about the origin of the name Col de la Bataille, which literally means "Pass of the Battle". The first is that it was named after a dispute over pasture land in 1190 between the shepherds of Léoncel Abbey and those of the Bouvante Charterhouse. During the Wars of Religion, battles were fought at the pass, hence its name. That's the second theory. The last theory makes reference to the winds that meet at the top and "battle" each other.