East of Nyons, the small village of Sainte-Jalle probably contains one of the finest Romanesque churches in Drôme. Built in the 12th century, the Church of Our Lady of Beauvert (Notre-Dame-de-Beauvert) is the last remnant of the old Clunisian priory belonging to the diocese of Sisteron. The presence of a reused fragment in one of the building's pilasters shows that another church used to stand on this very spot, in Carolingian times.

The tympanum of the church's porch is undoubtedly the most interesting part of this historic monument. Various carved elements can be seen there including a figure with an owl, a viola player, a pilgrim or shepherd, as well as a cockerel.

An important historical crossroads, Serres has preserved its original fortified village appearance. Built amphitheatre-style at the foot of Pignolette rock, this site of character is a particularly lovely place to walk around, with plenty to explore for visitors, including steep, narrow streets, a Romanesque church, a clock tower, the old carved door of the town hall and the Renaissance facade of the former home of Supreme Commander Lesdiguières.

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.

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...

East of Valence, nestling at the foot of the Vercors hills, Die is a town with a particularly rich historical heritage. The capital of Pays Diois in the department of Drôme, it possesses some beautiful buildings and reminders of the past. The Roman era is still in evidence today, thanks to the ramparts and the St. Marcel Gate. This fortified gate in the ancient town walls, which were built in the 3rd and 4th centuries, is the only Roman monument still standing in the department.

Die has other gems like the Chapel of St. Nicholas in the old bishops' palace. First, there's the 12th-century mosaic of the Four Rivers of Heaven, depicting the four rivers in the Garden of Eden. Then there are the magnificent medieval frescoes and some sumptuous yet fragile wallpaper from the 18th century.

Continue your path along the old town's typical side streets to discover the 12th-century Cathedral of Our Lady (Notre-Dame). Destroyed during the Wars of Religion, it was rebuilt in the 17th century. As for the History and Archaeology Museum of Die and the Diois, it possesses many relics that reveal a rich historical past, from Prehistory, Antiquity and the Middle Ages in particular.

Die is also the land of Clairette. This AOC-labelled sparkling wine is a subtle blend of floral aromas and fruity flavours. Head to one of the cellars in the town and nearby for a delicious tasting, enjoyed responsibly of course.

Located in the municipality of Die in the department of Drôme, Valcroissant Abbey is an ancient Cistercian abbey. Built in the 12th century on an unspoilt site, it is nowadays surrounded by particularly peaceful and well-preserved greenery. Its architectural influence is mainly of Southern Romanesque origin. However, the abbey sometimes leans towards the Gothic style, in the structure of its refectory for instance.

Destroyed during the Wars of Religion, it became a farm in the 17th century. Despite the extensive damage suffered, Valcroissant Abbey has never been restored. So this is an authentic edifice that you can see, looking the same as it did nine centuries ago.

That's why, with the sole aim of preserving the site, you can only visit the abbey if accompanied by a guide. They will tell you its story through its various architectural elements. You will be able to admire the refectory, chapterhouse, sacristy and part of the church.

Between Drôme and Hautes-Alpes, the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park is a subtle blend of Alpine and Provençal influences. Created in 2014, this is an exceptional place where unspoilt nature dominates a territory of nearly 1,800 km².

The wild and unique expanses of the Baronnies Provençales fascinate visitors. Here, limestone mountains nonchalantly rub shoulders with woodlands. Fields of lavender, olive groves, orchards, oak and pine forests: such are the landscapes you will be able to admire on your journey. Between the lavender, thyme and rosemary, expect to breathe in sweet scents from all around...

The Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park also has a remarkable built heritage, including picturesque hillside villages like Montbrun-les-Bains, Venterol and Vinsobres. The old towns of Nyons and Buis-les-Baronnies, with their many remnants of the past, also reflect this great historical heritage. As do the dry stone terraces, built following an age-old method.

Boasting remarkable biodiversity, the park is home to over 2,000 plant species and around 200 protected animal species. It also contains around 150 natural habitat sites, including those of large birds of prey like vultures.

The Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park also has a diverse terroir with six Appellations of Controlled Origin and seven Protected Geographical Indications. These include for example Nyons olive oil, Provence honey, picodon, banon, Haute-Provence einkorn wheat and Coteaux des Baronnies wine. Plenty to delight the taste buds of food-lovers and gourmets!

Keen explorers are sure to enjoy the park's many footpaths, bridle paths and mountain bike trails. Likewise, thrill-seekers haven't been forgotten, with many rock climbing, via ferrata, canyoning and paragliding opportunities.

Buis-les-Baronnies is an agreeable small town in Provençale Drôme, some thirty kilometres south of Nyons. It is located in the Baronnies Provençales Regional Nature Park and is surrounded by pastures, lavender fields and olive groves. In the distance, Mount Ventoux towers proudly over the landscape.

To soak up the welcoming atmosphere of Buis-les-Baronnies, try to come on a Wednesday or Saturday morning. Indeed, the market place with its charming fountain is a real invitation to discover the flavours of the region. Surrounded by 15th-century arcades, the stalls exude the sweet smell of Provence and display a thousand colours. All around, you can observe the Gothic style of most of the arcades and the colourful façades of the picturesque square.

Then head for the typical side streets of the old town, an ideal way to discover the architectural heritage. Buis-les-Baronnies is filled with buildings and historical relics that make it an appealing place to be. The old houses and remains of the old town walls from the 14th century are reminders of the medieval era. The House of Plants (Maison des Plantes), devoted to the aromatic and medicinal plants of the Baronnies, is based in an old tower in the ramparts.

Other monuments not to be missed: the Ursuline Chapel and its Renaissance door, or the Chapel of the Hermitage of St. Trophime, built on a rocky peak in the 17th century, three kilometres south of the town centre.

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.

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.

Drôme is brimming with exceptional natural sites. Once such place is the Archiane Cirque, to the south of the Vercors massif, a dozen kilometres north of Châtillon-en-Diois. Its immense limestone cliffs tower over the Diois landscape and offer a stunning spectacle. That's why this place is particularly popular with hikers and climbers.

At the foot of these cliffs lies the little hamlet of Archiane. It's the starting point of a marked path that will take you around the site. On a journey of around 3 hours, you can admire unspoilt landscapes on a trail combining rocks, undergrowth and box trees. A hike where authenticity meets tranquillity...

The Archiane Cirque is also the habitat of many animals that visitors can watch. These include the Alpine ibex, griffon vulture and bearded vulture, reintroduced respectively in 1989, 2007 and 2010. Seeing them thrive in this exceptional environment is quite simply magical!

Dominated by high cliffs, the village of Orpierre is a popular destination with climbers – and walkers, thanks to its waymarked footpaths and above all the very charming old village itself with its network of little squares, narrow streets lined with pretty houses and covered passageways.

In the hills above the village, serious rock-climbers can climb to their heart's content on Quiquillon, Belleric and Adrech cliff faces. Meanwhile, Quatre Heures is ideal rock face for beginner climbers.

Vaison-la-Romaine… The name makes its history clear, as "Romaine" means "Roman" in French! This town in Vaucluse indeed has a rich Roman heritage represented by the impressive remains of Villasse and Puymin. Covering fifteen or so hectares, the two sites are evidence of the scale and splendour of the ancient Gallo-Roman city of Vasio, forming France's biggest archaeological site! On the Puymin site, the Théo Desplans Museum contains some wonderful archaeological collections: marble statues, funerary and everyday objects, and fresco and mosaic decorations. A listed Historic Monument, the single arch Roman bridge over the Ouvèze connects the town centre to the Upper Town (Haute Ville), providing another reminder of this rich ancient past.

Vaison-la-Romaine also has a medieval heritage that is very much in evidence. Discover it on a walk around the Upper Town, after crossing the Roman bridge. Perched on a rock, this picturesque neighbourhood is protected by a double enclosure of ramparts and a fortified door topped by a belfry, marking the entrance to the medieval town. As you stroll around, you can admire beautiful houses, pretty squares and art galleries. A wander along the charming lanes will lead you to an old cathedral dating from the 15th to 18th centuries as well as the castle of the Counts of Toulouse. Accessible via a steep path, this ruined building dates back to the 12th century and offers a splendid view of Vaison and the surrounding area from its forecourt!

A beautiful example of Provençal Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nazareth and its peaceful cloister date from the 11th and 12th centuries. Built on the site of an ancient Roman temple, of which a few vestiges still remain, the church has kept a fine octagonal cupola adorned with the symbols of the Four Evangelists. In the same architectural style, the Chapel of St. Quenin is interesting with its 12th-century triangular apse and lavish carved decorations.

Before you leave, pay a visit to the Garden of the 9 Maidens (Jardin des 9 Damoiselles), a poetic and philosophical space featuring 81 carved granite stones! Nine of them represent the nine European cities of culture in the year 2000. And each one is engraved with a quote from a local poet, in its original language and translated into French.

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...

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).

A designated nature reserve, the Méouge gorges near Châteauneuf-de-Chabre are a haven of coolness in the summer for nature-loving walkers and swimming fans. In spring or after heavy rainfall, the water of the Méouge also attracts kayakists.

As well as this protected area's many natural treasures, you can admire a three-arched medieval bridge and the ruins of a mill on a walk along the river.

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.

South-east of Montélimar, in a landscape of lavender, vines, pines and oaks, stands the famous Grignan Castle. Built on a rocky promontory at the heart of Provençale Drôme, it's the biggest Renaissance castle in South-East France! Made famous by the Marquise de Sévigné through her correspondence with her daughter, it has a turbulent history.

A castle fort in the 11th century, the Adhémar family converted it into a splendid holiday residence during the Renaissance. It was dismantled during the Revolution then rebuilt at the start of the last century. From the reception rooms to the private apartments, the rooms in Grignan Castle are sumptuously furnished and decorated. During your visit, you will be able to admire some beautiful wood panelling, particularly in the prestigious Adhémar gallery, majestic fireplaces, paintings, tapestries and a number of works of art.

Outside, a magnificent view of North Provence awaits you from the castle's famous terraces!

Take the perfectly restored wall walk to reach the 16th-century Collegiate Church of St. Saviour, located downhill from the ramparts. This is where the Marquise de Sévigné's tomb is located. This path also leads to an old washhouse in the Neo-Classical style, heavily inspired by the Temple of Love at the Petit Trianon in Versailles.

The area around Grignan Castle is also well worth a look. Make your way through the village's charming narrow streets adorned with flowers. On one of them, you can see some beautiful old houses, along with a belfry built in the 13th and 17th centuries.

Nestling at the foot of a hill amid a vineyard landscape, Séguret is a typical Provence village reminiscent of the nativity scenes for which it makes figurines. You are sure to fall in love with Its atmosphere and character. As you wander the cobbled streets, pause to breathe in the scents of the climbing roses that adorn the houses. On Rue des Poternes, the old houses are a charming sight.

In Séguret, there are still visible traces of the medieval period, as shown by the Reynier gate, a vestige of the fortifications, and the Huguenots gate, which still has its door with two iron and wood leaves. As you continue your visit, you will see the picturesque washhouse and the beautiful Mascarons fountain, a listed Historic Monument, the Romanesque church dating from the 10th-12th centuries and the old 17th-century belfry, whose clock has just one hand.

From the orientation table on Place de l'église, you can gaze upon the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Alpilles and the Cévennes. Then follow the little path to the heights of the village, where you will find the feudal castle ruins, and take in the panoramic view stretching out before you…

At the foot of Mount Ventoux, in the Baronnies, lies a wild and beautiful site, the Toulourenc Gorges, rightly considered to be one of Haute-Provence's most scenic spots.

Starting from its source near the village of Aulan, the River Toulourenc has dug deep gorges into the rock near the hamlet of Veaux. Accessible via Mollans-sur-Ouvèze, in Drôme, or Malaucène, in Vaucluse, this landscape fashioned by nature is awe-inspiring!

The Toulourenc Gorges also offer some rather special walks. Indeed, when the water is shallow in the summer, you can walk along the riverbed with your feet in the water for a few kilometres. Tiny beaches where you can stop for a rest are also dotted here and there, to the delight of walkers.

Perched on a rocky spur, Aulan Castle towers proudly over the Toulourenc Valley. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages. Still intact, it cuts an imposing figure in the landscape with its towers and high walls.

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.

Along with the Col de la Bataille, the Col de Rousset is one of the only passages to the Vercors massif. It marks the border between the mountains of the Northern Alps and the landscapes of Provence in the Southern Alps. Culminating at 1,254 metres in altitude, the Col de Rousset connects the town of Die to the Vercors plateau via a 769-metre tunnel built in 1979.

The winding and impressive Col de Rousset road offers spectacular viewpoints over the south of the Vercors and the start of the Pays Diois area! Stop for a while at the two orientation tables to admire some magnificent views. One of them is located at the exit from the tunnel towards Die. The other is located in the municipality of Saint-Agnan-en-Vercors, at the top of the ski resort, and is accessible on foot or by taking the chair lift, depending on the season.

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.

Once upon a time there was an imposing castle at the heart of Vaucluse, facing Mount Ventoux. Towering over the village of the same name, Barroux Castle was originally a mighty fortress built in the 12th century. Back then, it was surrounded by thick walls and its keep provided a watchtower to spot any attacking enemies. Its strategic position between Provence and Dauphiné gave it the status of a border and toll house. In the 16th century, when it became the property of Henri de Rovigliasc, Count of Veynes, it was turned into a beautiful Renaissance home, but it was later damaged during the Wars of Religion and the Revolution. Not to mention a terrible fire during the Second World War, which was only put out after 10 days.

Now a listed Historic Monument and open to visitors, this remarkable building opens its doors for you to discover its attractions and eventful history. You can also take the opportunity to enjoy a very scenic view over the Comtat Venaissin plain!

"Dentelle" means "lace" in French, but this is actually a limestone massif in the department of Vaucluse! Yet the name is no coincidence, since the shape of its peaks and needles is indeed reminiscent of lace. A long process of erosion has created a remarkable landscape that's exceptional to say the least. The highest point is a cliff called the Crête de Saint-Amand, at an altitude of 734 metres.

With their rocky faces, the Dentelles de Montmirail are a joy for climbers. They are also ideal for hiking and mountain biking through landscapes of forests, rocks and vineyards, where aromatic plants, holm oaks and Aleppo pines abound.

At the foot of this unique site, take the opportunity to stop by one of the charming villages among the famous Côtes du Rhône vineyards such as Gigondas, Vacqueyras or Beaumes-de-Venise, to sample some local flavours that will delight your palate!

On the edge of the Rhône Valley, Clansayes is a charming little Tricastin village in Provençale Drôme, perched on a rocky peak that was once fortified. The Templars' Tower, built on this promontory in the 12th century, has a statue of the Virgin on top of it. Standing 7 metres tall, the statue was erected in 1853 by the villagers themselves. At the foot of the keep, enjoy a magnificent view of the Tricastin and the Rhône Valley! The orientation table will enable you to find your bearings amid this landscape of wooded hills, garrigue and cliffs. Nearby, on a pretty little square, the 12th-century Church of St. Michael will reveal its Romanesque architecture to you. Still unspoilt today, it has two lateral chapels with vaulted ceilings from the 13th century.

Clansayes' origins are distant and it still has a few relics from past millennia. Like dry stone walls, typical of the Neolithic era, of which a few traces remain. Or the room with three niches, dug into the rock, dating back to the Bronze Age.

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!

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.

In the Vercors Regional Nature Park, the municipality of Vassieux-en-Vercors has an eventful history. This little mountain town in Drôme and the area around it witnessed confrontations between the Resistance and the Germany army during the Second World War. Indeed, Vercors was a bastion of the French Resistance and was one of the most important maquis in the free zone. But in the month of July 1944, German bombing destroyed Vassieux-en-Vercors, leading to the dispersion and inevitable death of the maquis members.

To learn more about this heroic and tragic story, head to the Departmental Museum of the Resistance in Vercors on Rue Fourna. With an exhibition area, testimonials and a rich collection of exhibits, step into the heart of the French Resistance. Inaugurated on 21 July 1994, the Resistance Memorial at the Col de la Chau pass is also a place of remembrance that pays tribute to all those who fought for freedom. Built on the edge of a cliff, it offers a direct view of the Vercors massif and the battlefield. It is also the starting point of a trail through the locations where fighting took place.

Another site devoted to the memory of the fighters is the necropolis of the Resistance in Vassieux-en-Vercors, located at the entrance to the village. It has 187 tombs, those of the maquis fighters and the civilians killed in summer 1944.

In 1970, a flint-cutting workshop was discovered in Vassieux-en-Vercors forest. Although it was abandoned by prehistoric man nearly 4,500 years ago, the workshop has remained intact. It is on this historic site that the Prehistory Museum was created. Archaeological excavations have unearthed bones, tools and minerals that you can discover on a fun and interactive visit.

For an original and colourful way to discover Provence, don't miss the wonderful exhibition of santons. At 15 rue de la Pouillette, Le Petit Monde des Santons tells the story of life in the past and the trades of yesteryear with a display of over 900 figurines!

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, several windmills were active in the municipality of Vassieux-en-Vercors. Two remain today, although they are in ruins, located near the hamlet of La Mure.

In the Vaucluse mountains between Monieux and Méthamis, the Nesque Gorges offer an impressive natural spectacle! Along the sightseeing route, discover a magnificent canyon with wild and awe-inspiring landscapes, making for a thrilling itinerary. Made up of steep cliffs, imposing rocks and numerous caves, this fabulous natural site in Provence is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is not to be missed on any account.

Dotted with tunnels and belvederes, the road through the gorges offers extraordinary viewpoints, such as the one from the Castellas belvedere just opposite the monumental Wax Rock (Rocher du Cire). The rock is named after the wild swarms of bees living within it.

Tucked away in the Nesque Gorges is a small Romanesque cave chapel from the 12th century, accessible via a footpath starting from the village of Monieux.

Culminating at an altitude of 1,912 m, Mount Ventoux is recognisable from afar, within a radius of up to a hundred kilometres. A symbol of Provence and one of the most awe-inspiring sites in Vaucluse, its white limestone summit looks just like a lunar landscape, inspiring amazement and wonder. Not to mention the extraordinary panoramic view of the Luberon, the Sainte-Victoire mountain, the Nesque Gorges, and even the Mediterranean coastline on a clear day!

Yet Mount Ventoux is above all remarkable for its great climatic and natural diversity. Here Mediterranean plants, there beech and fir forests or Arctic plants. This abundance has earned it the status of UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Come here to discover and watch exceptional wildlife including raptors and other birds, as well as deer.

Whether for walking, cycling or horse-riding, Mount Ventoux is a popular place among sportier visitors. Hikers have a range of marked paths to choose from while cyclists can attempt the tough ascent to the summit. The view from the top is well worth the effort! In winter, snow covers the slopes of the Mont Serein and Chalet Reynard ski resorts. Then skiers can have a ball on the groomed slopes, while snowshoers may prefer to appreciate the beauty of the place by making their way along one of the routes provided. In summer, you can experience the thrill of a Dévalkart ride down the grassy slope at La Lisière.

Located in the Upper Dauphiné in the southern part of the Isère département, the Trièves mountains are dominated by Mount Aiguille. Pastoral landscapes juxtapose wilderness in this mountainous region that writer Jean Giono described as a “cloister of mountains”.

The village of Mens, the capital of the Trièves, is a pleasant and interesting halt with its old covered markets and narrow streets, its Café des Arts decorated with frescoes dating from 1896 and a museum devoted to the history and heritage of the Trièves, covering both the area's natural and man-made attractions.

The Trièves is a wonderful place to relax and recharge your batteries while you enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to horse riding.

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.