Places to visit
Nyons
The name means ‘new market’, and there is indeed a huge market here every Thursday and Saturday. The town is beautiful, you can wander round the old streets for hours or sit in the square drinking coffee.
Saou
An amazing location, the village is small but beautiful; there are several excellent restaurants. A couple of nice walks start from this area.
Dieulefit
The name means ‘God made it’, and it is another lovely location, with a Friday market and a Provencale feel. Famous for pottery.
Chatillon
A tour round the village is recommended, and the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. There is a Friday market; several good walks are available nearby.
St Benoit-en-Diois
A beautiful, tiny perched village overlooking the Roanne river, with only 26 inhabitants, amazing from every angle, with an unusual church.
Die
The biggest town in the valley with Roman origins; impressive ramparts, an interesting self guided tour is available. There is a cathedral, a museum and a Roman mosaic.
Crest
The dungeon overlooking the town has magnificent views up the valley; small consolation for the inmates whose graffiti from centuries past is prolific and moving. There is a market on Tuesday and Saturday.
Bourdeaux
The ruins above Bourdeaux are worth a tour, and the views towards the mountains are wonderful; it’s a good place to stop after a walk in Saou or Bezaudun.
Grignan
The chateau at Grignan offers glorious views towards Mont Ventoux and Provence. There are many roses lining the ancient streets, it’s a beautiful place.
Valence
The famous 3 star ‘Pic’ restaurant is here, the bistro is also excellent and affordable, apparently. There are Rhone river cruises departing from here, some good shopping, and the fabulous Valrhona chocolatier.
Avignon
There is nothing else quite like the Popes’ Palace in Avignon, it is the most extraordinary and memorable experience.
Vassieux Resistance Museum
The Vercors was the stronghold of the French Resistance during the second world war, the memories of that period are preserved here with dignity.
Pont du Gard
The famous and breathtaking aquaduct is a great day out, but take one of our picnics with you to avoid culinary disappointment.
Pont en Royans
This surprising village lies on the Isere river, look round it as part of a day out in the area, it’s a very nice spot.
Choranche
These magnificent caves were discovered only recently and are perfectly preserved.
Grotte Chauvet
Unless you are a world renowned archaeologist you will only be allowed to visit the multi million euro replica, which is actually very convincing.
Bollene
The troglodyte village is fascinating, there is a good walk which includes this plus some other interesting sites.
Abbaye de Valcroissant
The abbey is hidden away in a quiet valley near Die, it is privately owned but opens to the public once a week.
Valdrome
The ski station closed recently, but summer activities are now available, and there are some excellent walks in the vicinity.
Gervanne valley
The Gervanne offers several interesting walks and some good villages, including Montclar and Beaufort.
Leoncel
The abbey sits at 900m altitude, even the hardiest monks found life a bit chilly here in winter. It’s a terrific building and well worth a look round, it’s always open. There are many interesting walks in the vicinity.