The Halles Gastronomiques: Valence’s Up-and-Coming Gourmet Hall Project Atrium Hotel

The Halles Gastronomiques: Valence’s Up-and-Coming Gourmet Hall Project

The hall currently known as Halle Jean Bouin will soon become Valence’s very own “halles gastronomiques”, or gourmet hall! There, a lovely market will offer a range of products from the Drôme terroir. Valence’s gourmet hall will house about 20 stalls held by a variety of sellers including caterers, bakers, ice cream vendors, fishmongers, wine cellars, creameries, delicatessens, butchers, greengrocers, confectionery shops and more.

A Large-Scale Project

Currently, the Jean Bouin Hall houses a climbing club. But soon, it will be reshaped into several gourmet halls. This transformation is the result of a €2.2 million investment to revamp the structure and turn it into a delightful, comfortable shopping area.

Valence’s Halles Gastronomiques project is a large-scale endeavour, whose goals are to:

• renovate the existing hall and install about 20 stalls which will sell high-quality products carefully selected by the association Valence en Gastronomie;
• convert the place into a pleasant shopping area;
• put the emphasis on multi-modal transportation;
• foster connections;
• allow visitors to park close to the hall.

Project Objectives

Valence’s Gourmet Hall project aims to create a space right at the entrance of the city where people can come and try local specialities and enjoy landscaped areas and convenient parking. The goal is to offer a beautiful and comfortable environment for the benefit of both residents and visitors. In addition, the project aims to attract more tourists to the city thanks to a lively approach based on gastronomy.

Gastronomy in Valence, France

The Drôme region is renowned for its gastronomy and for its array of local products. If you are a lover of fine cuisine staying in Valence or in its general area, you certainly won’t be disappointed. Below are some of the most famous gourmet places Drôme has to offer.

The Truffle Market in Saint Paul Trois Châteaux

Saint Paul Trois Châteaux is a charming little village whose truffle market is truly sublime. There, a handful of local growers sell the truffles gathered by their own dogs right at their farms, prices ranging from €300 to €500 per kilogram.

This is the only market in France with such high standards. Before it can be sold – whole or as pieces – each truffle undergoes a strict inspection process carried out by a special commission to ensure it is of the highest quality.

Montélimar’s Nougat

Staying in the Drôme region without going to visit a nougat factory in Montélimar is almost unthinkable. Nougat is a treat whose reputation was built on several things, but most of all on its deliciousness!

One of the most frequently visited factories is Arnaud Soubeyran’s. This beautifully cosy place invites you to discover how nougat is made following a rather traditional method. And don’t forget to go see the small museum where you can admire old-fashioned machines.

Maison Pic

Valence is also home to one of the temples of French gastronomy: the Maison Pic and its adjoining restaurant. This 5-star hotel has about 15 rooms. What makes it stand out is the fact that it is managed by Anne Sophie Pic, the only French woman who has won 3 Michelin stars.

If you are looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, we recommend you give Bistrot 7 PIC a try. Its menu boasts several more affordable options created by the illustrious French chef. We strongly advise that you make a reservation! Anne Sophie Pic also owns a coffee shop called Daily Pic, where you can pick up takeaway dishes and sweets, and the famous culinary school Scook.

The Citée du Chocolat

As it is considered the City of Chocolate, Valrhona attracts countless tourists who don’t want to miss out while visiting the Drôme region. In Tain l’Hermitage, where it is located, you will be able to ask for a guided tour to learn all there is to know about Valrhona, birthplace of one of the most famous chocolates in the world.

Maison Chapoutier

And, to end this visit of Tain l’Hermitage in the Drôme region on a high note, you can also spend a moment at the Maison Chapoutier, the famous wine cellar. It is now one of the largest wine-growing empires, based in several regions of France as well as in Australia. You must have heard about their Beaujolais and its Côtes du Rhône wines. If you enjoy such delicacies, be sure to visit the shop, where you will uncover absolute gems!