Summer 2022: What to Do in Valence, France? Atrium Hotel

Summer 2022: What to Do in Valence, France?

The Drôme region is fascinating. If you decide to spend your summer holidays in Valence, then you won’t want to miss out on the 8 must-do activities we’re going to talk about in this article!

Walking around the city of Valence

The capital of the Drôme region is considered the true gateway to Provence. So don’t miss out on a lovely walk through the historical centre flanked by the Rhône River. When you visit this part of the city, be sure to see its hallmarks: the Champ de Mars and the kiosque Peynet (gazebo).

If you have a passion for nature, art, culture, history, and heritage, then the city of Valence has a lot in store for you, including:

• The Cathédrale Saint-Apollinaire (Valence Cathedral);
• Jouvet Park;
• Épervière Park;
• Place des Clercs;
• The Valence Museum of Art and Archaeology;
• The Armenian Heritage Centre;
• The Maison des Têtes (House of Heads);
• Trinitaires Park;
• Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste (St John the Baptist Church);
• Château de Crussol.

Visiting the truffle farms

The area is renowned for its truffles, which means that it is rich in truffle oaks. And there’s nothing quite like beholding the endless rows of alternating green oaks planted with modern techniques. What makes growing these oaks a peculiar endeavour is that no one ever knows for sure whether the effort will bear fruit.

The truffle spores are placed in the roots, and it takes at least 10 years to discover if truffles will form or not. Of course, the stars of the show are the dogs, working for mornings on end to uncover the precious black gold. If you ever find yourself in the Tricastin area, which is the name of the region, don’t miss out on the truffle farms!

Discovering the Moulin de Valaurie (Valaurie Mill)

After your visit of the farm, you will need to get your strength back. We recommend the Moulin de Valaurie, and old mill turned hotel. It offers a lovely view on the medieval town of Valaurie, where you can see a handcrafted liqueur and cordial factory. This small town has all the charm of Drôme Provençale!

Visiting the village of Grignan

Grignan is a charming little village renowned for its castle, which stands at the very top of a hill overlooking the lavender fields. If you are a history buff, you’ll want to know that it is also the resting place of the famous marquise de Sévigné.

We suggest you don’t leave Grignan before going on a walk around its winding little streets, imbued with the flavours of Provence. And if you get the chance, don’t hesitate to spend a night at the Clair de la Plume Hotel, whose multiple buildings hold the most magnificent rooms! At the very least, try its restaurant. It boasts a truffle-based menu created by Julien Allano which recently received a Michelin star. If you’re curious, you can see their menu on their Instagram page!

Discovering Montélimar and its Nougat

Spending your holidays in the Drôme region without visiting a nougat factory is almost unthinkable. These magical factories where you can find the delicious treat are located in Montélimar, a pleasant little town of about 40,000 inhabitants.

One of the factories you could explore is Arnaud Soubeyran’s, though you’ll need to head to the industrial park to find it. This place where sweets are kings even reveals its production lines. The techniques are still quite traditional, as you’ll understand by visiting the mini museum which holds the machines of yesteryear. Naturally, it’s the perfect opportunity to sample their world-famous Nougat, which makes for a wonderful summer treat.

Exploring the Vallée de la Drôme

The Drôme Valley gives its name to the “département” Vallée de la Drôme, where medieval villages sit atop charming hills that you won’t want to miss out on. As a true explorer, you will discover uncanny landscapes and even turn back time, suddenly finding yourself in the medieval era!

Discovering Valrhona, the city of chocolate

Of course, the city of chocolate deserves all your attention. For many tourists, it even counts as one of the main reasons to visit the Drôme region!

Visiting the Maison Chapoutier

To conclude your visit through the Drôme region, in Tain l’Hermitage, you will find the Maison Chapoutier and its famous wines. If you are keen on viticulture, you’re bound to have a delightful time!

That’s it for our tour of the summer activities to enjoy in Valence and in the Drôme region. Of course, the list is scarcely exhaustive, as there are many more exceptional, thrilling adventures awaiting you in the Vallée de la Drôme during the season. Happy discovering, everyone, and have a wonderful vacation!