Hilltop villages in Drôme
The Drôme region links the lavender fields of Provence to the Alps of Isère. It is also synonymous with local traditions, history and heritage, three characteristics which can be found in its hilltop villages (‘villages perchés’) deep in the countryside.
Plunge into the Drôme Provençale from hilltop villages
The Drôme region links the lavender fields of Provence to the Alps of Isère. It is also synonymous with local traditions, history and heritage, three characteristics which can be found in its hilltop villages (‘villages perchés’) deep in the countryside. Discover the Drôme along country roads leading to hills alive with singing cicadas and carpeted with fragrant ‘garrigue,’ where little Provencale houses with red-tiled roofs nestle against the slopes. Visit fascinating attractive hilltop villages like Le Poët-Laval, La Garde-Adhémar, Saoû, Montbrun-les-Bains to name just a few, discover the history of the area and the gentle relaxed way of life. Stroll around to experience unspoilt traditional Provence, soak up the history and enjoy local specialities in the lavish sunshine.
The loveliest hilltop villages of the Drôme region
Let’s start with acclaimed village of La Garde-Adhémar. Visit the Jardin des Herbes and enjoy the fragrant scent of numerous herbs, then stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval walled village in the lavish sunshine with the mistral blowing through your hair.
Look out across the Rhone Valley and marvel at the immensity of it all. Then go a short distance to Poët-Célard, a village founded in the 12th century, abandoned for many centuries, but today proudly restored to its original splendour.
Enjoy spending time at Raymond du Puy Centre National d'Art et d'Animation at Poët-Laval, an art and cultural centre which holds regular exhibitions.
Finish your tour at Grignan, well-known in history thanks to the Marquise de Sévigny, whose red-roofed castle, the largest Renaissance palace in south-east France, is the venue every summer of evening celebrations and a varied programme of cultural events.
Eating out in Drôme Provençale
After strolling around some hilltop villages, why not enjoy a meal in one of their fine restaurants or discover the University of Wine at at Suze-la-Rousse. The region has many local speciality products including black olives from Nyons, black truffles from Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux and Picodon goat cheese.
And let’s not forget Côtes du Rhône wines like Grignan-les-Adhémar ! There is no better way to enjoy local products than at an impromptu picnic on a walk along a designated footpath near Buis-les-Baronnies.
Useful information
Access and Transport
To get to La Garde-Adhémar from A7 autoroute, exit n°18 Montélimar-Sud and follow N7 for 6km.
To get to Grignan from A7 autoroute, exit n°18 Montélimar-Sud then follow signs for Montségur-sur-Lauzon and Grignan.
To get to Le Poët-Célard, coming from Marseille on A7 autoroute, exit n°18 Montélimar-Sud then take D540 to the village. Coming from Lyon, exit at Valence and go to Crest, then Saoû and finally Poët-Célard.
Continue your tour of the Drôme region at the Musée de la Résistance en Vercors and the town of Montélimar
