France impressions
The Drôme department is a beautiful area that is not yet overcrowded with tourists and with beautiful landscapes and idyllic villages.
The locations:
Le Poet Laval:
This beautiful village is located in the Provencal Drome, which is also one of the 100 most beautiful villages
Belongs to France. Idyllically embedded in the landscape, with a ruined castle and rustic cobblestone streets. Many hikes start here.
Pont-de-Barret:
authentic, beautiful village on the Roubion river. The river bank, which forms a kind of canyon with many pools in which you can swim, is particularly beautiful. There is also a nice campsite here. All in all a good starting point for a holiday in the Drome provencale.
Nyons:
Town in the Drome Provencale. Surrounded by olive trees and on the Eygues River. A large and very interesting weekly market always takes place on Thursdays. The beautiful streets invite you to stroll. In the oil mill by the river you can buy one of the best olive oils in the region and other souvenirs. The sentir des olives (small hiking trail) leads in the heights above Nyons through beautiful olive plantations.
Grignan:
Idyllic small town on the Route de Lavande with an imposing Renaissance castle, which you should definitely visit. A nice place with restaurants and bistrots and nice shops. In summer the lavender blooms around the place.
La Garde-Adhémar:
is one of the 100 most beautiful villages in France. Located high above the Rhone you have fantastic views. In the center there is a nice square with restaurants and cafes. Picturesque streets and lots of atmosphere.
Crest:
Small town on the Drome River. The donjon is particularly beautiful and should definitely be visited. The views from the tower are terrific. There is a nice stroll in the small center.
Rousset les Vignes:
very quaint wine village northwest of Nyons with 240 inhabitants. Surrounded by olive trees and vines. Very idyllic and quiet.
Saou:
huge rocks protrude behind the small village of Saou. The location and the place itself is uniquely beautiful and idyllic. There are numerous hiking trails, for example in the foret de Saou, which is one of the most beautiful forests in the Drome. Lavender fields in front of towering rocks.
Soyans:
small but very quaint and idyllic mini village with an imposing castle ruin and chapel, from which you have great views of the entire area and a beautiful place to enjoy the sunset. Tourism is far away here and you can enjoy the peace and quiet. There are particularly beautiful spots on the Rubion River where you can swim.
Saint May:
the idyllic village lies in the middle of the canyon of the same name (Gorges de Saint May). The gorges are impressive, you sometimes feel like you're in Nevada, as the rocks shimmer red. Many opportunities for hiking. Saint May is a great place full of tranquility and impressive surroundings.
Francillon-sur-Roubion:
small but very nice village near Saou. No tourism, which is a good thing. A beautiful hiking trail starts here along the Roubion River, there are swimming spots, rapids and pure nature. Go for lunch in the idyllic restaurant Les Tables de Co, located in front of lavender fields. You just don't want to leave here and the food is first class.
Chateauneuf de Mazenc:
above Chateauneuf lies the old district of Chateauneuf de Mazenc. Quaint, idyllic, cobblestone streets, flowers and an old stone church above the village with a great view, hiking trails to le Poet Laval start there.
Mollans on Open:
pretty village with lots of flowers and narrow streets on the river Ouvrèze. Spared from tourism, the place has remained authentic.
Puymeras:
Nice place with a great restaurant (Le Girocèdre), where you can sit in an idyllic garden and eat very well. A stroll through the beautiful streets is definitely worth it. There are many olive tree groves around the place.
Saillans:
Located directly on the Drome River, which shimmers particularly green and is wide. There are many swimming spots on the riverside.
Other excursion tips:
Hike to the Trois Becs:
At La Chaudière, the rocks of the Trois Becs tower up, which you can hike with a reasonable level of fitness. We start from Parking de Siara on the D156, it is about 700 meters in altitude, 3-4 hours there and back. It is worth it! The views from above are breathtaking !! Afterwards you can eat very well on the beautiful terrace in the restaurant La Garde Manger. Pure mountain idyll!
Badesee Plan d'Eau du Pas des Ondes:
This beautiful bathing lake is located near Cornillon sur l'Oule, where you can cool off in the heat. At the back of the lake runs the river Oule, which you can follow on a very nice footpath and come to great little bays where you can swim in the river. All in a rocky and very beautiful landscape.
My restaurant tips:
Les Hospitaliers in Le Poet Laval - Bar Restaurant du midi in Remuzat - Restaurant Chateau Les Oliviers in Pont-de-Barret - Le Girocedre in Puymeras - Chem's in Nyons - La Garde Manger in La Chaudiere (beautiful terrace with mountain views) - Les Aubergistes in Marsanne (great food and great prices) - Auberge de la Vallée de l'Oule in Cornillon sur l'Oule (great view from the terrace, great food) - Les Tables de Co in Francillon sur Roubion - Moulin de la Pipe in Omblèze, Located directly on the river with excellent cuisine - Jardin des Oliviers in Salettes
My calendars from the Drôme department:
