- Tags: French hilltop, South of France Hilltop
Conquering the Most Beautiful Hilltop Villages of the Drôme
The Drôme, located in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a land of contrasts and natural beauty. Between mountains, hills, vineyards, and lavender fields, this department is full of magnificent villages, each offering a unique charm and rich history.
La Biscuiterie de Provence invites you to discover some of the most beautiful hilltop villages of the Drôme!
Mirmande: The Perched Village
Mirmande is often described as one of the most beautiful villages in France. A true medieval gem, it captivates with its authentic charm and well-preserved beauty. Founded in the 12th century, this village prospered thanks to mulberry cultivation and the silk industry. Its cobblestone streets lined with stone houses, lush gardens, and breathtaking views of the Drôme valley make it a unique place. Classified as a "Botanical Village," Mirmande is a paradise for nature lovers with its terraced gardens and diverse plants. The Romanesque church of Sainte-Foy, though partially in ruins, offers a poignant testimony to the village's religious history. Mirmande has also attracted artists like André Lhote, contributing to a rich artistic tradition that is still alive today.
As you can understand, Mirmande is a place rich in activities just waiting to be discovered, with its secrets and arts. Whether exploring its history-laden streets, losing yourself in the contemplation of its landscapes, or discovering its botanical treasures, Mirmande offers a unique experience that will delight visitors in search of authenticity and beauty.
Savor the full Drôme art!
To fully enjoy your visit to Mirmande and discover the surrounding beauty, we recommend going on a picnic on a beautiful sunny day. And for a successful picnic, what could be better than products from the Biscuiterie de Provence! In your bag, for lovers of French gastronomy, we recommend a good morel terrine spread on a slice of fresh bread bought in the village. Don’t forget to add a refreshing salad and some chips, for a simple and effective meal that is always enjoyed outdoors.
For dessert, let yourself be tempted by one of the Biscuiterie de Provence’s moist cakes, with a preference for the lemon one. These cakes are appreciated because, being canned, they contain no preservatives, are made with delicious ingredients, and have an incredibly moist texture. A real treat for picnic and good food lovers, to fully enjoy the perfect holiday air!
La Garde-Adhémar: A Medieval Jewel of the Drôme
Perched on a hill offering breathtaking views of the Rhône valley, La Garde-Adhémar is a fortified village that captivates with its remarkably preserved medieval architecture. Founded in the 12th century, this village invites a journey back in time through its cobblestone streets, stone houses, and hanging gardens, real flowered terraces, and cascading vegetable gardens towards the valley.
At the heart of the village, the Romanesque church of Saint-Michel is an architectural gem, testifying to the religious and strategic importance of the place in medieval times. A little further afield, the Val des Nymphes, an ancient mystical site of the druids, adds a touch of mystery and spirituality to the visit.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find La Garde-Adhémar a real playground! Whether you are a hiker, mountain biker, or horse rider, many routes await you.
The local culture is rich and lively, with events and festivals that enliven the village throughout the year. The village's restaurants highlight local products, such as truffles and Rhône Valley wines, offering an authentic and tasty culinary experience.
Grignan: A Renaissance Jewel in the Heart of the Drôme
Grignan fascinates with its remarkable heritage and preserved medieval atmosphere. At the center of this village stands the majestic Château de Grignan, a symbol of the French Renaissance. Built in the 11th century and then transformed in the 15th and 16th centuries, this imposing castle offers a dive into history, notably that of Madame de Sévigné, a famous 17th-century letter-writer who resided there for several years and whose letters testify to her deep attachment to the village and its castle. Today, the castle hosts exhibitions, shows, and cultural events throughout the year, allowing you to discover history and art in an exceptional setting.
Strolling through the streets of Grignan, you will discover beautiful shops, houses, and fountains. In Grignan, your eyes never get bored! You can enjoy a peaceful and authentic atmosphere. The parish church of Saint-Sauveur, in Provençal Romanesque style, is also a must-see for its sculptures and ancient frescoes.
The surroundings of Grignan are not lacking in natural attractions, especially the lavender fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. We recommend visiting in summer to admire and smell the lavender in full bloom. For wine lovers, don’t miss discovering the local wines, with a special mention for the Domaine de Montine where a reservation promises a warm welcome.
Grignan embodies the charm and elegance of Provence through its history, culture, and natural beauty. Don’t miss the festivities organized throughout the year, which you can find on the village’s website or at the tourist office
A Gourmet Detour at the Biscuiterie de Provence
Less than 30 minutes from Grignan is our biscuit factory, waiting for your visit! It’s the perfect opportunity to discover our museum and discovery trail! The museum part retraces the history of our biscuit factory. As for the discovery trail, it will allow you to learn how we work, our manufacturing secrets, and our commitments. At the end of the trail, a tasting stand awaits you to savor some of our specialties. To make our museum accessible to everyone, we have made it fun and entertaining for all ages, with an English translation to welcome our international visitors. The goal is for everyone to have a good time!
At the end of your exploration, you will arrive at our gourmet hall where you will find no less than 350 delights from our Factory and the Region. Sweet and savory treats await you, with the possibility of finding the recipes you discovered during the visit. For the irresistibly greedy, come and relax in our tea room and savor the delights it offers. You are sure to enjoy yourself!
Why make this detour? We are true Drôme biscuit artisans! We work according to ancestral recipes, with ingredients selected as locally as possible and, of course, of high quality. Here, we want to share our history but also the richness of our know-how!
Poët-Laval: A Haven of Peace in Drôme Provençale
Nestled in the heart of Drôme Provençale, Poët-Laval is a true haven of peace where time seems to stand still. This medieval village, classified among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France," captivates with its authentic atmosphere and preserved tranquility. Dominated by the imposing remains of an ancient fortified monastery, Poët-Laval offers an immersion in history.
The center of the village houses the Romanesque church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, an architectural gem to discover for its remarkable sculptures and frescoes. Visitors can stroll along the ramparts and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the Ennuye valley.
Poët-Laval is also an ideal place for nature lovers and hikers, with trails winding through lavender fields and olive orchards. In summer, the village comes alive with cultural events and markets where you can taste local products.
For those seeking serenity, Poët-Laval offers perfect relaxation spaces to recharge. It’s a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Provence and savor the French art of living.
Montbrun-les-Bains: The Wellness Escape
Located in the heart of the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park, Montbrun-les-Bains is an invitation to relaxation and well-being in a preserved natural setting. Renowned for its thermal waters since Antiquity, the village is a true haven of peace where history, Provençal charm, and thermal care blend.
Overlooking the village, the feudal castle of Montbrun offers an impressive view of the pink tile roofs and the surrounding green landscapes. Nature lovers will find happiness with hiking trails offering spectacular views of Mont Ventoux and the surrounding mountains. In summer, the blooming lavender fields add a touch of color and fragrance to your journey.
The thermal baths of Montbrun-les-Bains are an experience not to be missed! The sulfurous and bicarbonate waters are known for their therapeutic virtues, ideal for cures and stays focused on relaxation and revitalization. A perfect way to relax and enjoy. After a good time at the springs, a small gourmet break is a must, and this is where the cranberry & seed mix cookies come in to delight your taste buds! A 100% pleasure and sweetness moment awaits you!
We also love Montbrun-les-Bains for its rich history and culture, enlivened by its market, festivals… The keyword here is relaxation, nature, gourmet delights, and cultural discovery.
Le Poët-Célard: Medieval Charm and Preserved Nature
Le Poët-Célard reveals itself as a haven of peace to visitors in search of authenticity and natural beauty. This medieval village, perched on a rocky spur, offers an idyllic setting for a timeless getaway.
From the moment you arrive, let yourself be transported by the medieval atmosphere. Imagine the knights and ladies of yesteryear wandering through these places. The village is dominated by the imposing remains of its 12th-century castle, offering an impressive view of the surroundings.
In addition to its castle, Le Poët-Célard boasts rich architectural heritage. The Saint-Maurice church, also dating from the 12th century, illustrates the typical Provençal Romanesque style with its sculpted portal and pointed bell tower proudly reaching towards the sky. To complete
![Vaison la Romaine cité médiévale](https://www.biscuiterie-de-provence.com/img/cms/Photo intérieur article/Design sans titre (4).jpg)
Montbrun-les-Bains
![Village of Poët-Laval, chapelle Saint Jean des Commandeurs](https://www.biscuiterie-de-provence.com/img/cms/Photo intérieur article/Design sans titre (5).jpg)
Village of Poët-Laval, chapelle Saint Jean des Commandeurs
![Château de Grignan](https://www.biscuiterie-de-provence.com/img/cms/Photo intérieur article/Design sans titre (2).jpg)
Grignan Castle
![Gorges d'Ubrieux, drôme provençale](https://www.biscuiterie-de-provence.com/img/cms/Photo intérieur article/Design sans titre (3).jpg)
Eglise de la Garde-Adhémar
![The Most Beautiful Hilltop Villages of the Drôme](https://www.biscuiterie-de-provence.com/img/cms/PINTEREST/TRAVEL-EN/Pinterest template (8).jpg)
![The Most Beautiful Hilltop Villages of the Drôme](https://www.biscuiterie-de-provence.com/img/cms/PINTEREST/TRAVEL-EN/Pinterest template (7).jpg)
![The Most Beautiful Hilltop Villages of the Drôme](https://www.biscuiterie-de-provence.com/img/cms/PINTEREST/TRAVEL-EN/Pinterest template (5).jpg)
![The Most Beautiful Hilltop Villages of the Drôme](https://www.biscuiterie-de-provence.com/img/cms/PINTEREST/TRAVEL-EN/Pinterest template (6).jpg)
VISITING THE FACTORY
Dive into the history of the Biscuit Factory, have fun with several playful activities adapted for the little ones, take a look at our various workshops (chocolate, calissons, biscuits...), discover how we work with passion and love for our beautiful region... Come and spend a pleasant family time, ending with a nice tasting in our gourmet hall of 300m2! You will find our 150 recipes, our fresh pastries and more than 350 locally sourced products carefully selected from producers near the Factory, and perhaps end with a little gourmet break in our tea room area.