Situated along the Rhône, on the longest itinerary from the north to the south of Europe, Valence is a charming place to stop. It is the capital of the department, the “Prefecture” and is the first stop of the TGV Méditerranée, 2 hours and 10 minutes from Paris.

The old town has conserved its flavour of yesteryear with its pedestrian shopping streets, its shady squares and markets which already have a taste of Provence, but is nonetheless fixing its sights on the future. Evening entertainment is festive here. The Maison des Têtes, the 16th century Maison Dupré Latour, the Cathedral of St Apollinaire with its polychromatic decoration, the Museum with its 18th century charm, must not be
missed when visiting this historical city.

Wander around the Parc Jouvet or walk along the canals; take a cruise on the Rhône from the port of l’Epervière, the most impor tant river port in France and European blue flag accredited…

The city of shoes, situated along the Isère River and close to the Vercors, attracts visitors with its International Museum set in the former convent of the Visitation and superbly renovated. The museum holds collections from the greatest creators: more than 13 000 exclusive exhibits make it unique in the world.

In Romans, factory shops for the local luxury footwear designers and Marques Avenue are attracting well-informed customers. Let us guide you through the old town: Collegiate church of St Barnard, rue de l’Armillerie, Josaphat steps, place aux Herbes, Récollets Calvary.

During August musical events are organised in the old town, enhancing its charm.
Thursday concerts on the place de l’Horloge are free. The atmosphere is balmy and pleasant under the Jacquemart tower.

A mythical place to stop on the National 7 and the A7 Motorway, Montélimar has always been known as the gateway to the south.

With its “Provençal allées” where one relaxes at the terrace of a café, the nougat capital is a delight for visitors. Walk through pedestrian streets of the old town to see monuments like the house of Diane de Poitiers, the Hôtel du Puy Montbrun, the Hôtel de Chabrillan, the collegiate church of Sainte Croix, St-Martin’s gate… The Contemporary Arts centre in the chateau des Adhémar organises prestigious exhibitions every year. Discover the tiniest things in the Miniatures museum; the Nougat museum and the International sweets museum complement visits to nougat factories to learn more and have an opportunity of tasting traditional Provencal sweets.

Montélimar, charming gateway to the south of France, really merits a visit.