Dreaming Of France: La Drôme

This hidden corner of Southern France merits a stop to explore its rich landscapes, hilltop villages, and surprising cuisine.

Val de Drôme

La Drôme is a departement in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region in Southeast France, with the Rhône River running along its western border, the city of Grenoble just to the east, and Lyon about one hour to the north.

In other words, it is the type of place that most people would typically pass through on their way to a more renowned region of France. But La Drôme shouldn’t be skipped. Within this incredibly diverse corner of France, one can see mountains in the east, and experience lavender fields in the south.

Exploring La Drôme reveals its own natural wonders, some hidden architectural jewels, a rich history, and regional cuisine. And there is remarkable camping and hiking, including the Huguenots Exile Trail and the Val de Drôme natural reserve.

One nice bonus: More than 80% of visitors are French, mostly from surrounding regions. There are some tourists from the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. But almost no Anglophones come here (4% of tourists are from the UK). So La Drôme offers a regional French authenticity even during busy tourist seasons.

Natural Wonders

Starting in the south of the departement, the “Drôme Provençale” has fields of thyme and lavender, cypress, and oak trees.

Baronnies. Photo ©L.Pascale for Drome Attractivite