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Tour

From the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône to the gorges of the Ardèche ☀️

Tain-l'Hermitage > Valence > Grignan > Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
Tour duration 4 days, 3 nights
TravelBy car
Summary
Steps
Start off on a (new) adventure with the Vallée de la Gastronomie via this new gourmet route. From the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône to the gorges of the Ardèche and the remarkable experiences of the Drôme Provençale, enjoy an idyllic setting between lavender fields, olive groves and hilltop villages.
16 steps distributed over 4 days

Day 1

Tain-l'Hermitage > Valence
Discovery workshop : Wine tasting initiation - M. Chapoutier
Our sommelier will teach you the basics of wine tasting, from how to hold your glass to how to describe the aromas in your mouth.
No pre-requisites, just discovery and conviviality.

Followed by a convivial meal at the Table d'Hôtes M. CHAPOUTIER.

At the end of your workshop, our sommelier will reopen the cellar's boutique exclusively for your enjoyment.
Details
Atelier découverte: Initiation à la dégustation_M Chapoutier_Tain l'Hermitage © M CHAPOUTIER
1 min By car
394 m
Delas Frères
Since 1966, the honorable Maison Delas, whose roots goes back to 1835, has regained the soul and sparkle that contributed to its renown.
Numerous investments have been made, under the impetus of the new management team, at the Tain L'Hermitage production site, near Tournon-su-rhône.
A motivated team is proudly involved in the qualitative renewal of the great Rhône Valley house: a new winery, specially designed for the vinification of red wines, the complete restructuring of the ageing cellar and the desire to offer top-of-the-range accomodation are among the key elements of Maison Delas' quality approach, summed up in one phrase: to perpetuate and sublimate the expression of the Terroir.
Details
Portrait © Maison Delas
21 min By car
24 km
André - The Maison Pic bistro
Journey back to the 1930s, to when artistic professions were at a turning point thanks to the remarkable expertise of the craftspeople, a time characterised by the materials and lines used, as well as a time of trendsetting graphics.
Details
 © Serge Chapuis
28 min By car
30 km
Mirmande
At the top of the village, "the icing on the cake", the Sainte Foy church is a jewel of Romanesque art. This desecrated church hosts from April to September exhibitions that change regularly.
Many artists have settled in the village, the first of them André Lhote. In the 1920s, this cubist painter created his summer academy in the village. Today still many artists and craftsmen are present in the village and you open their workshops.
The farmers also open their doors to you to discover the sweet fruits of the village ... There is something for all the taste buds! Cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, kiwis will delight young and old alike!
Find at the Tourist Office a document of discovery of the village.
Details
Mirmande © Office de Tourisme du Val de Drôme
31 min By car
33 km
Hôtel de France
Available nearby: cinema, theatre, Jouvet Park, Art Museum and Armenian heritage. If you want, we can guide you during an outing on the theme: vine and wine.
Details
55 min By car
75 km

Day 2

Valence > Grignan
Château de Grignan
In the heart of the Drome, part of Provence, built on a rocky hill, the chateau of Grignan dominates the landscape. An example of the Renaissance architecture and French classic style, the building has had an eventful story.
A fortified castle mentioned as early as the 11th century, it was transformed into a luxury residence by the Adhemar family at the Renaissance. In the 17th century, the Marquise of Sévigné visits her daughter Françoise-Marguerite, who had become countess of Grignan after her marriage. The letters of the marquise to her daughter will make her famous and contribute to the reputation of the chateau. Dismantled during the French revolution, then rebuilt in the 20th century by Marie Fontaine, it has been the property of the Drome Department since 1979, who has been leading ambitious renovation and acquisitions projects.
Listed as an Heritage Site in 1993 and with a Musée de France label, the chateau of Grignan offers a journey through the art of living in different centuries. The chateau organises every summer the theatrical Night Festival and hosts different cultural events all year long.
Details
 © Loïc JULIEN
5 min By car
2.8 km
Cooking class: From the vegetable garden to the plate
Meeting at the Domaine de Montine at 10 a.m. visit of the cellar and the barrel cellar

At 10:30 a.m., visit to the vegetable garden and selection of vegetables from the garden.
Each participant then creates their own dish.
During the cooking time, a friendly aperitif will be offered.
Follow-up of the meal in food and wine pairing with those of the estate.
You can decorate/decorate your dish with a wide variety of aromatic plants.

The visitor is an actor in the service during the cooking demonstration,
The chef concocts the recipe step by step and the participants reproduce it individually.
Once the recipe and the aperitif are finished, the guests come to the table and taste the dish with the possibility of decorating it with plants from the garden.
The visitor learns during his visit a cooking recipe.
Details
 © Rémi Monteillet
28 min By car
23 km
L'Essentiel de Lavande
L'Essentiel de Lavande organises various events throughout the season, to plunge visitors into the world of lavender.

On the programme: Guided tours 'from lavender crops to essential oils', make your own cosmetics workshops, massages in the fields, chic picnics, on-site shop.

At the estate, visitors can also discover the range of essential oils as well as a whole range of organic cosmetics.

Visitors can expect a great day out in the lavender fields.
Details
 © Ana Puig Rosado
42 min By car
38 km
Nyons, France's most beautiful detour!
Nicknamed "Le Petit Nice", its strong sunny situation, its mild winters, its surprising luminosity, its protected landscapes and its exceptional terroir, make the city of Nyons an ideal holiday destination.
The city displays a rich historic heritage whose major jewels are the Randonne Tower, the famous Romanesque Bridge and the recently renovated Arcades Square.
René Barjavel has once written: " The only difference between Nyons and Paradise is that in Nyons we are definitely alive".

Must-see:
- The Old Town (discovery guide p30)
- The traditional market on thursday morning and many other activities year round. Agenda at the Tourist Office.
- 4 thematic strolls.
Details
 © OTPN Patrice Forest madiart 360
25 min By car
25 km
Restaurant le Clair de la Plume
Le Clair de la Plume, the hidden jewel of Provence, comprises five different sites in the historical village of Grignan. As they approach the village, guests will find the Ferme Chapouton, the newest hotel offering a beautiful view of the castle and exceptional dining. With its old tile floor, fireplace and patio, the bistro restaurant fuses modernity and tradition and offers outstanding food at moderate prices (featured “Bib Gourmand” by Michelin). Other welcome features include the vaulted ceiling of the spacious lounge where breakfast is served and an original stone staircase leading to any of the nine rooms available. Guests can also dive into the heated pool hidden located behind the former rabbit house. The large and bright conference room (formerly the sheep stable) has room for up to 50 persons.

A short walk away is our second location: the private house. A noble stone staircase leads to the 19th-century rooms and suites where guests will find a shaded and cool respite on hot summer days. A few more steps bring you to the Historical House, opposite one of the most beautiful period washing basins of Provence. In the conservatory or in the dining room, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant (1* Michelin) offers a delectable cuisine, built around the freshest local produce. Spend the sweet afternoon hours on the patio, under the arbour or in the lounge, sipping a tea or enjoying cold refreshments. A generous breakfast buffet is served in the period kitchen where you can still hear the old clock ticking and chiming. The scent of natural wax and lavender lead to the ancient engravings of the timeless rooms on the upper floors where cozy comfort and modern service meet tradition and heritage. Here as everywhere, there are books to read.

In summer, a stroll through the Mediterranean garden is a must. There, guests will find a collection of aromatic plants, a natural swimming pool and an outdoor restaurant. Guests will also discover a beehive by the organic pond, rare rose bushes and small orchard of apple and pear trees. In the midst of this unique garden, the “lovers’ pavilion” offers unique accommodations for couples who want to experience a romantic night. Pull up a chaise longue and fall asleep in front of the village crowned with its castle... or dream next to lush fields of lavender.

A few cobbled streets away, on the village square, the shop sells delicacies, scents and traditions of Provence so guests can take with them a souvenir from their experience, and share with their loved ones the Clair de la Plume.
Details
Hôtel et restaurant - Le Clair de la Plume © Alain Maigre
< 1 min By car
176 m
Hôtel Le Clair de la Plume
Le Clair de la Plume, the hidden jewel of Provence, comprises five different sites in the historical village of Grignan. As they approach the village, guests will find the Ferme Chapouton, the newest hotel offering a beautiful view of the castle and exceptional dining. With its old tile floor, fireplace and patio, the bistro restaurant fuses modernity and tradition and offers outstanding food at moderate prices (featured “Bib Gourmand” by Michelin). Other welcome features include the vaulted ceiling of the spacious lounge where breakfast is served and an original stone staircase leading to any of the nine rooms available. Guests can also dive into the heated pool hidden located behind the former rabbit house. The large and bright conference room (formerly the sheep stable) has room for up to 50 persons.

A short walk away is our second location: the private house. A noble stone staircase leads to the 19th-century rooms and suites where guests will find a shaded and cool respite on hot summer days. A few more steps bring you to the Historical House, opposite one of the most beautiful period washing basins of Provence. In the conservatory or in the dining room, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant (1* Michelin) offers a delectable cuisine, built around the freshest local produce. Spend the sweet afternoon hours on the patio, under the arbour or in the lounge, sipping a tea or enjoying cold refreshments. A generous breakfast buffet is served in the period kitchen where you can still hear the old clock ticking and chiming. The scent of natural wax and lavender lead to the ancient engravings of the timeless rooms on the upper floors where cozy comfort and modern service meet tradition and heritage. Here as everywhere, there are books to read.

In summer, a stroll through the Mediterranean garden is a must. There, guests will find a collection of aromatic plants, a natural swimming pool and an outdoor restaurant. Guests will also discover a beehive by the organic pond, rare rose bushes and small orchard of apple and pear trees. In the midst of this unique garden, the “lovers’ pavilion” offers unique accommodations for couples who want to experience a romantic night. Pull up a chaise longue and fall asleep in front of the village crowned with its castle... or dream next to lush fields of lavender.

A few cobbled streets away, on the village square, the shop sells delicacies, scents and traditions of Provence so guests can take with them a souvenir from their experience, and share with their loved ones the Clair de la Plume.
Details
Hôtel et Restaurant © Alain Maigre
23 min By car
20 km

Day 3

Grignan > Vallon-Pont-d'Arc
Create your own vintage wine
A wine expert will be there to greet you.
Presentation of the Côtes du Rhône wine appellations and grape varieties, and then learn about the significance of blending.
Tasting of the different grape varieties with commentary about their characteristics, aromatic ranges, colours, and textures. Learn how to identify them correctly and create your own ideal vintage wine.
Then it's time to personalise your wine by coming up with a name, a label, a cork and a capsule so that everyone leaves with a bottle of their very own vintage wine.
These workshops bear the 'remarkable experience' label as part of the Valley of Gastronomy brand.
Details
 © Univ du Vin
30 min By car
28 km
Le Domaine du Colombier - Le Bistrot 270
Chef Anthony Monteremal and his team are delighted to welcome you to the Domaine du Colombier's bistronomic restaurant for gourmet lunches and dinners to be shared in the contemporary atmosphere of the dining room or on the terrace overlooking the 14th-century bastide.
Anchored in Provence and resolutely committed to preserving nature, the Chef's cuisine is rooted in an eco-responsible approach. So, day after day, he offers you seasonal cuisine, choosing only the freshest produce from short supply chains and, whenever possible, directly from the Domaine's kitchen garden.

In his dishes, which tell the story of the terroir with sincerity and passion, the Chef follows the rhythm of the seasons and honors the classics of French culinary heritage with happiness and subtlety. Roast poultry rubs shoulders with lamb confit and grilled Ardèche pig breast, while seasonal vegetables vie with each other for crunchiness.
As for desserts, gourmets are in for a treat, with seasonal spiced roast quince, lavender honey ice cream, fruit tarts and more.
Details
 © Jordan Favin
44 min By car
41 km
Grotte Chauvet 2 - Ardèche
Over 36,000 years ago, in a deep cave, the early artists in the history of Humanity painted a series of masterpieces: horses, lions, rhinoceros and many other animals, all caught in movement, hunting, running, fighting.

When the Chauvet cave was discovered in 1994, it set the world on fire, revolutionizing the history of art and previous knowledge. It quickly became a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its replica, the Grotte Chauvet 2 - Ardèche, which opened in 2015, allows the public to discover this first great masterpiece of Humanity.

The cave replica, a cultural destination just steps from the Ardèche river canyons and the Pont-d’Arc, is the most popular cultural site in Ardèche.

Visiting the cave takes you on a journey to the origins of art, and immerses you in Prehistory.

At the cave replica, several other discoveries also await you, such as the Aurignacian Gallery which enhances the visit of the cave and provides in-depth insights on our ancestors, their art and their environment in an immersive, interactive setting.

The great display hall is currently showing a magical, universally-understood show, 'Animal, from prehistory to street art', an immersive 360° sound and light experience. Everyone can watch and move around within this monumental fresco accompanied by a stunning original musical score.

All year long, cultural programs, conferences, workshops and special events add to the experience of visiting the replica, and help visitors feel and understand the timeless gestures made by our ancestors in creating this art.

The ticket includes the guided visit of the cave, visiting the Aurignacian Gallery, the show "Animal, from Prehistory to street art", and taking part in the activities conducted during holiday periods and on the weekends from April to October.

There is also a restaurant with a panoramic view open all year long, and a bookshop-boutique with over 1000 items.
Details
 © Patrick Aventurier - Grotte Chauvet 2 Ardèche
36 min By car
28 km
Château Les Amoureuses (The lovers' castle)
"In the heart of the authentic Ardèche, Terres des Amoureuses
benefits from a refreshing altitude, a diverse soil, different exposures and a fortunate light environment which is unique in France. The meticulous labour in the vineyard, the modern wine cellar with its latest technology for the best quality, the expertise, the creativity and the willpower of the motivated staff all help to create exceptional wines. Jean-Pierre Bedel is passionate about wine and has always had a big desire to create his own exceptional wines.
He shares this ambition with his partner Florence. In 2011 they buy the Domaine les Amoureuses on the right bank of the Rhône, south of Bourg-Saint-Andéol in the Ardèche, their birthplace.
Ever since, a refreshing new wind animates the property.

With Jean-Michel Novelle, oenologist and international consultant, they rethink everything, from vineyard to cellar, with an openness towards new horizons to make of the Ardèche ... the new world of wine.

The vineyard of about fifty hectares on different land and diverse altitudes (from 100 to 400 meters) is composed of a large palette of southern vine varieties. The cellar with its latest technologies in wine making has a motivated staff constantly in search of perfection. These elements give birth to great wines with exceptional purity, an astonishing freshness and a great aromatic complexity inspired by tradition and especially by innovation. "
Details
 © Château les Amoureuses
40 min By car
36 km
Hôtel Villa Walbaum****
The Hôtel Villa Walbaum**** invites you to discover a selection of indoor and outdoor spaces, vast gardens, heated swimming pool, vaulted tasting cellar, library... the perfect place to relax and enjoy the good life.

Let yourself be seduced by this place dedicated to the art of living,
around the world of wine, contemplation and unspoilt nature...
Details
 © VillaWalbaum
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