Gastronomie
From May to October (when they are not running their other restaurant, located in Val d’Isère), the owners operate this cool, casual but tasteful small restaurant with terrace. Also nice as a bar and a place to play pétanque. Area with games for kids.
Le Cafoutch
35 Impasse de l'EgliseFrom May to October (when they are not running their other restaurant, located in Val d’Isère), the owners operate this cool, casual but tasteful small restaurant with terrace. Also nice as a bar and a place to play pétanque. Area with games for kids.
If you want a quiet sunset evening with an amazing view on the hills, book a table on the terrace of the main restaurant of this elegant castle recently renovated with utmost taste and authenticity. Alternatively, their adjacent restaurant, the Grill de la Bastide, provides no view but great food (fresh and prepared in front of you) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Château les Oliviers de Salettes - hotel - restaurant - spa
1205 Route du ChâteauIf you want a quiet sunset evening with an amazing view on the hills, book a table on the terrace of the main restaurant of this elegant castle recently renovated with utmost taste and authenticity. Alternatively, their adjacent restaurant, the Grill de la Bastide, provides no view but great food (fresh and prepared in front of you) in a relaxed atmosphere.
Trattoria Il Cerreto
50 RUE RENE CASSINLarge choice and good quality in this casual pizzeria.
A local institution. A cultural and entertainment concept much beyond a mere restaurant. In this “guinguette”, you will find a large garden surrounded by a small shallow river, sometimes special events for kids, some concerts and dancing nights for grown-ups, other kinds of activities, a bar and a tasteful cuisine of traditional recipes served as large casseroles to share. Comprehensive program on their Facebook page.
41 locals recommend
La Fontaine Minerale
ArducA local institution. A cultural and entertainment concept much beyond a mere restaurant. In this “guinguette”, you will find a large garden surrounded by a small shallow river, sometimes special events for kids, some concerts and dancing nights for grown-ups, other kinds of activities, a bar and a tasteful cuisine of traditional recipes served as large casseroles to share. Comprehensive program on their Facebook page.
Chef Karim provides in this discrete and small restaurant a gastronomic cuisine up to his experience in the world’s best hotels.
La Petite Auberge Roynac
40 Allée des PlatanesChef Karim provides in this discrete and small restaurant a gastronomic cuisine up to his experience in the world’s best hotels.
Freshly made gastronomic cuisine from local products in a quiet environment with view on the hills.
10 locals recommend
Chez mon Jules
Le VillageFreshly made gastronomic cuisine from local products in a quiet environment with view on the hills.
When visiting the beautiful village of Mirmande, this is our favorite place for lunch or dinner. A nice terrace under the shade and very good traditional cuisine served by a friendly staff.
10 locals recommend
Restaurant Margot
Le VillageWhen visiting the beautiful village of Mirmande, this is our favorite place for lunch or dinner. A nice terrace under the shade and very good traditional cuisine served by a friendly staff.
We like the terrace, the tasteful traditional food and the welcoming staff. The restaurant being on the main square of the village, it is also a nice occasion to enjoy the scenery of this beautiful village and its activities.
21 locals recommend
l' absinthe
Place Georges PerriodWe like the terrace, the tasteful traditional food and the welcoming staff. The restaurant being on the main square of the village, it is also a nice occasion to enjoy the scenery of this beautiful village and its activities.
After a visit to the castle of Suze-la-Rousse, this restaurant and its terrace are the perfect place to relax with nice homemade food and friendly service.
Restaurant le Brigand
15 Rue des RempartsAfter a visit to the castle of Suze-la-Rousse, this restaurant and its terrace are the perfect place to relax with nice homemade food and friendly service.
LE CLAIR DE LA PLUME
2 Pl. du Mail1-Michelin star restaurant of chef Julien Allano.
Chef Julien Allano’s bistro honored with a Bib-Gourmand by Michelin.
10 locals recommend
La Ferme Chapouton
45 Rte de MontélimarChef Julien Allano’s bistro honored with a Bib-Gourmand by Michelin.
Domaine du Colombier, Hôtel & Restaurant 4 étoiles
270 MalombreAssiette Michelin restaurant.
3-Michelin star restaurant of world-famous chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Also available at the same address, her bistronomique restaurant called André.
34 locals recommend
Maison Pic
285 Av. Victor Hugo3-Michelin star restaurant of world-famous chef Anne-Sophie Pic. Also available at the same address, her bistronomique restaurant called André.
Sunset secret place
Secret bar in Mirmande to chill and contemplate the sunset on the Rhône valley.
Commerces & Artisanat
Decoration and furniture selected with utmost taste by a very friendly and passionate person. Several pieces of decoration in our house come from this shop.
Le passage
35 rue André LhoteDecoration and furniture selected with utmost taste by a very friendly and passionate person. Several pieces of decoration in our house come from this shop.
Recently relocated to La Bégude de Mazenc (she was formerly established further South, in Clansayes), Odile Tassi grows organic lavender and produces her own cosmetics line. In Summer, a visit to her estate is a perfect occasion to learn all there is to know about lavender.
12 locals recommend
L'Essentiel De Lavande
270 Imp. de FontchaudeRecently relocated to La Bégude de Mazenc (she was formerly established further South, in Clansayes), Odile Tassi grows organic lavender and produces her own cosmetics line. In Summer, a visit to her estate is a perfect occasion to learn all there is to know about lavender.
Mélanie Mongnot conceives and produces a selection of organic soaps and cosmetics.
Savonnerie Toscadine
35 A Av. Aristide BriandMélanie Mongnot conceives and produces a selection of organic soaps and cosmetics.
Proxi
Place CarrovolisRegular minimarket open including on Sunday mornings and afternoons, but closed on Mondays
U Utile
160 Route d'AleyracSupermarket open including on Sunday mornings in the Summer.
Small but quite comprehensive grocery store located in a farmhouse, selling a variety of home-grown and other local products.
AU P'TIT POTAGER
375 Rte de Cleon d'AndranSmall but quite comprehensive grocery store located in a farmhouse, selling a variety of home-grown and other local products.
Producer and seller of fine food products (mainly dips, sauces, oils…). Their production unit, a store and a restaurant are in Saulce-sur-Rhône (near Mirmande). Some of their recipes are conceived in collaboration with Grignan chef Julien Allano.
Aix&terra La Manufacture
Producer and seller of fine food products (mainly dips, sauces, oils…). Their production unit, a store and a restaurant are in Saulce-sur-Rhône (near Mirmande). Some of their recipes are conceived in collaboration with Grignan chef Julien Allano.
The Bompard family warmly welcomes visitors at their estate to teach all there is to know about bees and honeys and to sell their products. Great with kids.
6 locals recommend
Miellerie des Délices au Miel - Famille Bompard Serge
345 Pied de BertThe Bompard family warmly welcomes visitors at their estate to teach all there is to know about bees and honeys and to sell their products. Great with kids.
Olives and olive oil sold at the estate by one of the best producers of this acclaimed AOP.
Ferme Bres
1295 Pied de VauxOlives and olive oil sold at the estate by one of the best producers of this acclaimed AOP.
Maybe the best-known producer of gastronomic oils in the region, which offers instructive visits. Their site in Nyons is specialized in olive oil, while their site in Montoison is specialized in walnuts and nuts oils.
Huilerie Richard
69 Av. Frédéric MistralMaybe the best-known producer of gastronomic oils in the region, which offers instructive visits. Their site in Nyons is specialized in olive oil, while their site in Montoison is specialized in walnuts and nuts oils.
Wine seller. Warm welcome in a charming old house, precise advice and hundreds of references from the region and beyond.
La Patafiole
3 Le VillageWine seller. Warm welcome in a charming old house, precise advice and hundreds of references from the region and beyond.
This abbey produces various alcoholic and soft drinks, which are very popular in the region. Their Castagnade (alcoholic drink made of chestnut) is definitely our favorite. The store located at the abbey has limited operating hours (check them online before your visit). Alternatively, they have a less traditional store (called Domaine Eyguebelle) nearby, in Valaurie.
31 locals recommend
Notre-Dame d'Aiguebelle Abbey
Le CouventThis abbey produces various alcoholic and soft drinks, which are very popular in the region. Their Castagnade (alcoholic drink made of chestnut) is definitely our favorite. The store located at the abbey has limited operating hours (check them online before your visit). Alternatively, they have a less traditional store (called Domaine Eyguebelle) nearby, in Valaurie.
This is the place to go if you want to shop for antiques. The complete town has specialized in this trade and offers many antique shops of all sizes. We recommend going there on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, since many shops are closed on other weekdays.
739 locals recommend
L'Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
This is the place to go if you want to shop for antiques. The complete town has specialized in this trade and offers many antique shops of all sizes. We recommend going there on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays, since many shops are closed on other weekdays.
Informations sur la ville
Châteauneuf-de-Mazenc is the medieval site of La-Bégude-de-Mazenc, dating back before most inhabitants moved down closer to the river. The village is not fully renovated yet, hence it has kept much of a charming authenticity. Sunset views from there are incredible.
12 locals recommend
La Bégude-de-Mazenc
Châteauneuf-de-Mazenc is the medieval site of La-Bégude-de-Mazenc, dating back before most inhabitants moved down closer to the river. The village is not fully renovated yet, hence it has kept much of a charming authenticity. Sunset views from there are incredible.
Renovated from the 1920s onwards, this village is a member of “France’s most beautiful villages” association. Several artist galleries, craft shops and nice restaurants are now located there. You should walk up to the top to visit the chapel and admire the view on the Rhône valley.
45 locals recommend
Mirmande
Renovated from the 1920s onwards, this village is a member of “France’s most beautiful villages” association. Several artist galleries, craft shops and nice restaurants are now located there. You should walk up to the top to visit the chapel and admire the view on the Rhône valley.
A small and quiet village, and in our opinion a hidden gem, a short drive from the house, with lavender fields along the way. The village is literally built over a river and part of its constructions seem to be a continuation of the surrounding the rock. You may walk to the cross that overlooks the road.
Rochebaudin
A small and quiet village, and in our opinion a hidden gem, a short drive from the house, with lavender fields along the way. The village is literally built over a river and part of its constructions seem to be a continuation of the surrounding the rock. You may walk to the cross that overlooks the road.
Probably the most well-known village and historical site of Drôme Provençale. The castle, in Renaissance style, hosted the writer Madame de Sévigné (mother-in-law to the Comte de Grignan) on several occasions. The village itself, flowered with roses, is charming and offers interesting shops and fine restaurants.
150 locals recommend
Grignan
Cours AdhémarProbably the most well-known village and historical site of Drôme Provençale. The castle, in Renaissance style, hosted the writer Madame de Sévigné (mother-in-law to the Comte de Grignan) on several occasions. The village itself, flowered with roses, is charming and offers interesting shops and fine restaurants.
This village is a member of “France’s most beautiful villages” association. Some of its ancient houses are now occupied by a hotel, but visitors are welcome to visit as in any village. Dominated by the ruins of a fortress once occupied by the Hospitaliers Knights, it also played a role in the Protestant history of the region, hence the presence of the Protestant Museum of Dauphiné.
55 locals recommend
Le Poët-Laval
This village is a member of “France’s most beautiful villages” association. Some of its ancient houses are now occupied by a hotel, but visitors are welcome to visit as in any village. Dominated by the ruins of a fortress once occupied by the Hospitaliers Knights, it also played a role in the Protestant history of the region, hence the presence of the Protestant Museum of Dauphiné.
Another member of “France’s most beautiful villages” association. Besides the charming village itself, do not miss the adorable botanical garden that overlooks the Rhône valley. On the outskirt of the village, you may also visit the peaceful Val des Nymphes historical site.
78 locals recommend
La Garde-Adhémar
Another member of “France’s most beautiful villages” association. Besides the charming village itself, do not miss the adorable botanical garden that overlooks the Rhône valley. On the outskirt of the village, you may also visit the peaceful Val des Nymphes historical site.
This is a medieval site now composed of a typical chapel and the ruins of a former fortress overlooking the Valdaine plain. The site is located a few hundred meters from the road.
Rochefort-en-Valdaine
This is a medieval site now composed of a typical chapel and the ruins of a former fortress overlooking the Valdaine plain. The site is located a few hundred meters from the road.
While renovated in Renaissance style inside, this castle has kept much of its medieval appearance on the outside. The exhibition provides a glance at Provence nobility lifestyle, a focus on wine production and commerce… as well as a dedicated room where kids and grown-ups can discover and play ancient board games.
21 locals recommend
Suze-la-Rousse
While renovated in Renaissance style inside, this castle has kept much of its medieval appearance on the outside. The exhibition provides a glance at Provence nobility lifestyle, a focus on wine production and commerce… as well as a dedicated room where kids and grown-ups can discover and play ancient board games.
Severely damaged during World War 2, this adorable small village has been renovated with utmost taste and care by its new owners.
9 locals recommend
La Laupie
Severely damaged during World War 2, this adorable small village has been renovated with utmost taste and care by its new owners.
Needless to introduce this city and its glorious historical and architectural heritage (Palais des Papes, pont d’Avignon…). Suffices to say that it is only a 1h15 drive from the house. If you book tickets in advance, during the famous Chorégies d’Orange festival from late June to July, you may pair a day or afternoon visit to Avignon with an evening concert or opera in the ancient Roman theater in Orange (a town conveniently located on your way back).
1202 locals recommend
Avignon
Needless to introduce this city and its glorious historical and architectural heritage (Palais des Papes, pont d’Avignon…). Suffices to say that it is only a 1h15 drive from the house. If you book tickets in advance, during the famous Chorégies d’Orange festival from late June to July, you may pair a day or afternoon visit to Avignon with an evening concert or opera in the ancient Roman theater in Orange (a town conveniently located on your way back).
Activités
High wire (accrobranche) adventure courses for all levels from 2 years-old to adults.
16 locals recommend
Tree Forest Robin
LimiteHigh wire (accrobranche) adventure courses for all levels from 2 years-old to adults.
A zoo specialized in crocodiles, but also hosting many more wild animals. This activity is popular with young kids.
277 locals recommend
Crocodile Farm
395 All. de BeauplanA zoo specialized in crocodiles, but also hosting many more wild animals. This activity is popular with young kids.
A huge crèche (traditional miniature recreation of provençal villages and their people). This is a Christmas tradition, but the place is open for visits throughout the year.
7 locals recommend
Village Provencal miniature
1000 Pontillon et RoustantA huge crèche (traditional miniature recreation of provençal villages and their people). This is a Christmas tradition, but the place is open for visits throughout the year.
Horseback riding for all levels. Warm welcome and nice views on the Synclinal de Saoû.
Les Crinieres De Roche Colombe
Horseback riding for all levels. Warm welcome and nice views on the Synclinal de Saoû.
Canoë Drôme
760 Route de CrestKayaking along the Drôme river
Traveler advice
Don't miss
LAVENDER SCENIC DRIVES/BIKE RIDES
In the immediate surroundings, lavender fields blossom from mid-June to mid-July, giving the region its typical color and smell. Our recommended local places to enjoy views and smells of lavender fields are (i) along the D179 road between Pont-de-Barret and Souspierre (the one that goes through Salettes) and (ii) a bit later in July, along the D130 road that goes through the upper Lez valley between Montjoux and Teyssières.
Getting around
CYCLING AND BIKE RENTALS
Thanks to its landscape, the quality of its road and its limited traffic, Drôme is a wonderful place for cycling!
If you did not bring your own bike(s), you may rent them at the following places:
- FitBike in Montelimar: Probably the place to go for a road bike.
- Vercors Sport Nature in Dieulefit: Since this store is specialized in nature sports, its choice is more oriented toward (semi-) mountain bikes.
- Tousles2roues in Cléon d’Andran: This place has electric bikes (quite popular in the region if for non-regular cyclists) and (semi-) mountain bikes.
Getting around
TRAIN STATIONS, AIRPORTS, CAR RENTALS, TAXIS
TRAIN STATIONS
• Montélimar (21km): some few TGV trains stop here; apart from that, this is mostly a local service station.
• Valence TGV (60km): this is the closest TGV station with frequent service to Paris and other large cities. Car rentals available there.
AIRPORTS
• Marseille Provence (168km). Car rentals available there.
• Lyon Saint Exupéry (170km). Car rentals available there. A TGV station is also located within the airport.
TAXIS
• Taxis des Andrans: call them at +33 (0)4 75 90 42 92
Ways to save
UTILITIES
BANK / ATM
• La Poste in La Bégude-de-Mazenc (5km)
• Crédit Agricole or Caisse d’Epargne, both in Cléon d’Andran (6km
GAS / PETROL STATIONS
• Supermarket U Utile, in La Bégude-de-Mazenc (5km)
• Gamm Vert, in Cléon d’Andran (5km)
TOBACCO SHOPS
• Proxi, in Charols (2,5km)
• Le XV Café, in La Bégude-de-Mazenc (5km)
Don't miss
HEALTH SERVICES & EMERGENCIES
MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
• The closest hospital is on the D6 road between Montélimar and Saint-Marcel-lès-Sauzet. Look up for “Centre hospitalier de Montélimar”.
• For emergencies: call 112 (general number), or 17 for the police, 18 for the fire department, 15 for medical emergencies.
PHARMACIES
• Pharmacie in La Bégude de Mazenc (5km)
• Pharmacie Centrale de la Valdaine in Cléon d’Andran (6km)