THE CASTLES OF THE DRÔME
The Drôme is a vast and fabulous territory for history and castle lovers.
The department counts approximately 600 castles more or less in ruins. More than seventy of them are registered and/or classified as Historic Monuments.The three most famous are: the Castle of Grignan, the Castle of Montélimar and the Castle of Suze-La-Rousse.
The Castle of Grignan
It is the largest Renaissance castle in southeastern France, made famous by the correspondence of the Marquise de Sevigne.
https://www.chateaux-ladrome.fr/fr/chateau-de-grignan
Don't miss :
- The Festival of Correspondence, a cultural event to celebrate the art of letter writing.
- The Fêtes Nocturnes with in 2023 "L'Avare" by Molière, directed by Jérome Deschamps.
The Castle of Montelimar
It is one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in the Rhone Valley. Contemporary art center. Temporary exhibitions.
https://www.chateaux-ladrome.fr/fr/chateau-de-montelimar
The Castle of Suze-la-Rousse
Built in the 12th century by the Princes of Orange, the castle has a particularly remarkable Renaissance court.
https://www.chateaux-ladrome.fr/fr/chateau-de-suze-la-rousse
Since 1978, the site has been home to the University of Wine, an internationally renowned school that offers a wide range of training courses in the vine and wine industry. www.universite-du-vin.com
The Tour de Crest
52 meters high, the Tour de Crest is the highest keep in France. Built on a rocky spur in the 12th century, the Tour de Crest is originally the major component of a fortress that dominates Crest and its valley.
The Castle of Simiane
The Château, which has remained authentic since the 18th century, was the home of Pauline de Simiane, granddaughter of the Marquise de Sévigné, who was responsible for the publication of the famous letters of her grandmother.