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The Area - DROME
The department of the Drome in the region of Rhone Alpes is a tempting destination offering a magical mixture of contrasting climate and scenery. It extends from Provence in the south to the Dauphine in the north and from the stunning pre Alps in the east to the river Rhone in the west.
Climate and countryside is therefore startlingly varied.
The department includes hot Mediterranean zones of the south with
their Olive plantations and the famous blue fields of Lavender. In
the centre and north are the fruit orchards. The terrain rises
eastwards to the mountains which provide high summer grazing for
sheep and goats as well as skiing in the winter.
Only the cultivation of wine is practiced all over: in the
north the Crozes-Hermitage, in the mountain valleys at Die the
Clairette, in the south the Côte du Rhône with the well-known
brands Chateau neuf de Papes, Gigondas, Tavel etc.
These are AOC-areas. Everywhere in the region you can find small
wine-growers with an excellent wine quality.
Shopping: for the daily need you find bakeries and supermarkets as well as news shops in the villages of Grâne, Mirmande und Marsanne, within a distance of 6 km.
In this region many producers will sell directly from the farmhouse. You can purchase honey, goat and sheep cheese, herb extracts and fruit and wine, much of which is manufactured using traditional eco friendly and biological methods.
Going out: The regional cuisine is excellent and there
exist many little restaurants with moderate prices.
For the delicate taste there are some excellent cooks , as Alain
PIC in Valence, or the restaurants Domaine du Colombier in
Malataverne and the Château de Rochegude in Rochegude.
We can arrange reservations and a cuisine interpreter if you
wish..
Wine: Test the Clairette de Die or visit the wine-cellars of the Côtes du Rhone and of the Tricastin.
Les vins: Essayez la "Clairette de Die" (vin blanc pétillant) ou allez visiter les cépages des "Côtes du Rhone" et de "Tricastin".
Strolling: At summer you have many possibilities to visit Antique and flea markets , ex. at Grâne each 5th Sunday of the month, or the night markets at Crest and Livron.In the Drôme many artists and craftsmen settled down, most of these open their studios to interested visitors. Visit the potteries at Cliousclat and Dieulefit! Numerous museums invite you, to familiarise yourself with various arts and cultures. Including some curiosities, such as the Egg Museum at Soyans,