If you’re dreaming of lesser-known France — where olive groves and lavender fields carpet your way to sleepy stone villages — let me introduce you to an area we loved exploring: The Baronnies in Drôme Provençale. Baronnies Tourisme invited us to discover their region, knowing that we love off-the-beaten-track travel in beautiful countryside. We weren’t disappointed. Read on if you, too, are searching for authentic rural France. Drôme Provençale is a perfect road-trip destination for those seeking slow travel and families keen to step into an unspoiled corner of southeastern France. Let us guide you through what to see, do and love here!
Where is the Baronnies in Drôme Provençale?
If one were to ask your average bunch of travellers – even seasoned French travellers – to put their hands up if they have heard of Drôme Provençale, I would not expect to be confronted with a forest of hands. It’s an unassuming little region between the Ardèche, Vaucluse and Hautes-Alpes in south-eastern France.
However, many people have been there – they just don’t know it. As you bomb down the E15, the Route du Soleil, to Provence and the Côte d’Azur, and you pass near Montelimar, the nougat capital of the world, you are travelling through the western side of Drome Provençale.
Between the southern pre-Alps and Mont Ventoux, the Baronnies are located to the east of Drôme Provençale and include the communes of Nyons, Rémuzat, Montbrun-les-Bains, and Buis-les-Baronnies.
Well, next time you’re heading to the south of France, why not take your time, stop off for three to four days or more, and sample the hidden delights of Drôme Provençale? It is a secret place full of surprises. As we explored one area called the Baronnies, we realised we have only just scratched the surface!
What Makes The Baronnies Special?
Here’s what makes the Baronnies in Drôme Provençale so appealing to us:
- A region that appeals to all nature lovers – The fresh air, the hiking, the lavender fields and rows upon rows of olive trees – this is one of the best olive growing areas in France after all.
- Timeless medieval towns and charming villages – All waiting to be explored and are full of stone facades and shaded squares.
- Outdoor adventures – Hiking, cycling, climbing, and paragliding are popular here—but don’t worry, it’s just as lovely to wander slowly with a camera and a picnic.
- A slower pace – With few tour buses and no big resorts, it’s a region that invites you to pause, breathe, and take it all in.
- Food and wine – We ate so well here that you’ll be in heaven if you love creative local food and wine. We enjoyed getting to know the region’s wines and visiting several great vineyards.
- Southern France weather – Its mild and sunny climate is great for exploring all year round.
Towns in the Baronnies to Explore
While exploring the Baronnies, you’ll find a host of places to visit. Aside from Nyons, the other two centres are Montbrun-les-Bains and Buis-les-Baronnies.
Buis-les-Baronnies
Buis-les-Baronnies is a hidden gem certainly worth a detour. It is a pretty market town nestled in a valley among rocky cliffs, perfect for lunch and a stroll. We were there on a lazy Sunday afternoon and enjoyed our wander through its empty medieval lanes and charming alleyways. It’s like stepping back to yesteryear!
You might also like to discover the Lavender routes of Buis-les-Baronnies here.
Montbrun-les-Bains
Sadly, we did not manage to get to Montbrun, a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France association and, as its name suggests, a renowned spa centre. This really is a testament to how much there is to see and do in the region. We will return for a wander and to enjoy it at a later date and perhaps discover the lavender route in bloom in the summer.
Nyons
Nyons is a great base for exploring the region with its famous olives, Provençal market, and plenty to see, do and love as you immerse yourself in Provençal life and ways.
Nyons Tourist Information Office
We recommend you start at the Tourist Information in the centre of Nyons. There, you will be guided through What’s On and where to wander in this delightful Provençal town and beyond. They also have a lovely gift shop.
Address: Place de la Libération, 26110, Nyons.
Website: www.dromeprovencale.fr/baronnies
History of Nyons
Nyons is not a huge place, but it is packed with history and has lots to see. known as “Little Nice” and is appreciated for its setting between mountains and valleys. It was founded on the banks of the river Eygues (or sometimes spelt Aigues) in the 5th century, but most of the historical buildings date from medieval times, when much of the old town was built for defensive purposes. It was an important centre during the religious wars of the 16th century.
What to see in Nyons
Take time to explore Nyons and you will come across the ancient city walls, the Roman bridge (which postdates the Romans but is Romanesque in style), and St. Vincent’s Church. For me, the highlights were wandering around the streets and arcades of the old town.
Nyons Market
Try to time your visit so you are in Nyons for the famous weekly markets. Nyons’s Provençal markets are held each Thursday with a second market every Sunday from mid-May to mid-September – a must-see summer event.
Stalls take over the main squares (the Place de la Liberation, Place Joseph Buffaven, and Place du Dr Bourdongle), and there is a cacophony of sound and bustle from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can stock up here on fresh seasonal food, don’t forget the black Nyons olives are a must! You will find clothing, local handcrafts, and a whole array of wonderful local (and beyond) products. We advise getting there early when the crowds are smaller and parking is easier.
Nyon’s market is repeatedly nominated as one of the most beautiful markets in France!
Discover the emblematic products of the region:
We loved meeting the local producers who are not only keeping their regional traditions alive, but also offering a delicious way to take home a taste of Drôme Provençale—and the memories that come with it.
La Maison des Huiles d’Olive et Olives de France
Gastronomy rules in France, and in Nyons, olives are the king and wine the queen. Nyons is home to La Maison des Huiles d’Olive et Olives de France – the HQ of the French Olives association.
Nyons is particularly famous for its black olives, which proudly carry AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) status. It is a great place to immerse yourself in the world of olives.
Permanent Exhibition
You can start with a self-guided tour of their permanent exhibition “Olive & Senses” (audio tour included—remember to bring your headphones!). We noted that one of their exhibits, the wall of “liquid gold,” has been supported by Bastide du Laval, an organic olive oil mill we have previously visited and enjoyed.
Cooking Workshops
Olives are clearly explained in terms of biology, history, and geography. You can also take culinary classes, and we were lucky enough to have Myrijam guide us as we produced olive oil dressing (breadsticks) and two types of tapenade. Did you know the secret to tapenade, a traditional Provençal olive spread, is the addition of capers? Neither did we; we do now!
We also found out the difference between green and black olives is their harvest times—green olives are picked earlier, they have a firmer texture, and taste mildly acidic and bitter. Are you team green or team black olives?
We did have to confess that Mr. Wren is not a big olive fan at all, but even he got into the spirit of the program and claims his Tapenade aux olives vertes et tomates confites is now one of the world’s great hors d’oeuvres.
The program and prices for the Culinary Workshops are here.
Having genned up on all things olives, you can now sample the oils at a number of mills and shops around the town.
Huillerie Richard
We visited Huillerie Richard for a tour and blind tasting. It was fascinating to learn from Oliver the history of the business, which dates back to 1885. This is a tale of family persistence following the great frost in 1959, which killed off 95% of the olive trees in the region, and then a fire 50 years later, which destroyed one of the mills.
Did you know it takes 8 kg of olives to make one litre of high-quality oil?
Knowing this, you begin to fathom just how many olives are grown in the region, and we set off to taste some of the 20 types of oils on offer. While most are olive oils, Huillerie Richard also produces oils from walnuts, hazelnuts and oil seed rape. We were amazed at the breadth of flavours available.
The shop stocks way more than olive oils – it is a regional treasure trove of produce and is not to be missed.
To Visit
Tours of the Huillerie Richard mill in Nyons are by appointment. They cost Euros 2 for adults and Euros 1.50 for children, and tastings are free.
Address: Huillerie Richard; Le Moulin de Nyons, 69 rue F. Mistral, 26110 Nyons.
Website: www.huilerie-richard.com
La Para Vinegar and Mustard Factory
To continue the gastronomy tour, we recommend visiting La Para vinegar and mustard factory, which is near the centre of town. Here, Raphael Delaye-Reynaud produces a wide range of artisan vinegars and mustards.
Apart from wine vinegar (aged in oak barrels for 2 years), Raphael produces vinegar from a great array of fruit and herbs. Our favourite was the sage vinegar. We had to smile because we had no idea that you are supposed to have different vinegars on your different lettuces!
La Para Vinaigrerie has a shop nearby, so tasting and buying are possible during normal retail hours.
Address: La Para Vinaigrerie, Promenade de la Digue, 26110 Nyons.
Website: www.lapara.fr
Biscuiterie de Provence
Our next stop on our culinary tour de force involved hopping in the car for a 15-minute drive to Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues. Here you will find the Biscuiterie de Provence, which specialises in producing speciality biscuits, cakes and chocolates based on locally sourced ingredients.
It is the home of the Croquettes de Vinsorbes – a crunchy almond-based biscuit that is a famous local delicacy. It is still a family-run business with roots back six generations to Joseph Bedouin in 1833.
The team have constructed a self-guided museum and experience centre that will take you through the history of the company, its ingredients and products and how the biscuits are made. It’s brilliantly set up for children.
Large observation windows allow you to see into all the production areas to see the team working hard at crafting the delights. The tour finishes at a large, modern shop and cafe where produce and products from the area can be purchased and tasted.
It was fun diving into this ultra-gourmet universe, discovering their history and manufacturing secrets.
Entry into the museum is free (although you may end up buying up big in their shop as everything is so gorgeous).
To visit
Visits are free. The factory and visitor centre are open Monday-Saturday from 10 am.
Address: La Fabrique, 26110 Saint-Maurice-sur-Eygues.
Website: www.biscuiterie-de-provence.com
Distillerie Bleu Provence
Our final visit on the consumables tour of the region took us back into Nyons to visit the Distillerie Bleu Provence. This family-owned business produces essential oils and has been doing so for over 30 years. Given we are on the northern edge of Provence, you won’t be surprised to hear that the roots of the business are in lavender and its oils, but the range has broadened out considerably since then.
The team at DBP has developed an excellent visitors centre with plenty to do for all ages. Courses about the plants, oils and their uses are run during the summer. For details of all the courses, visit www.distillerie-bleu-provence.com
La Boutique sells a wide range of personal care products, cosmetics, and other regional products that showcase many of the oils produced at the distillery.
To visit
Address: Distillerie Bleu Provence – 58 Promenade de la Digue, 26110 Nyons Phone: 04 75 26 10 42
La Scourtinerie
Nyons is not just about products that end up inside or on you! France’s last remaining scourtin producer is situated in Nyons and is a must-visit! It’s one of France’s most unique and enduring family businesses—La Scourtinerie.
If, like us, you love discovering authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences with a whole heap of fascinating history and craftsmanship, then this little workshop deserves a spot on your Southern France itinerary….
You can read all about it in our post: Do not miss La Scourtinerie in Nyons, a charming stop for authentic French heritage.
For more details:
Address: La Scourtinerie – 36 Rue de la Maladrerie, 26110 Nyons
Website: www.scourtinerie.com
Beyond Nyons
Getting around—you do need wheels! There is a lot to see and do in Nyons, but to really appreciate the stunning beauty of the region, you do need transport. Our Rental Car was booked thanks to Discover Cars, but a fun and interesting alternative is to jump into the vintage 2CV of 2CV-O’LIVE and take a ‘balade culturelle’ with the friendly and knowledgeable Karl.
2CV-O’LIVE
This has to be one of the most fun and joyful ways to explore the countryside.
Starting from Nyons, the team at 2CV O’Live offers several excursions (from 30 minutes to all day) to explore the local area. Karl is a musician, and hearing him wax lyrical about the places and history of the region is a delight. We took the backroads trip up to the beautiful hilltop village of Montaulieu, which we had all to ourselves. The stunning views across to Mount Ventoux will long live in our memories.
This is my sort of road trip, discovering routes we would never have found on our own. Such beautiful countryside, through vineyards and olive groves, past lavender fields, and up winding hillside roads. With the roof rolled back and the warm Provençal breeze, we could almost pretend we were in a French movie.
The tours range from 30 Euros for a 30-minute trip up to 210 Euros for a full-day tour, and the car can accommodate up to three people. If you’re looking for a quirky, photogenic, and oh-so-French adventure, this is it!
The details:
Website: www.2cvolive.fr
Vineyards
So, apart from olives, the Drome Provençale is also renowned for its wine. It is located in the southern Rhone region, and the vineyards in the area produce Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages.
Vinsobres, a 10-minute drive from Nyons, is worth a visit. Vineyards close to Vinsobres may also have wine that carries the Cru Vinsobres label, as Vinsobres is one of the 10 villages in the southern Rhone that has been granted its own AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) status.
There are vineyards everywhere, and most have a cellar door for visitors (though always check as appointments may be necessary, particularly outside of high season).
The importance of and connection to the land and nature were lovely parts of our visit to Drome Provencale, none more so than our visits to the vineyards.
Domaine Rocheville
Domaine Rocheville is just outside Nyons on the road to Montelimar. Guillaume and Mylene Rocheville do everything! They grow AOP Nyons black olives and other varieties, have vineyards in Nyons and Chateauneuf du Pape, and run a campsite specifically for camper vans. It is the place to stay if you are touring the region in an RV.
We had been told that a short walk in the vines had been arranged, so we turned up in our casual clothes and shoes to learn that the walk was 5 kilometres up the nearest thing to Mount Everest in the area (OK except Mont Ventoux). For more on this walk, see: www.dromeprovencale.fr/en/itineraire/rando-terroir-promenade-pedestre.
Not to be defeated, Guillaume ushered us into his Renault van and we did the ascent with added horsepower, stopping off for stunning views across the Eygues valley and beyond.
Back in the cellar door, Guillaume and Mylene sell a wide range of local products, their Domaine Rocheville wine, and the wine from Mylene’s family vineyard in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
To Visit
Address: Domaine Rocheville – 117 ter Route de Montelimar, RD538, 26110 Nyons
See the website for details of visits and wine tastings: www.domainerocheville.com
Domaine des Hautes Blaches
Next, we met Thibaut Trollat at Domaine des Hautes Blaches in Mirabel-Aux-Baronnies, who was introduced to us at Le Bistrotteur restaurant in Nyons. We enjoyed his wine so much at lunch, we went out of our way to track Domaine des Hautes Blaches down to sample and buy some more!
Thibaut produces some lovely Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages wines, as well as olives. The Domaine is organic, and what we liked about it is that Thibaut has worked in other wine regions and is looking to bring some of the best practices from this time into his work in Mirabel.
To Visit
The Cave is open daily, but it’s a small operation, so we suggest ringing and making an appointment if you are visiting.
Address: Domaine des Hautes Blaches – No.2641 Route des Oliviers, 26110 Mirabel aux Baronnies. Phone 06 49 28 06 79
Website: www.hautes-blaches.fr
Domaine l’Ancienne École at Vinsobres
Finally, we ventured onto the hallowed terroir of Vinsobres and went to meet La Dame Anglais of Vinsobres winemaking. Anna Thorburn and her husband, Wilson, are living their dream, having moved to Vinsorbes from London to become winemakers.
They have developed a wonderful property and vineyard to the north of Vinsobres in the direction of Valreas. Domaine l’Ancienne École produces organic red and rosé wines under the Cru Vinsobres, Côtes du Rhone, Côtes du Rhone Villages, and Vin de France denominations. They are all about producing their wines as naturally as possible and are not afraid to experiment.
As a sign of Anna’s fame in the area, one of their wines is called La Dame Anglais—how cool is that?
The great news is that Anna and Wilson also have three fantastic gites on the property, so you can get the immersive experience and soak in the serene atmosphere and spectacular views.
Address: Domaine l’Ancienne École- Les Grands Preaux, 26110 Vinsobres
See website: www.domaine-lancienne-ecole.com for details on cellar door opening times, wine tasting and booking the Gites.
Where to eat in Nyons
Sustenance is clearly required while you are on this high-intensity tour, and we were lucky enough to enjoy some lovely long lunches during our trip. Lunch is often a great deal in France compared to dinner, and always look out for the Plat du Jour, which is usually great value. Here are the places we visited and recommend:
Le Fournil du P’tit Plumel
For coffee, a light lunch, and cakes.
Grab a coffee or food at Le Fournil du P’tit Plumel on the Place du Dr Bourdongle (also called the Place des Arcades). All the pastries are made in-house, and there are some great gluten-free options too. With a small number of tables and chairs in the square, this is a great place to recharge and savour the atmosphere.
Brasserie de la Place
Brasserie de la Place is a popular, buzzy place conveniently located right on the main square. It has been serving diners since 1902. Now run by a friendly team of three Nyons business partners, it offers good meals and good times.
The menu offers a mix of local and Moroccan-influenced food, along with a choice of pizza, fresh fish, and butcher’s meats. All the dishes are homemade and made from fresh produce. There is a large dining room and a covered terrace.
Address: 24 Place de la Liberation, 26110 Nyons
More at: www.dromeprovencale.fr/restaurant/brasserie-de-la-place/
Le Bistrotteur
Le Bistrotteur is set in part of an old factory just past the Roman bridge and comprises of a restaurant, bar and a traiteur (offering takeaway options). You have the choice of two air-conditioned dining rooms and a rooftop terrace with mountain views. This is a lovely spot to look out over the town and enjoy some great local food and wine.
We enjoyed their delicious and original cuisine. We also loved chatting with the owner, Guillaume, a globetrotter who enjoys finding recipes on his travels for his customers!
Guillaume and his team make you very welcome, and it’s definitely not a place to rush.
Address: 8 Rue de la Maladrerie, 26110 Nyons. Phone: +33 (0)6 30 73 03 77
More at : www.dromeprovencale.fr/restaurant/le-bistrotteur/
D’un Gout à l’Autre
We had a special dinner here at D’un Goût à l’Autre, and it was such an enjoyable evening. The food is a beautifully presented taste of the region—innovative and gastronomic! The service is friendly and helpful.
They cater well to special food requests, such as my current no-gluten, no-dairy diet, and this restaurant is highly recommended. It is located in the old part of town and offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.
Address: 21, Rue des Déportés, Nyons
See more: www.dromeprovencale.fr/restaurant/dun-gout-a-lautre
Must-see villages and stunning drives around Nyons
The Baronnies in Drome Provencale are also renowned for its hilltop villages, many of which date back to the 12th or 13th century. These defensive structures were built to provide refuge from marauding armies or, later, religious wars. During the 19th and 20th centuries, some were abandoned, but in the last fifty years, people have moved back in, and a lot of renovation and rebuilding have been done.
Apart from Montaulieu, which we visited in the 2CV-O’live tour, Le Poet-Sigillat and Brantes, even though it’s just over the border in Vaucluse, are well worth a visit. They are stunning buildings with spectacular views over the region. Brantes’ views of Mont Ventoux are particularly memorable.
If you are interested in when to see the lavender in Drome Provencale, see: www.dromeprovencale.fr/en/ou-et-quand-voir-de-la-lavande-en-drome-provencale
Vinsobres
We ventured onto the hallowed terroir of Vinsobres. A village known for wine will always be on our “must-visit” lists! They have over 1800 hectares of vines on their hillsides, and there is quite some history to these cobbled streets, which date back to the Middle Ages.
Wandering the old village leads you through narrow winding streets and up passages that tell a tale of religious wars and hard-working folk who had to reinvent themselves once the mega frost of 1956 wiped out most of the olive industry there.
L’Auberge du Petit Bistrot
L’Auberge du Petit Bistrot – 7 Place de l’Eglise, 26110 Vinsobres Phone: +33 (0)4 75 27 61 90 – this is the place to go when visiting Vinsobres and its vineyards. Slap bang in the middle of the village, it offers a small menu of locally sourced produce. It’s a family business, and Thomas and Megann have been running the Bistrot since 2022, when they took over from Thomas’ parents. Opening hours vary depending on the season, so do check.
These restaurants get busy, particularly in the summer, so booking is strongly advised.
Montaulieu
We visited Montalieu with 2CV O’live. When we arrived midweek in early April, we found a small, sleepy, and oh so picturesque village. The delightful drive through the olive groves and orchards turned into an epic adventure to reach the quaint buildings perched on a rocky peak at an altitude of 500m.
Le Poët Sigillat
We drove from Nyons to Poët Sigillat (24 km). The roads windour way up through the hills of lavender fields, preparing for their summer glory.
The “perched” village of Poët Sigillat is one of the four “Poët” (promontories) of the Drôme. Once surrounded by ramparts, some of which are still clearly visible today, the village offers splendid views of the Ennuyé Valley. We climbed up to a cross to admire the views.
Wren’s Tip: You can discover the village via a 4 km family trail, which takes 1 hour and 30 minutes. An information sheet is available in the village and also at the tourist office.
Sainte-Jalle
We passed through this typical Drome Provençal village surrounded by vineyards and lavender fields. It is especially worth visiting because it has one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the Drôme.
More on Sainte-Jalle here.
Brantes (Vaucluse)
Whilst not in Drome Provencale, we couldn’t resist including another hilltop village staring down its mighty neighbour, Mount Ventoux. It’s no wonder, given its exceptional setting, that Brantes is one of the most visited places in Vaucluse.
Perched on a rocky promontory, this typical Provençal village is a must-see during your visit to the area. The ruins of a feudal castle can be admired in this special village, which has glorious views over the wild and steep rocky mountainside towards the north side of Mount Ventoux.
The Vultures at Rémuzat
Always leave something to come back to, and the Vultures at Rémuzat will be just this for us. The Baronnies massif is now home to the largest colony of Griffon Vultures in the Alpine region, with over 300 breeding pairs. Walking through the countryside, with Black, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures soaring above sounds amazing!
For all the details on where and when to see the vultures, see:
www.dromeprovencale.fr/en/les-vautours-a-remuzat
Where to stay
There is plenty of choice; we had the pleasure of staying in three places during our time in the Baronnies.
Mon Chemin Privé – best overall stay, great value
Mirabel-aux-Baronnies, Drôme Provençale
What is great goes beyond the fabric of the Chambre d’Hotes. Fabienne and Christophe are brilliant hosts. They even washed our clothes and ironed my crumpled frock after three weeks on the road!
We love this stay for:
The large bedroom had a fabulous, comfortable, and large bed, and it was spotlessly clean. The outdoor area was gorgeous. We enjoyed a glass of local wine on the terrace with garden views. Although it wasn’t quite warm enough to get into our cossies, the swimming pool and hot tub looked fabulous!
Breakfast was great and lots of fun! Between us trying to converse in less than brilliant French, and the local delicacies, the fresh juice and homemade jams it was a memorable start to the day.
Excellent price €75 per night including breakfast.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲. See my Room Tour on Instagram here: www.instagram.com/p/DIJGnZQMV3t
Address: 2360 Route de Villedieu, 26110 Mirabel-aux-Baronnies.
For more see:www.Moncheminprive.com
Where to Stay Vinsobres – De Vert et d’O
For Mr Wren’s birthday, we chose the charming De Vert et d’O. This peaceful boutique Bed and Breakfast stay is tucked away in the middle of the vines of Vinsobres, with glorious mountain views.
Named after the green colours the owners love, this stylishly restored Maison d’hôtes is full of personality and thoughtful details at every turn. We stayed in Room 2, Kintsugi, inspired by the Japanese art of embracing imperfection. The walls highlight the many layers of history with a beautiful blend of shabby chic elegance.
The owners are a brilliant mix. Philippe is a fabulous front-of-house chap, handyman, and chef, and Madame, who sadly we never met, is an architect and interior designer, and it shows! This place was a tip-top, lovely stay from the warm welcome to the beautiful setting.
𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁: 150 €, including breakfast with fresh bread from the local bakery and the best scrambled eggs I have ever had! They also have Gites and can offer an evening dinner.
Address: 390 Chemin des Parizots, Coriançon district, 26110 Vinsobres
Website: www.devertetdo.fr
Logis Hotel la Bastide de Mongues
During our tour of Drôme Provençale, we stayed at Logis Hotel la Bastide de Mongues, Route d’Orange, 26110 Nyons. The hotel is located 3 kilometres outside Nyons. The new owners are working hard to renovate and redecorate – it is a work in progress.
The best part about staying here was the large rooms, friendly staff, and views of the vineyard and Mount Ventoux. In summer, there is a swimming pool in the garden. This year, French and German TV crews covering the Tour de France have booked in to stay —pretty cool!
Address: Route d’Orange, 26110 Nyons
Website: www.bastidedesmonges.com
Discovering Drome Provencale
By Car
Driving around the Baronnies in Drôme Provençale is the most convenient option offering flexibility and the opportunity to explore the picturesque Provençal countryside.
We used Discover Cars to easily compare rental options and book a reliable, great-value car for our trip to Southern France.
You can read all about our trip here: www.littlewanderingwren.com/france-roadtrip-with-discover-cars
By Train
We took the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris and spent a few days there before continuing by train.
France’s high-speed TGV trains make rail travel comfortable and efficient.
- From Paris:
- Take the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Avignon TGV Station.
- From Avignon TGV Station, rent a car or take a taxi for the remaining 60-minute drive to Nyons.
- From Marseille:
- Take a regional TER train from Marseille Saint-Charles Station to Montélimar SNCF train station, 52.9km away.
- From Montelimar to Nyons, there are four trains per day which take an average of 01h14
By Air
For international travellers, flying into Marseille Provence Airport (MRS): 136 km (around 90 minutes) or Aix-en-Provence and renting a car is an excellent option.
Local Transportation
While public transportation is available, it is limited in rural areas. We were pleased to have hired a car to explore the Baronnies in Drôme Provençale.
Final thoughts on the Baronnies, Drôme Provençale
A visit to the Baronnies in Drôme Provençale offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and tranquil charm. With dramatic Provençal landscapes, rich traditions, and a gentle pace of life, it’s a dream destination for anyone craving authentic rural France.
Our visit in the low season will long be remembered for the time and space it gave us to connect with nature. Exploring the products of the land, from olives to wines and vinegars, led us to meet some awesome producers and ambassadors for their special region here in Southern France.
If you get the opportunity, go out of your way to visit; you will not regret the chance to slow down and enjoy this part of France.
Disclosure: Little Wandering Wren visited the Baronnies as a guest of Baronnies Tourism. As always, all opinions, experiences, and recommendations are entirely our own.
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For more on the region, see:
