Capital of the Drôme department of France, and located in the south-east of the country, is the commune of Valence. The town is just over an hour's drive away from Lyon, and has great transportation links, sitting on the TGV line, with connections to Paris and Marseille.
Valence has a rich history and was once a Roman colony. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of St. Apollinaris, which was rebuilt in the 11th century in a Romanesque architectural style.
By hiring a car from Valence, you can take in all that the town has to offer, and go on day trips to explore the surrounding in no time at all.
For food lovers, the first stop with their hire car should definitely be the Maison Pic, a three Michelin starred restaurant located in Valence. It has been a family run place for decades, and still serves world class food today. Visitors should definitely book in advance to secure a table.
The surrounding area of Drôme has much to offer. Take a trip out to Montélimar, a town renowned for its nougat. There are many nougat factories and shops where you can learn how the sweet treat is made and take some gifts back for friends and family. The area is also known for its lavender and is surrounded by scented purple fields.
