Top 10 things to do in Grignan

Top 10 things to do in Grignan

1- Grignan Castle

Built on a rocky promontory, Grignan Castle overlooks the village, vineyards, oak trees, pine trees, and lavender fields. It is the largest Renaissance-style castle in southeastern France. Steeped in history, it owes its fame to the Marquise de Sévigné, who wrote numerous letters to her daughter, the Countess of Grignan. In the 9th century, it was a fortified castle, but it was transformed into a sumptuous holiday home by the Adhémars. Heavily damaged during the French Revolution, it was rebuilt in the 19th century. Discover the castle's superb rooms and furnishings before enjoying breathtaking views from the terraces.

Prices:

• Adult: 8 euros;
• Child: 6 euros;
• Adult guided tour: 10 euros;
• Guided tour for children: 6 euros;
• Visit to the terraces: 2 euros (free for 2-12 year olds)

2- The Sévigné garden

The Marquise de Sévigné died in Grignan in 1696. To celebrate the tercentenary of her death, the town commissioned a green sculpture by a local artist. This plant sculpture, designed in the spirit of 17th-century labyrinth gardens, represents the letters of the name Sévigné. It can be admired from the terrace of Grignan Castle.

3- Stroll around Grignan

Grignan isn't just about its castle! It's no coincidence that it was awarded the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" label! Stroll through the cobbled streets lined with golden stone houses lavishly decorated with flowers. Let the song of the cicadas guide you through this botanical village. It's a true haven of peace, tranquility, and beauty. The washhouse, belfry, and oven are all perfectly showcased.

4- The old roses circuit

Grignan is not only one of the "most beautiful villages in France," it is also a "Botanical Village." To obtain this label, it must be home to at least 150 varieties of plants. Here, it is mainly roses that fill your discovery of the village with their fragrance! The Pierres et Roses Anciennes association allows you to discover the 400 rose bushes planted in the village, at the foot of the castle, in the medieval town. The Old Roses Trail introduces you to 150 different varieties of roses as well as Mediterranean plants. You will also benefit from numerous tips for growing roses, gardening, and more.

5- The Colophon printing house and its museum

Grignan celebrates "correspondence" every year, but the Colophon printing house honors it throughout the year. In this workshop-museum, you'll discover a wealth of information related to printing and typography. Visit the old printing workshops as well as the cells of the town's former prison, now dedicated to ancient writing techniques; finish with the typographic workshops of the current printing house, with explanations provided directly by the typographers who work there.

Prices:

• Adult: 5 euros;
• 12-18 years: 4 euros;
• Under 12: free.

6- The collegiate church of Saint-Sauveur in Grignan

Listed as a historic monument since 1841, the Collegiate Church of Saint-Sauveur was built between 1535 and 1539. It is located against the southwest slope of the hill supporting Grignan Castle. Its two towers on the facade give it an impression of power. It is a fine example of Southern Gothic architecture with a single nave and a pentagonal choir. This collegiate church houses the tomb of the Marquise de Sévigné. During your visit, you may be lucky enough to hear musicians or listen to the Grignan organ, built in 1662, being played.

7- Taste the local truffles

The Drôme is the main French truffle -producing region. You can discover, touch, smell and taste black and white truffles at Ayme Truffe, but you can also visit the Bramarel estate, which covers 15.5 hectares of truffle fields with oaks, hazelnut trees, rockroses, conifers, etc. The estate has existed since 1850 and you can shop in the shop for preserves, fresh truffles, books, accessories and truffle plants.

8- The AOC Grignan-les-Adhémar wine

After the truffles, indulge yourself (in moderation) with the local wine, Grignan-les-Adhémar. The vineyard covers 1,800 hectares and produces elegant and delicious wines. Grignan is a perfect starting point for exploring this vineyard, visiting the cellars and estates of Montine and Passion d'une Femme, as well as the Caveau des Vignerons de l'AOC Grignan-les-Adhémar and its wine bar. The latter is located in the village's country house and allows you to find all the vintages produced within the appellation in one place and to learn about the wines with a self-guided tasting.

9- Durance workshops: perfumes and candles

Grignan is home to the Durance factory store, a high-quality cosmetics and home fragrance brand. Maison Durance is known worldwide for its high-quality products, including perfumes, natural cosmetics, home fragrances, scented candles, and linen and home care products. You can take a guided tour of the manufacturing workshops to learn more about this expertise.

10- The miniature Provençal village

In the Petite Tuillière district, be sure to visit the miniature Provençal village with its 80 1:6 scale rooftops. It's a perfect reproduction of 19th-century village scenes and an opportunity to learn more about the history of Provence. With approximately 1,000 characters and animals spread over 400 m², it's a pure marvel. The 45-minute tour takes you back in time. The shop allows you to purchase santons and other typical Provençal products.

Prices:

• Adult: 5.50 euros;
• Child: 3.80 euros
• Free for children under 5