What to see in France

Choose a campsite to discover Grignan, the nugget of Drôme provençale

Vue sur le village médiéval de Grignan
Vue sur le village médiéval de Grignan

 

Grignan is a small village in the Drôme provençal region of France, classified as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France in 2019. It lies close to the Vaucluse department and Mont Ventoux. Built high up on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by the Tricastin plain, Grignan enjoys a prestigious setting. A pretty town that has kept its medieval soul, as evidenced by its collegiate church and castle, Grignan is now renowned for its AOC wine, truffles and Lavandin cultivation. So what better way to explore this village than on a camping holiday?

Which campsite is right for visiting Grignan?

3-star campsites in Drôme with swimming pool

Camping Huttopia Dieulefit *** is less than 30 km from the village of Grignan. Stay here in total comfort. You'll be surrounded by a pond, a forest, mountains and a river! You'll be accommodated in fully-equipped Toile & Bois tents, wooden huts and cabins, all made from environmentally-friendly materials. You'll also enjoy two beautiful heated outdoor swimming pools, a Spa with treatments and massages, and entertainment for all, with introductions to sports and nature. The evening entertainment and shows will leave you with fond memories of your family holiday.

Mobile home rental in Drôme (26)

La Colline *** campsite is in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, just 20 km from the village of Grignan, voted one of France's Most Beautiful Villages. The campsite offers around fifty pitches and thirty rental units, including canvas bungalows, chalets and mobile homes. There's a lovely heated outdoor swimming pool and solarium. This campsite is open from February to November, for 9 months of the year. Hiking and BMX are on offer, as well as volleyball, pétanque and table tennis.

La Colline campsite
La Colline campsite© Camping La Colline

3-star campsite near Grignan

Also 20 km from Grignan, Les Rives de l'Aygues *** campsite is located in Tulette and welcomes you between April and the end of September. On the banks of a peaceful river and surrounded by unspoilt countryside. The campsite has a heated outdoor swimming pool and a paddling pool, entertainment in season and a snack bar. You can go horse riding on site, as well as playing other sports such as basketball, beach volleyball and football. Entertainment and games for children are organised during the day, as are lively evening dances for parents.

Cheaper camping in Grignan

The Municipal de Grignan campsite is open from May to September and is ideal for visiting the village of Grignan and also for hiking in the mountains. A small, low-cost campsite with 28 bare pitches with electric hook-up. You can enjoy its outdoor swimming pool and bar, as well as wifi and your pet on your pitch.

Campsite Grignan

Also in the commune of Grignan, Les Truffières *** campsite is open from April to October and offers 91 pitches, including 24 rentals, and a water park with a heated outdoor swimming pool, a paddling pool and a waterslide. A mini club to entertain your children during the day, sports activities including badminton, volleyball and basketball, as well as evening entertainment with shows and live music.

 

What should you visit in Grignan during your camping holiday?

As well as being voted one of France's most beautiful villages, Grignan is also one of the Drome's botanical villages. As such, the medieval village is home to 150 different varieties of plant. You can also take advantage of the "old roses circuit" (guided if you wish), with 400 rose bushes planted at the foot of the château, mixed with a range of Mediterranean plants that embellish an already magnificent landscape, much to the delight of visitors strolling through and exploring the town.

Ruelle de Grignan
Ruelle de Grignan© iStock

The Château and the Marquise de Sévigné

Famous thanks to the Marquise de Sévigné, who married her daughter to the Count of Grignan, the château enabled the village to flourish in the Middle Ages. From the 16th century onwards, it became the largest Renaissance château in the south-east of France. Built on a rocky promontory as a fortified castle in the 11th century, it was subsequently converted into a dwelling house during the Renaissance, then demolished during the Revolution and rebuilt at the beginning of the last century to restore it to its former splendour. Inside, you'll find magnificent flats and reception rooms, all richly and majestically decorated. The gallery of the Adhémar family (who owned the château during the Renaissance) features a wealth of tapestries, woodwork, paintings, fireplaces and works of art. Finally, don't miss the sumptuous view over northern Provence from the château's terraces.

View of the Château de Grignan, the largest Renaissance château in the south-east of France
View of the Château de Grignan, the largest Renaissance château in the south-east of France© iStock
Magnificent panorama from the terraces of the château
Magnificent panorama from the terraces of the château© iStock

The collegiate church of Saint-Sauveur

Consecrated a collegiate church by the Pope in 1539, Saint-Sauveur church dates to the 16th century and was listed as a Historic Monument in 1840. It is located below the ramparts and can be reached via the covered walkway. Its impressive square towers add to the grandeur of its location against the western flank of the rock on which the castle stands. The interior features Southern Gothic architecture, with an octagonal chancel, ribbed windows and a single nave. Built on the ancient model of a triumphal arch, its portal was damaged during the Wars of Religion and restored 100 years later. You can also admire the 17th-century organ, the case of which is listed as a Historic Monument. In the choir of Saint-Sauveur church, a plaque reminds us that Madame de Sévigné was buried there in 1696.

The Saint-Vincent chapel

Located in the cemetery, the Saint-Vincent chapel is not lacking in interest or charm. Built in the 11th century, it is the oldest monument in Grignan. Until the 16th century, it served as a parish church; today it is used for funerals and exhibitions. On the outside walls, there are a few geometric signs carved into the stone, representing the signature of the stonemasons, as well as an ancient sundial near the door on the side. Inside, there is no furniture apart from a 19th-century statue of the Virgin Mary.

The charming Saint-Vincent chapel, Grignan's oldest monument
The charming Saint-Vincent chapel, Grignan's oldest monument © iStock

Miniature Provencal village

Here's a visit children will love! The miniature Provencal village is a reproduction of scenes from life in Provence in the last century. Set in the Petite Tuilière district, this 1/6th scale model covers 1,000 m2 and features 1,000 characters. You'll discover what life was like for villagers in the 19th century, as well as the history of Provence and its old trades that have disappeared today. There's also a shop where you can buy Provencal santons.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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