Grignan - A gem in the Drome
The journey south was on the busy A7 motorway but we were delighted to observe the endless fields of bright purple lavender on either side of the road. Our second stop enroute to Provence was the glorious little village of Grignan in the Drôme region. Originally, I had planned this as a short stop on route to lunch but so glad that we lingered longer to enjoy it’s charm.
Grignan is one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France and we completely understand why.
Looking up to the Château de Grignan
Park your car at the base of the village. The old part of the village is set on a hilltop with delightful views of the surrounding countryside, including stunning lavender fields.
C’est moi walking towards Château de Grignan
At the very top of the hill, you’ll discover a church and a chateau https://www.chateaux-ladrome.fr/en/the-chateau-of-grignan. Unfortunately, the chateau was closed but we did pop into the church, Collégiale Saint-Sauveur, for a brief visit, before continued to walk down the narrow cobbled roads circling the hill.
Collégiale Saint-Sauveur, Grignan
Taking in the view of the surrounding fields of lavender and vineyards
Wandering the narrow streets in the pretty village of Grignan
We popped our heads into several shops but it was lunch time and if there is one thing we have learnt about rural France, is that lunch service does not traditionally extend throughout the afternoon. There are plenty of cafes/restaurants to choose from but being a Saturday, the village was busy and it was a bit challenging to find a table at the right place for us.
C’est moi at restaurant Le Pied de la Lettre for lunch
As luck would have it, our restaurant choice of “Le Pied de la Lettre” had an available table and was just perfect. Watch this YouTube video for a lovely walk around the village and you will walk right past our restaurant.
It’s a family run restaurant, which also has 5 rooms of accommodation, a cave à vin to enjoy a wine tasting and purchase wine plus a little shop selling local products and the items for a lovely picnic.
La Vie on y Est a spectacular local wine form Côtes-du-Rhône made by Michèle Aubéry-Laurent
We both chose dorade (bream) with vegetables paired with a bottle of La Vie on y Est a spectacular local wine form Côtes-du-Rhône made by Michèle Aubéry-Laurent. It was all very fresh and tasty. We enjoyed a quick chat with our server, an English lady, who had made this lovely village her new home but there was no time for her to rest as the restaurant was popular.
We both chose dorade (bream) with vegetables paired with a bottle of La Vie on y Est a spectacular local wine form Côtes-du-Rhône made by Michèle Aubéry-Laurent
Grignan has many pretty squares shady trees. Bright red and pink hollyhocks and roses climb the walls of the houses and shops, with myriad of coloured doors and shutters and a variety of greenery cascades over the ancient walls.
For more information about visiting Grignan and this picturesque part of France click on the this link.
The perfect combination. A shuttered window and inviting door, framed by a bright hollyhock and greenery.
Next time. Nous arrivons en Provence. We arrive in Provence. Please join me for more adventures. À bientôt!
