County town of the Drôme, Valence faces Ardèche across the Rhône, overlooked by the silhouette of the Château de Crussol. About 35 minutes from Les Cabritas, it's a human-scale town, pleasant to explore on foot over half a day.
The Kiosque Peynet, a symbol of the town
Built in 1862 and listed as a historic monument since 1982, the Kiosque Peynet overlooks the Parc Jouvet. It owes its worldwide fame to cartoonist Raymond Peynet, who, passing through Valence, was inspired to sketch a young violinist playing for his admirer: these characters, who became known as "Les Amoureux de Peynet" (Peynet's Lovers), achieved international success.
Strolling through the historic centre
The Champ de Mars, an unmissable central square, offers a magnificent view over the Ardèche hills, the Parc Jouvet and the Château de Crussol. The Parc Jouvet itself, with its 7 hectares of lawns, century-old trees and fountains, is a real green haven, ideal for a family break. Don't miss the Maison des Têtes either, adorned with numerous carved heads, or the Saint-Apollinaire Cathedral, the town's oldest building.
Good to know before you visit
The compact town centre, pedestrianised in places, is well suited to a half-day visit. Valence pairs perfectly with the Château de Crussol, right across the river on the Ardèche bank, for a full day combining a city stroll with medieval heritage.
Practical info from Les Cabritas
- Distance from Flaviac: about 35 min by car
- Best time to go: all year round
- Great for: a city stroll, culture, food
Fancy discovering Valence from your cottage in Ardèche?
Les Cabritas welcomes you in Flaviac, at the heart of Ardèche, for a comfortable stay with a private pool, just a stone's throw from the region's most beautiful sites.
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