About 30 minutes from Les Cabritas, the Drôme Valley offers a completely different side of the region: vine-covered hills, charming villages and a wild river with crystal-clear water. It's one of the few rivers in France still undammed, allowing it to keep a natural course and remarkably clear waters, especially appreciated in summer.
Authentic villages along the water
The village of Saillans, set on the banks of the Drôme between Die and Crest, captures the charm of the valley with its old streets, arcades, fountains and Roman marble pediment. Further up the valley, Die is renowned for its vineyards and its famous Clairette de Die sparkling wine, while other perched villages invite you to wander among vines and cliffs.
Swimming, canoeing and cycling
The Drôme river is a true paradise for swimming enthusiasts, with numerous natural beaches and pools accessible all along its course. The Roanne, one of its tributaries, is even known for its postcard-worthy turquoise waters. Canoeing, mountain biking and hiking fans will also find plenty to enjoy, particularly along the GR9 trail that crosses the valley. It makes for an ideal day out by the water, combining swimming with discovering local heritage.
Good to know before you visit
As most swimming spots on the Drôme river are unsupervised, it's worth staying cautious, especially with young children, and checking water levels according to the season. Many local producers, particularly of Clairette de Die and Crémant de Die AOC wines, offer tours and tastings along the way. The valley is also great for a gentle bike ride along the back roads linking the villages, with plenty of viewpoints over the terraced vineyards. A local producers' market is held weekly in several villages in the valley, the perfect opportunity to put together a local picnic before heading to one of the many pebble beaches for the afternoon.
Practical info from Les Cabritas
- Distance from Flaviac: about 30 min by car
- Best time to go: June to September for swimming
- Great for: river swimming, cycling, villages, wine tourism
Fancy discovering The Drôme Valley 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.
Check availability