Montélimar, famous for its nougat since the 17th century when the almond tree arrived in France, has plenty of architectural confections to make a visit here enjoyable. Leading off from the main street, Rue Pierre Julien, is a delightful jumble of eye catching medieval lanes, houses with pastel facades and old arcades full of shops selling the town’s famous product.

There are visits to nearby nougat factories (the tourist office will make arrangements) or the Musée de la Miniature is interesting enough for anyone wanting to escape the sleepy streets in summer.

	Romans sur Isère

North is Valence the main market town for fruit and veg produce in Drôme and neighbouring Ardèche. The 12th century Roman style cathedral (restored in the 17th) and the surrounding old town make an interesting diversion. South east is Die which produces Clairette de Die a sparkling wine mentioned by Pliny the Elder in AD77.

Between Valence and Montélimar lies the Côtes du Rhône-Villages region - reason enough to stop and sample.

	Palais Idéal

Romans sur Isère is famous for its shoemaking and inevitably there is a musuem dedicated to the industry. North at 28 kms is the tiny village of Hauterives where a local postman called Cheval carved his bizarre Palais Idéal at the beginning of the 20th century. There are obvious influences from the far east as well as those from the Art Nouveau movement. Worth a look.

Around Tain l’Hermitage the Rhône becomes particularly attractive with surrounding orchards which are in blossom during spring. However, the main reason to stop here is Crozes Hermitage - the famous smoky, dark wine with blackberry and hawthorn flavours. Make sure you try the lesser known white as well. The area also includes Hermitage and St Joseph. The Phoenicians are thought to have started winemaking here in the 4th century BC.

In the south of the département, the old town of Nyons lists wine, truffles, olives and honey as its specialities. The 14th century Place des Arcades and stone bridge are worth seeing and, if you're lucky, the lavender fields will be in bloom.