Montélimar is much more than just a stopover on the way to your vacation destination. Famous for its nougat and strategically located on the mythical Nationale 7, Montélimar is a real gem to discover. Situated on the Via Agrippa Roman road for thousands of years, Montélimar is at the gateway to Provence, at the foot of the Vercors mountains and close to the Ardèche gorges. This city of 37,000 inhabitants offers a pleasant living environment, combining urban amenities with Provencal charm. Structured by the Allées Provençales that encircle its old town center, Montélimar is a human-sized town where life is good and stays pleasant. In this article, discover the 13 must-see places to visit.
1. Stop off at the Palais des Bonbons du Nougat et des Souvenirs
This is the realm of souvenirs and gourmet delights for young and old alike. A must-see in the Drôme region, this multi-faceted, fun-filled space features a nougat factory, a candy store and a series of museums: toy, santon, doll and teddy bear, N7, old-time school, automatons, circus, Lego constructions... not forgetting the brand-new, larger-than-life Bonbec Village. The Badaboum area, with its 60 indoor games, completes the offer. Restaurant, snack bar and picnic facilities are also available on site. A great family outing.
2. Go to the European Fighter Aviation Museum
This museum exhibits an impressive collection of European, American and Soviet fighter planes, housed in various hangars. Fans of the Tanguy et Laverdure series will particularly appreciate this museum, which houses around 80 fighter aircraft, including American and Soviet models such as MiGs, Broncos, DC3s and Mirages. You can climb aboard a Caravelle or explore the cockpit of a DC-7. Under the hangars, you'll find models, missiles, ammunition, jet engines, ejector seats and photos. The store offers over 400 souvenir items. New features include a comic-book reading area and audio guides accessible via smartphone.
3. Visit Château de Montélimar
Along with Grignan and Suze-la-Rousse, the Château de Montélimar is one of the département's three most remarkable seigniorial buildings, and a source of pride for the town. In the 10th century, a first castle was built on the hill overlooking the confluence of the Jabron and Roubion rivers. In the 12th century, two castles were built by the powerful and divided Adhemar family. All that remains today is the massive Narbonne tower of one of the castles, and the seigniorial dwelling and chapel of the other. Classified as a historic monument since 1889, the château is now owned by the Conseil Général de la Drôme.
4. Visit Espace Chabrillan
This restored former chapel, named after the townhouse built in 1759 by the Marquis de Chabrillan in the same street, has seen a variety of uses over the years. Once a Capuchin convent, then home to the Visitation sisters, it was then converted into an elementary school until 1996. Today, it has become a space dedicated to the arts, offering almost 300 m² for temporary exhibitions. The museum features some magnificent temporary exhibitions. We recommend that you consult the current exhibition before visiting.
5. La Fabrique Arnaud Soubeyran, Musée du Nougat
Take a behind-the-scenes look at how traditional nougat is made at this museum, where you'll find yourself salivating over all the delicacies. Maison Soubeyran has been perpetuating the history of nougat since 1837. In the kitchen, the techniques used are those inherited from the first generations of producers. Copper cauldrons and water baths are still used, guaranteeing controlled cooking that respects the taste qualities of the raw materials. The museum is a real curiosity, offering a participative setting. You'll be able to try your hand at tasting, and take part in a range of activities for children of all ages.
6. Badaboum, the perfect place to spend family time in Montélimar
With its 950 m² spread over 4 floors and a height of 7 meters, Badaboum offers a wide variety of games, such as obstacles to overcome, giant slides, suspended bridges and nets, a giant Legos zone and much more. The little ones also have their own area, with soft mats, foam shapes and a ball pool. While the kids are having fun in complete safety, parents can relax in the snack/bar area. Badaboum is the ideal place to spend some quality family time in Montélimar!
7. Montélimar Museum of Contemporary Art
The Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montélimar, inaugurated in 2008, is a must-see for art lovers. Located on the Place Provence, it organizes a major summer exhibition every year and displays sculptures in the streets of the town. The museum exhibits works by major artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, accompanied by media accessible to all. Thanks to a significant gift from Pierre Boncompain, the museum's collection includes works by Bonnard, Cézanne, Chagall, Dufy, Picasso, Braque, Renoir and Manet, renewed each year. Admission is free. The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility, and underground parking is available.
8. What to do in Montélimar Stroll around the historic center
To discover Montélimar's authentic charm, there's nothing like a stroll through its historic center. The cobbled streets and ancient facades plunge you into a timeless atmosphere. Don't miss the Place du Marché, bustling with local shops and café terraces, ideal for a gourmet break. Architecture buffs will appreciate historic buildings such as the Saint-Pierre church and the Carmes chapel, witnesses to the town's rich past. Stroll along the picturesque lanes and admire the many artisan boutiques and art galleries.
9. Take a ride on Montélimar's Petit Train Touristique
A one-hour ride aboard the Petit Train Touristique de Montélimar is an ideal way to discover the heart of the city with children. Aboard the little train, you can admire each landscape while listening to explanations in French or English about each place visited. The train departs from the Montélimar tourist office and passes through the Allées Provençales, the historic center, the Château des Adhémar and the Jardin Public.
10. Stop off at Montélimar Tourist Office
Montélimar's tourist office is dedicated to the town and its 26 surrounding communes. You'll find all the information you need, and you can also put together your own local basket of food, wine, Durance scented candles, lavender essence and much more. The office organizes guided tours of the old town, walks in the surrounding area and various events throughout the year. You'll also find information on all the villages to visit in the area.
11. Nougat tasting at Le Chaudon d'Or
This is a small, family-run artisanal nougat factory. For over 60 years, Le Chaudron d'Or has been making nougat in copper cauldrons, using top-quality products: lavender honey from the Drôme, almonds from Spain, pistachios from Sicily and vanilla from Réunion Island. We recommend a visit to the working factory to feast your eyes (and taste buds!). Among the delights, we recommend nougats coated with fine chocolates, available in dark fondant, mocha and orange-flavored milk chocolate. And don't miss the incredible nougat spread, created by a Meilleur Ouvrier de France and world pastry champion. The welcome at this gourmet establishment is just as delicious: yes, Montélimar isn't one of those towns renowned for its gourmet specialties for nothing.
12. Musée d'art contemporain Saint-Martin
The MAC, a contemporary art space, hosts major exhibitions, often in collaboration with the Château des Adhémar, Montélimar's other art venue. The Espace Saint-Martin has already scheduled a retrospective of the sculptor Toros, devoted to bronzes by this artist from the Drôme region, an exhibition of works by Pierre Boncompain, a painter from Valence, and an exhibition by César. All in all, it's a place where you'll find quality exhibitions!
13. Admire the lavender fields of Montélimar
To take the time to contemplate the lavender fields of Montélimar is to let yourself be enchanted by the intoxicating scent of this emblematic flower of Provence. The best time to admire the lavender fields is from June to August, when the plant is in full bloom. You'll be able to marvel at the magnificent landscape, where violet and mauve colors blend into a breathtaking panorama. To deepen your discovery, you can also visit a lavender distillery and learn more about the properties of this plant and the various products derived from it.
See also our article Lavender Routes in Provence: the best tours.
Where to stay in Montélimar?
Montélimar, offers several accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. Here are our favorites:
- The most charming: the Sphinx Hôtel
Set in a courtyard opening onto the Allées provençales, the Sphinx Hôtel is just a two-minute walk from the station! You'll enjoya beautiful 17th-century character house with arcades and thick walls, plush furnishings and spacious, high-ceilinged rooms with every comfort. We enjoyed breakfast in the large, rustic ground-floor dining room. In summer, breakfast is served in the courtyard under the plane tree. In short, an ideal base camp for discovering Montélimar book here.
- Great value for money: Hôtel ibis budget Montélimar
Looking for a simple room with a comfortable bed for a cheap stopover in Montélimar ? The Hotel ibis budget Montélimar, which you can book right here, is an excellent option. Rooms are uncluttered and feature TV, private bathroom, free wifi... For a few extra euros, you can enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.
- The address for a gourmet stay: Logis Le Printemps Hôtel Restaurant
Just a stone's throw from the town center, the Logis Le Printemps Hôtel Restaurant has been awarded the "Accueil vélo" label. Here you can book one of the eleven cosy rooms with three-star comfort in this fine bourgeois residence. We really like the Logis 2 cocottes restaurant, which offers high-quality traditional cuisine and a fine selection of wines. Plus: free private, enclosed parking.
What to do in Montélimar with children?
Montélimar isn't talked about enough as a destination for vacations in France with children. Yet it's one of the sunniest towns in France, with the sun shining for 2,405 hours a year. Montélimar also offers a multitude of activities for children, guaranteeing moments of fun and discovery for the whole family. Here are a few suggestions for an unforgettable stay with your little ones:
- Visit the Musée du Nougat
The Musée du Nougat at Maison Soubeyran is a must-see. Children can discover the secrets of traditional nougat-making, take part in tasting workshops and have fun with the interactive animations. A fun, gourmet experience!
- Explore the Château des Adhémar
This medieval castle is perfect for a cultural and historical outing. Children can explore the towers, ramparts and temporary exhibitions. Guided tours and workshops are also available to bring history to life.
- Fun at Badaboum
Badaboum is a huge indoor playground for children of all ages. With 950 m² spread over 4 floors, it offers a variety of games such as giant slides, suspension bridges, a giant Legos zone and much more. The little ones also have their own area with soft mats and a ball pool. Parents can relax in the snack/bar area.
- Stroll through the Jardin Public
Montélimar's Jardin Public is an ideal place for a family stroll. Children can run, play and enjoy the play areas. It's also the perfect place for an outdoor picnic.
What to do in Montélimar when it rains?
Even when it's raining, Montélimar has plenty of activities to keep you entertained. Here are a few suggestions for enjoying the town despite the capricious weather:
- Visit the Musée d'Art Contemporain (MAC)
The MAC is a must-see for art lovers. Located on Place Provence, it features exhibitions by major artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Works by Bonnard, Cézanne, Chagall, Dufy, Picasso, Braque, Renoir and Manet are on show. Admission is free, and the museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
- Explore the Musée du Nougat
The Musée du Nougat at Maison Soubeyran is a fun, gourmet visit. You can discover the secrets of traditional nougat-making, take part in tasting workshops and enjoy interactive activities. A perfect experience for the whole family.
- Fun at Badaboum
Badaboum is a huge indoor playground for children of all ages. With 950 m² spread over 4 floors, it offers a variety of games such as giant slides, suspension bridges, a giant Legos zone and much more. The little ones also have their own area with soft mats and a ball pool. Parents can relax in the snack/bar area.
- Discover the Château des Adhémar
This medieval castle is perfect for a cultural and historical outing. You can explore the towers, ramparts and temporary exhibitions. Guided tours and workshops are also available to bring history to life.
- Shopping
Montélimar's Allées Provençales and city center offer a wealth of stores and boutiques. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, clothes or local produce, you'll find plenty to keep you busy while staying dry.
What are the most beautiful villages to visit around Montélimar?
The Montélimar conurbation includes 25 villages that make up some of the most beautiful places in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, offering plenty of opportunities for walking. Some of these villages are perched on hillsides overlooking the surrounding valleys. If you're having trouble choosing, here's a selection of villages, some of which are among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France". Whatever your choice, you won't be disappointed.
- Châtillon-en-Diois
One of France's most beautiful villages, Châtillon-en-Diois is a medieval town with narrow streets lined with magnificent traditional houses. It's also one of the Drôme's botanical villages (climbing plants and fountains). Summer sees the arrival of tourists, but the rest of the year Châtillon empties out and becomes very quiet.
- Le Poët-Laval
Hiking enthusiasts will particularly appreciate this village, where it's pleasant to wander through cobbled streets and come across beautiful medieval buildings. Founded by the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in the 12th century, it was abandoned by its inhabitants. In the 1950s, a man with a passion for old stones opened a hotel-restaurant and restored the château. The village is the starting point for a heritage hike, "In the footsteps of the Huguenots", on the way to the Diois region.
- Mirmande
This village is a labyrinth of narrow streets. One of them leads to the top of this medieval village and the 12th-century church of Sainte-Foy. As you stroll along the pretty cobbled streets, shaded by hackberry, mulberry and fig trees, you'll admire beautifully restored houses, remnants of the ramparts and craftsmen's stores. Two personalities have left their mark on Mirmande: the painter André Lhote, who contributed to the revival of the village, and Haroun Tazieff, the famous vulcanologist, who was its mayor from 1979 to 1989.
