Drôme is part of the current region of Rhône-Alpes (Rôno-Arpes) and is surrounded by the departments of Ardèche, Isère and by the region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur by the departments of, Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and Vaucluse.

The boundaries of the department have changed several times with the incorporation of the Comtat Venaissin in 1792 and the creation of the department of Vaucluse in 1793. There is an enclave of the department of Vaucluse, the Canton of Valréas (Enclave des Papes), which is surrounded by Drôme.

Drôme hosts some of the most attractive listed villages in France, as well as perched villages, typical of the region… This is Hidden France! Unusual panoramic views and characteristic architecture… all this gives us a rich heritage and a strong sense of identity… which we are willing to share with you! Come and discover a friendly atmosphere and welcoming people, eager to meet you and take care of you…Sunshine, perfumes of lavender, rosemary, thyme… olive trees, vineyards, cicadas’ singing, drinking a “pastis” under the shade of a tree… or playing “boules” with old friends… This is how Provence can be described! This is the particular friendly atmosphere you will find here.We welcome you in our region filled with pleasures and joy. Discover the landscapes, enjoy the panoramic views or just wander around under the warm sun of Provence. If you are a sports person, a lot of different activities are available here: hiking, horse riding, cycling and even paragliding… The Drôme region is a place where “Culinary Arts” are ever-present and very important. Sharing a meal means more than just eating together… it is the time when you meet new people and taste new flavours, when you discover the essence of the Hidden France and a true way of living! If you are passionate about culture or just curious and interested in our History, here are some well-known castles to discover: “Château de Grignan”, renowned due to the letters written by Madame de Sévigné to her daughter the Countess of Grignan; “Château de Suze-la-Rousse” home of the Wine University; “Château des Adhémar”, today a Contemporary Art Centre. Thus the Drôme region is a place of memory. Many places act as reminders; those linked to the Resistance, particularly in the Vercors area, but also all the sites telling the story of peoples and religions : the "Musée du Protestantisme" (Protestantism Museum), "Musée d’Art Sacré" (Sacred Art Museum) or the Armenian Heritage Centre in Valence.

 There also are many famous writers such as René Barjavel, Madame de Sévigné, Daniel Pennac or Philippe Jaccottet, or painters such as Bernard Cathelin, Pierre Boncompain and André Lhote who found inspiration in Drôme’s landscapes. Sculptors such as Toros have also been charmed by the region.

Most hikers know the Royans Vercors Natural Park (3 280 - 7 546 feet altitude), which explains its reputation as a “citadel”.

This vast plateau has difficult access roads, each of which attract large numbers of tourists: the Grands Goulets, Combe Laval, the Col du Rousset … Sheep farming and forestry are the two essential economic activities.

The superb pine and beech forests, stretching as far as the eye can see, and the Lapiaz desert on the high plateaux are such contrasting environments that 1 800 different plant species grow there (including more than 60 varieties of orchids); 135 species of birds, almost all “cervidae” and 65 species of wild mammals can also be found. The Vercors forest is mysterious and even awe-inspiring…

See the France's Vineyards Map and also  Vallée du Rhône Vineyards.