A bell-tower porch, considered rare in Provence, is part of the Church of Saint-Martin in Valaurie. Together with the medieval fortifications, the narrow lanes of the old town, and art to discover on a walk along the Parcours d’Art, it creates a clear cultural focus. You can also visit the production of syrups and aperitifs, followed by a tasting at Domaine Eyguebelle. If you would like to combine architectural history, art, and an insight into production, Valaurie offers a range of starting points for your stay.

Fortifications, Church, and Washhouse

A large part of Valaurie’s oval medieval fortifications, with their towers, remains intact. The fortifications and the Church of Saint-Martin draw attention to different aspects of architectural history: the oval shape and towers here, a single church building there. Saint-Martin is a single-nave Provençal Romanesque church dating from the late 11th and 12th centuries. Its bell-tower porch is considered rare in Provence. The church thus draws attention both to its architectural form and to this distinctive feature, while the oval shape of the fortifications gives a different impression of the historic village.

The washhouse adds its own point of reference in time: it was built in 1855 and roofed over in 1892. The two dates distinguish its construction from the later addition of the roof. Valaurie’s architectural history, then, is not limited to medieval building forms.

Old Town and Art Along the Walking Route

Explore the historic old town via its narrow lanes and calades. The Parcours d’Art offers another way to experience it: visitors discover works by artists as they walk through Valaurie’s streets. The route starts at the Maison de la Tour, follows Rue des écoles, and climbs to the upper part of the village. This gives the art walk both a starting point and a direction; the route takes you through the streets to view the art, rather than limiting the experience to a single exhibition venue.

Exhibitions and Events

Maison de la Tour – Le Cube hosts exhibitions of contemporary art throughout the year. It also takes part in artistic events, including theatre performances and concerts; the programme varies. The Maison offers a permanent option for individual, unaccompanied visits. Check opening arrangements before your trip. This lets you distinguish between art discovered on a walk through the streets and exhibitions at Maison de la Tour.

Production and Tasting

Domaine Eyguebelle complements the cultural attractions with an insight into the production of syrups and aperitifs. A free, self-guided tour of the production facilities is offered, followed by a tasting at the bar. This is a different kind of visit from exploring historic buildings or the art in the village: here, the focus is on production and tasting. Check the visiting arrangements before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Étoile-Sur-Rhône, Le Chaffal, Aulan, La Begude-De-Mazenc, Portes-En-Valdaine, La Touche, Buis-Les-Baronnies, Vers-Sur-Méouge

For the main travel overview: Drôme.