Drôme

Drôme is a department in southeastern France, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is named after the Drôme River, which traverses the department and flows into the Rhône. The landscape ranges from the Rhône Valley in the north to the Alpine foothills in the south, including the Vercors and Baronnies ranges.

The department was created on March 4, 1790 during the French Revolution, largely from the former province of Dauphiné. Its prefecture is Valence. Drôme is divided into three arrondissements: Die, Valence, and Romans-sur-Isère, with Die and Romans-sur-Isère serving as subprefectures. Major towns include Valence, Montélimar, Romans-sur-Isère, Nyons, and Die. The Donjon de Crest, a medieval keep in Crest, is a notable landmark.

Economy and culture: Agriculture is important, with wine production in the northern valleys, fruit and vegetables in the plains, and olive oil production in Nyons and the Drôme provençale. The area is also known for lavender, truffles, and nougat. Tourism centers on natural parks such as the Parc naturel régional du Vercors and the Baronnies provençales, as well as historic villages and castles. The Palais idéal du facteur Cheval in Hauterives is a well-known attraction.

Geography and climate: The Drôme experiences a temperate climate with Mediterranean influences in the south and mountain influences in the east, supporting diverse agriculture and outdoor activities.

Transport and population: The department is served by major roads and rail links, including a TGV station in Valence. The population is around half a million, with Valence and other urban centers as key population hubs.