The Drome
The extremely varied landscapes of the Department Drôme form a multicolored kaleidoscope between Rhônevalley, pre alpes and the Provence and is considered as the gate for the mediterranean south of France. The Drôme is equivalent lonely tableland, steep rock cliffs and dense forest. The Vercors massif is today equal for an eldorado of intact nature. The Drome is a medium sized french department with approx. 6'500 km2 surface. The Drome was settled and urbanized already 200 years b.C. by the Romans as can be observed by many retained remains. Today there are still numerous contemporary witnesses of this cultural epoch.
Liquid gold: Around Nyons is the most important “AOC” region for the cultivation of oliveproducts in France. The area is protected on the east, the south and the north by mountains locking the fierce "mistral" and offers ideal microclimate for the cultivation of olive trees. Nearly one quarter million olive trees of the sort Tanche to prosper leave. Their large black fruits result in annually ~ 2'500 tons high quality olive oil bearing the AOC label of origin Huile de Nyons.
Black gold: TUBER MELANOSPORUM or black truffle is usually discovered by trained dogs or pigs. They prosper under a special kind of oak and are up to 20 cm under the earth's surface. The black
diamond, as the black truffle is also called, is sold on the local markets from middle of november till middle of march at prices of varying from 700 to more than 1'000 per kg. The "dark grey tubers" are on display in the car trunk, examined expertly and put on precision balance , the price negotiated and then the cash changes the owner. Numerous restaurants and truffle festivals (in Richerenches in the neighbouring Vaucluse) offer culinary highlights during the truffleseason with various truffle dishes. Weekly provence markets with truffle can be found in places like St. Paul les trois Chateaux, Richerenches, Carpentras a.m.o.
Pink gold: With Lavandula angustifolia an almost unlimited application field is covered from lavender-soap to "chocolate mousse with lavender decoration". Lavender is cultivated on very meager and dry grounds and in many very steep areas where no other agriculture plants have a chance to prosper and produce an economic income. On the Lavendelroute of the Drôme you can explore everything about the cultivation, the harvesting and the application of lavender products.
Wine lover: Tain Hermitage is a well-known AOC wine region and famous for its red wines produced from Syrah grapes. It's terraces over the left side northern Rhônetal are fully exposed south and protected from the cold, and sometimes fierce "Mistral". In the Drome valley they cultivate/produce the "Clairette" from "muscat" grapes which is beloved by "wine connaisseurs"! More south in the "Coteaux du Tricastin" you'll find rosé, white and red wines.
Nougat from Montélimar: The world famous nougat is a delicious, sweet product made from almonds, lavender honey and egg white and is protected whith an AOC label of origin. Today there are still more than one dozen of producers following old delivered prescriptions. You may like it softly or hard, white or dark, with or without candied fruits!