From the Spirit of Sévigné to Medieval Cities

As the primary rays of sunshine heat the valleys and the timber start to bud, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes comes alive within the nice outside! It’s the proper season to hike the paths, cycle alongside the greenways, and (re)uncover our charming cities earlier than the summer time crowds arrive.

On this article, we take you on a two-part journey by Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: a literary immersion in Drôme Provençale for the Yr of Sévigné, adopted by a visit again in time to the center of the medieval villages of the Rhône.

Grignan: A Royal Stopover within the Coronary heart of the Yr of Sévigné

Perched on its promontory, the village of Grignan, listed among the many Most Stunning Villages of France, appears suspended between heaven and earth. In 2026, the city will have a good time the four-hundredth anniversary of the delivery of its most illustrious resident: the Marquise de Sévigné. The festivities start this spring, remodeling this jewel of the Drôme Provençale into an open-air theater.

The Splendor of the Grand Siècle

Overlooking the lavender fields and vineyards, the Château de Grignan, a masterpiece of Renaissance and classical structure, tells the fascinating story of the Marquise and her daughter, the Countess of Grignan. It was from their shut bond {that a} now-famous correspondence was born. Strolling alongside the citadel’s terraces provides a wide ranging view stretching all the way in which to Mont Ventoux.

A Spring within the Signal of the Pen

“Printemps Sévigné” brings a poetic environment to the château: flower-filled rooms, monumental chocolate sculptures, and enchanting night excursions. For a very immersive expertise, don’t miss:

• Grignan 1690: A weekend of historic reenactments to relive the splendor of the seventeenth century – Might 1^st by 3.
• The Sévigné Large Dictation: a large dictation at Grignan Fortress on June 18.
• The Competition de la Correspondance : which has been celebrating the artwork of letter-writing for 30 years – July 6–11.
• The opera “Ninon chez Madame de Sévigné”: a night of opera within the citadel’s predominant courtyard
• The Digital Scavenger Hunt: Comply with within the Marquise’s footsteps, smartphone in hand, by the village’s slim streets.

The Medieval Rhône: Glimpses of Golden Stone and Charming Cities

Head north to the Rhône division for a timeless getaway. Nestled between the Beaujolais valleys and the ridges of the Monts du Lyonnais, spring brings a glow to the ochre and yellow facades of the villages in Pierres Dorées, giving them the texture of a French Tuscany.

A string of legendary cities

The journey begins in Oingt, listed among the many “Most Stunning Villages of France.” Right here, artists’ retailers and the Museum of Mechanical Music convey the cobblestone streets to life. Additional on, Ternand, a “Petite Cité de Caractère,” watches over the Azergues Valley from atop its Twelfth-century ramparts.

For many who love breathtaking views, Riverie provides a spectacular stopover on its rocky outcrop, whereas Saint-Symphorien-sur-Coise impresses with its fortified silhouette and majestic collegiate church.

Distinctive experiences

The medieval Rhône may also be skilled in a enjoyable manner:

• Salva Terra: A medieval immersion park in Haute-Rivoire.
• The Gnolus: A contemporary treasure hunt (geocaching) that permits you to discover native heritage whereas having enjoyable.
• The Museum of the Historical past of Winemaking in Beaujolais : In Ternand, discover the historical past of winemaking by the centuries.
• Medieval Rhône: a free net app to information you thru notable websites and picturesque villages: https://www.rhonemedieval.fr/

Get pleasure from your keep in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes!