The Drôme is full of picturesque villages, but only a handful of them officially get to call themselves one of the most beautiful villages in France. I visited three: Mirmande, La Garde-Adhémar, and Grignan.
I wind my way along a French country road toward Grignan. Wildflowers along the roadside. Tractors working the fields. Rolling hills. Big bales of hay scattered across the land. I haven’t even arrived yet, and that lazy vacation feeling already kicks in. Then Grignan appears, perched on a hill surrounded by lavender fields. On top, the castle rises up triumphantly. I spend a day here, and honestly, I could’ve easily stayed longer.
France’s third-biggest city (after Paris and Marseille) is surprisingly laid-back and green. The center is mostly car-free, and it’s a joy to stroll along the Saône and Rhône rivers. Lyon is the perfect city trip in France: you get all the perks of a big city, minus the crazy crowds.
If you’re on a road trip through Tuscany, a visit to Certaldo Alto is a must. The funicular takes you to the top of the hill in just…
