City of an enclave of Vaucluse in the Drôme, Valréas takes place about seventy kilometers from Avignon and its famous palace of the Popes. It is located about fifteen kilometers from Nyons and about forty kilometers from Montelimar and Carpentras.
Populated since prehistoric times, the territory of Valréas developed under Charlemagne's rule towards the 9th century. Territory of the popes for many years, the town then took the path of Comtat Venaissin. When he joined the Republic, she made the choice to remain attached to Avignon as Grillon, Richerenches and Visan. First French center of the cardboard industry in the nineteenth century, Valréas is now turned to tourism.
Labeled Green Station, the city is appreciated for its wines AOC côtes-du-rhône, coast-of-the-rhône villages and slopes of Tricastin, but also for its olive oil, its Picodon (AOC) or its fruit production. Valréas also has a rich architectural and historical heritage to discover the time of a stay in the area.
Listed as a Historical Monument, the Simiane Hotel is a 16th century Renaissance building which now houses the Town Hall. As you stroll through the city, you can also discover other mansions of the sixteenth, seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries, or the tower Ripert twelfth century in the heart of the historic center.
The only remaining vestige of the city's original precinct, the Tivoli Tower is now listed as a Historic Monument, as is the Mur des Murres, which pays tribute to those killed by German troops after the city's takeover in 1944.
Built in the early twentieth century, the Café de la Paix of Valréas is now listed as a Historic Monument, as well as a twentieth century heritage site. Its interior decoration is the work of Monsieur Marentier who created a set close to Art Deco.
Listed as a Historical Monument, Notre-Dame-de-Nazareth Church is a very fine example of Provencal Romanesque style. Built in the twelfth century, it originated in a Benedictine priory. Entirely in stone assembled in large unit, it presents an octagonal bell tower and a bell-tower.
In the town, one can also discover the old synagogue of the sixteenth century now converted into restaurant Au Délice de Provence, the chapel of the Penitents Blancs, and the chapel of the Penitents Noirs.
Do not forget to admire the papal terminals, wash houses, fountains or the Cordeliers tower and convent.
The Museum of Cartonnage and Printing allows to learn a little more about this important industry which made the reputation of the city through exceptional collections.
