Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Montélimar, France

Montélimar, renowned for its culinary heritage, has been synonymous with French nougat since the 1700s. This delicate confectionery is produced in both large contemporary factories and quaint artisan workshops employing traditional methods. Visitors can satisfy their curiosity while indulging their sweet tooth by participating in tours that offer exclusive insights into nougat-making kitchens, complemented by complimentary tastings of various nougats.

Outside of nougat, Montélimar may not be prominently recognized as a tourist destination; however, it features a historic medieval castle that overlooks the town, alongside a variety of engaging museums and the Allées Provençales—lush avenues adorned with café terraces.

1. Nougat Arnaud Soubeyran

The oldest confectionery establishment in Montélimar, Nougat Arnaud Soubeyran is an exemplary destination for guided tours.

The optimum time for visiting is in the morning when the factory is at its peak activity.

The layout provides a clear vantage point into the kitchen, ensuring that all aspects of nougat production are showcased.

Moreover, guests can observe the bees industriously working to create honey.

The factory tour seamlessly combines educational elements with a museum that details the origins of the brand through a video presentation, illuminating how Montélimar became recognized as the capital of nougat worldwide. This enriching experience is entirely free of charge, including the delightful samples offered at its conclusion.

2. Musée Européen de l’Aviation de chasse

The aerodrome in Montélimar houses a museum that is sure to excite aviation enthusiasts, featuring numerous aircraft housed in multiple hangars.

Originally established in a single hangar in 1985, the fleet has now expanded to include over 60 aircraft, approximately half of which were produced by Dassault, encompassing a range of Mirages from the post-war period to the 1990s.

Additionally, foreign aircraft on display include Migs, several De Havilland Vampires, and notably, a Rockwell OV-10 Bronco that remains operational and frequently participates in demonstration flights.

3. Château des Adhémar

Dominating the highest point of the town is an impressive Romanesque castle constructed in the 1000s under the commission of the Count of Toulouse.

Subsequently, it transitioned ownership from the Lords of Rauchemaure to the Papacy, experiencing significant conflict during the 16th-century Wars of Religion.

The castle was later transformed into an elegant Renaissance residence by the Louis Adhémar, making its interior far more welcoming than its austere exterior might suggest.

The lodge now serves as a gallery focused on contemporary art, showcasing installations within a dignified setting, and visitors can ascend the Tour de Narbonne for sweeping views of the Drôme countryside.

4. Musée de la Ville

Situated within the chapel of Montélimar’s historic former hospital, the town’s museum offers both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

Recent temporary showcases have focused on topics such as perfume and vintage collectibles.

However, the permanent exhibit is truly the highlight: a remarkable collection of micro-miniature models crafted by Russian artist Anatoly Konkenko.

These minuscule art pieces are often invisible to the naked eye and require magnifying glasses or microscopes for viewing.

Marvel at a chess set designed for mosquitoes and camels that is so small it can pass through the eye of a needle.

5. Allées Provençales

Undoubtedly the most visually appealing area of Montélimar, this kilometer-long series of boulevards links the old town with the Jardin Public.

This picturesque stretch features cast iron gaslights, a vintage carousel for children, broad walkways, and numerous cafes and restaurants.

On warm days, the five rows of plane trees provide ample shade, enhanced by the refreshing ambiance created by the fountains.

The Allées Provençales serve as the venue for the annual Christmas market in December and the Couleur Lavande festival during the summer.

This area likely attracts the most tourists, and for those making a fleeting visit to Montélimar, it offers numerous nougat sellers at your fingertips.

6. Nougat Diane de Poytiers

Located in a bright pink building along the main thoroughfare into Montélimar, Diane de Poytiers is another important stop on the nougat itinerary.

The company has been producing nougat since the 1920s and crafts an impressive 50 tons annually at this one facility.

This establishment operates on a smaller scale compared to Arnaud Soubeyran but still offers complimentary access to view the production process, where master confectioners are hard at work.

Visitors receive detailed explanations about the fresh, local ingredients utilized in their nougat, alongside insights into the various machines used for cutting and packaging.

The shop area is expansive, and each type of nougat includes a sample, allowing visitors to select their preferred variety.

7. A Walk around Town

Montélimar has a humble charm, lacking prominent landmarks.

However, there are several intriguing details to discover amongst the streets of the old town.

The Maison de Diane de Poitiers, while merely a name, is an exquisite Renaissance structure from the appropriate era, featuring elegant mullioned windows.

Additionally, the striking Porte Saint-Martin, an 18th-century arch, stands at the site of the town’s former entrance.

Moreover, the Place du Marché boasts an array of archaic arcades, clusters of seating for bars and cafés, as well as a small market every Wednesday morning.

8. Nougat Le Chaudron d’Or

The final nougat establishment on our list exhibits a more familial atmosphere compared to its counterparts and operates on a substantially smaller scale.

Located in the Saint-Martin district, visitors are welcome to explore the artisan workshop, staffed by a small, friendly team.

The workshop utilizes vintage equipment, including copper kettles and wooden boxes filled with roasted almonds and pistachios.

Guests can observe skilled nougatiers mixing the batter and slicing the nougat once it has cooled.

The final products are beautifully packaged in exquisite Belle Époque-style tins, and as with other factories, sampling a piece or two is complimentary.

9. Jardin Public

A delightful location for a stroll, the town’s park flows effortlessly from the Allées Provençales and extends towards the train station.

Established in 1856, it features lawns, floral displays, and a charming old chalet.

The attractive iron bandstand and the pond, which houses a rocky island, date back to the 19th century, as do many of the mature cedars and pines lining the grounds.

For families with young children, there is a small animal park where they can meet mules, sheep, chamois, goats, and peacocks.

10. Maison du Jouet Ancien

Located in a commercial estate to the north of the town, the Palais des Bonbons et du Nougat resides within a vast warehouse.

This establishment provides a convenient option for purchasing local nougat and other confectioneries when time is limited.

However, it offers so much more, functioning as an unexpectedly impressive childhood museum.

The Maison du Jouet Ancien presents a nostalgic journey through time, showcasing an extensive collection of antique toys dating back to the interwar period.

Among the treasures are rocking horses, train sets, a multitude of dolls, model planes, tricycles, and board games, leading up to retro video gaming consoles from the 1980s and 1990s.

11. Viviers

Once a significant town in the Vivarais region, Viviers is now modest in stature, having settled on a ridge overseeing the Rhône Valley with a network of ancient streets surrounding its cathedral.

The town’s historical significance is reflected through its many noble 17th and 18th-century residences.

Among these is the Maison Noël-Albert, an exquisite Renaissance edifice adorned with sculptured reliefs, medallions, and pilasters.

Visitors should also explore the cathedral to appreciate the rich artistic elements in the choir, where magnificent Gobelins tapestries enhance the ambiance.

Additionally, a lavishly decorated marble altar from the 18th century and two rows of ornately carved wooden stalls are situated within.

12. La Ferme aux Crocodiles

There is no other zoo in Europe comparable to this “crocodile farm,” located a short distance from Montélimar.

This facility holds the distinction of being the most visited fee-based attraction within the Drôme department.

Visitors will encounter approximately 350 crocodiles and alligators spanning ten different species, including Nile crocodiles, dwarf crocodiles, caimans, Chinese alligators, and American alligators.

For those concerned with animal conservation, it is noteworthy that the zoo participates in breeding programs and financially supports conservation initiatives in the Ganges and Burkina Faso.

13. Mirmande

Situated en route north to Valence lies one of France’s “plus beaux villages,” a rustic stone community cascading down the hillside.

Mirmande remains encircled by its defensive walls, preserving charming streets that offer splendid countryside vistas.

The window frames and shutters, painted in vibrant blue, contrast beautifully with the light-colored stone houses, while beautifully landscaped rock gardens are present along every street.

Historically, Mirmande thrived due to silk cultivation in the 1600s, yet the decline of this industry in the 1800s nearly led to its abandonment.

However, it enjoyed a revival in the early 20th century when the Cubist painter André Lhote became enamored with the village.

14. Couleur Lavande Festival

The renowned nougat of Montélimar owes its signature flavor to honey derived from bees that pollinate the vibrant lavender fields of the surrounding countryside.

This two-day lavender festival occurs in mid-July, coinciding with the harvest season, at Jardin Public and Allées Provençales.

Visitors can participate in workshops and presentations conducted by local lavender producers throughout the day.

A market featuring lavender products is also available, complemented by a small lavender garden planted in the park for the weekend.

15. Food and Drink

In case it has not been highlighted sufficiently, nougat is a central element of Montélimar’s identity! This delightful treat is soft, chewy, and comprised of egg whites, honey, sugar, almonds, pistachios, and vanilla.

Most of these ingredients are sourced from the fertile surroundings, making it an excellent location for food enthusiasts keen on provenance. Visitors can explore a multitude of local farms.

One can find apiaries producing Miel de Provence, vineyards, olive oil mills, almond orchards, and the Sylivie Guichard farm cultivating nectarines and apricots.

Additionally, there is the distinct Picodon goats’ cheese: available in small discs, it offers a gentle flavor and soft texture when fresh, transitioning to a firmer consistency and stronger taste after aging for several weeks.