The Castles of the Drôme

When staying at Les Bastets camping site, take advantage of the many majestic medieval castles, located in immediate proximity to you. From your camping in the Drôme Provencale, drive to the famous sights of Baronnies Provençales, some of which are within mere minutes from you.

Château des Adhémar

Perched on the hills of Montélimar, the castle is accessible within a 20-minute drive from the camping site. Château des Adhémar is a testimony to the power of the Adhémar family, which gave its name to the nearby town. It consists of a stately residence, a Romanesque chapel, a fortified enclosure, and a square tower. Over the centuries, these buildings have been part of a palace, a fortress, and then a prison. Now the Château is owned by the Department of Drôme. Listed as a monument, it underwent significant restorations before opening to the public in 1983 and remains a true gem of the Romanesque style. When here, admire the castle’s remarkable arcaded windows and the panoramic views they offer.

Here, you can explore the Middle Ages playfully. Visitors are invited to discover this unique castle through several routes with games and activities. Here, you will learn about the history of the castle and its architecture, the life of rulers and their subjects, and the life in the Middle Ages.

Château de la Suze

Built on a rocky cliff, the medieval fortress Suze-la-Rousse is a spectacular fortified structure, complete with towers and a rampart. In the 16th and then, further, in the 18th century, the fortress was re-built into a large residence. The austerity of its exterior is contrasted by the Renaissance facades of the main courtyard, as well as the lush interior with paintings, stuccoes and plaster work.

On the outskirts of the castle, classified as a Historic Monument, stretches the warren, a vast area where you can still see the walls of a 16th century tennis court, a dovecote and a chapel. Acquired by the Department of Drôme in 1965, the castle became part of an ambitious cultural project highlighting the history of the site and the wine heritage of the Drôme. Since 1978, the Château has been home to the University of Wine, an internationally renowned school that offers a wide range of trainings for wine professions.

The castle also hosts cultural events and concerts. It is located 50 minutes away by car from the camping site.

Château de Grignan

The Château is a classical palace from the Renaissance. Located in the very heart of the Drôme, the Château de Grignan is built on a rock overlooking the village. Combining elements of Renaissance architecture and French classicism, the building has had a dramatic history. In the 11th century, it was a fortified castle, then, during the Renaissance, it was transformed into a residence by the Adhémars. The castle was dismantled during the French Revolution and rebuilt in the 20th century. Since 1979, it has belonged to the Department of Drôme. Labeled as a Historic Monument and a Museum of France in the 1993, the Château de Grignan invites visitors to discover what life was like in different times. Your travel time from Les Bastets to the Château would be around 40 minutes.

Château de la Roche en Valdaine

The medieval site of the castle dates back to the 11th century. It is located about 14 km southeast of Montélimar and within a 25-minute drive from Les Bastets. Its 18-metre-high keep allows you to admire a fantastic panorama over the Rhone Valley. The castle has retained its original large vaulted hall. A staircase gives access to the terrace and an orientation table. The castle chapel, dedicated to Saint Blaise, has been completely restored and is also open to visitors. At the foot of the castle is the old village of Rochefort en Valdaine, abandoned in 1907. The entire medieval site of Rochefort is surrounded by ramparts. It has been classified by the Ministry of the Environment and listed in the inventory of Historic Monuments.

Château de Le Poët Laval

The Château’s massive keep, built in the 12th century, dominates the village; it was re-modeled in the 13th century, and then later in the 15th century to give the castle its current elegant appearance.

This complex, owned by the municipality, was restored under the aegis of the “Historic Monuments” in 1996-1998. It is a mere 20-minute drive from the camping site.