28 kilometres east of Montélimar, in the upper Jabron valley, Dieulefit is the perfect place to put your suitcases down... Provided, of course, that you like the charm of Provence, gourmet gastronomy, old stones and outdoor activities!
Classified "Station Verte" and "Station de Tourisme", the village of Dieulefit fascinates as much as it disorientates. Perched at an altitude of 386 metres in the hollow of green hills, this quiet village, wet by numerous small streams, has all the features of the villages of Provence that we love so much. Labelled "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" (City of Art and History), this commune is a small Eden for artists who for centuries now have brought Dieulefit to life. Pottery is closely linked to the history of the village and its region: an almost secular tradition, pottery was once made with clay from local production. Today, in Dieulefit, many potters, painters, ceramists, sculptors and other artists have chosen to live in the village in order to perpetuate its traditions. The village is full of workshops, galleries and shops where you can discover their art. Along its narrow streets, Dieulefit will reveal all its charm, an incredible charm that it owes in large part to its old stone houses, which rub shoulders in a certain harmony with the facades painted in pastel tones, pink, blue, green or orange houses, authentic and characteristic of the landscapes of Provence. An invitation to go back in time, Dieulefit is criss-crossed by small streets to stroll along, and hikers will enjoy several walking routes perfect for discovering their contours, such as the "Chemin des Artistes Réfugiés", which retraces the history of the artists who found refuge in Dieulefit during the Second World War. The streets of the Viale (the old centre) are full of beautiful houses to discover, but also churches such as Saint-Pierre (15th century) and Saint-Roch (18th century), and castles such as those of the Lords of Vesc and the Hospitallers of Saint-Jean de Jérusalem. Renaissance-style houses, but also wash houses, ornate doors, fountains and arcades run through the districts of Saint Peter's Square and the Old Temple Square.
After a break on the terrace in the shade of the plane trees in the main square, after having taken the time to stock up on nougats, small pottery, Provencal fabrics, lavender bouquets and postcards, sit down in one of the town's restaurants to introduce you to the flavours of the local soil. If the commune is famous for its pottery, it is also famous for its nougat sweets, and especially for its "Picodon Dieulefit" which will not fail to delight gourmets. A goat's cheese renowned in the Drôme Provençale, it is the pride of the village and is eaten with local wines, lavender honey or even a delicious truffle omelette.
After getting stronger, take advantage of the generous nature that surrounds Dieulefit for invigorating little walks. Sunday hikers and experienced walkers will find many marked out itineraries, winding through valleys planted with oak, chestnut and olive trees. Along the Jabron which shapes the landscape of the village, on the side of the Col de la Ruche, via the Sentier des Huguenots, the GR de Pays de Dieulefit, the GR965, the GR429 and the GR9 or through the Sensitive Natural Area of the Saint-Maurice Mountain perfect for hiking as well as mountain biking and horse riding, free flying and climbing, young and old alike will marvel at the variety of panoramas the area has to offer. All in all: it is impossible to get bored during your stay in Dieulefit!
