What if fall were the perfect season to slow down? In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the landscapes are ablaze with vibrant colors and invite you to take your time: contemplative walks through golden forests, biking along scenic trails, or strolling through hilltop villages… the region is perfect for all your desires for a peaceful getaway.
It’s also the perfect season to explore a particularly rich cultural heritage, from museums and medieval villages to abbeys, castles, and local crafts. Far from the hustle and bustle of summer, towns and villages reveal a different side of themselves through encounters with artisans and leisurely strolls where you simply take your time.
So, to continue on this theme, here are two ideas for cultural and culinary getaways to explore this season: one around the charming villages of Loire-Forez, and the other in the Drôme, between Valence and Romans-sur-Isère.
A Getaway to Charming Villages
Let’s head to the Loire region, specifically the Loire-Forez area, where three charming villages invite you to step back in time: Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, Marols, and Montarcher.
Perched amid the landscapes of the Forez region, these three villages each have their own unique character. From cobblestone streets to panoramic views, they offer a delightful way to explore the region’s heritage while enjoying the tranquility of the late season.
Saint-Bonnet-le-Château, a medieval town full of surprises
The first stop on this getaway: Saint-Bonnet-le-Château.
This village has preserved part of its fortified walls. A stroll through its cobblestone streets is all it takes to discover the 15th- and 16th-century bourgeois and aristocratic houses that bear witness to the town’s prosperous past.
But the village’s true gem is undoubtedly its collegiate church, built in the Gothic style. Inside, the murals painted in the early 15th century are among the monument’s greatest treasures. And the tour holds another surprise: a crypt housing mummified bodies!
Saint-Bonnet-le-Château also has a more unexpected history: the town is considered the birthplace of the steel ball and is home to the exclusive manufacturing site of the famous OBUT ball. It’s a unique way to discover a craft that is deeply rooted in the region’s identity.
Marols, a village where art is everywhere
We continue on to Marols, a village perched in the Forez Mountains.
This thousand-year-old town has grown up around its hamlets and boasts a particularly well-preserved heritage. Its fortified church, in the heart of the town, is one of its most iconic landmarks.
But Marols has a unique feature that gives it a very different atmosphere: it is also a village of artists: painters, sculptors, visual artists, and photographers have made the village their home and help give it a creative identity.
Montarcher, a hilltop village with a 360° view
Last stop: Montarcher, perched at an altitude of about 1,100 meters.
From here, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Velay, the Cévennes, and even Mont Blanc!
Fall is the perfect time to explore this area: the hills are adorned with golden hues, and the landscapes take on a whole new dimension.
Montarcher is also an interesting stop for hiking enthusiasts, as several trails pass through the town, including the GR3.
A getaway combining history, nature, and fine dining
Spanning just a few kilometers, this getaway in the Loire-Forez region offers a delightful taste of everything we love about fall: well-preserved villages, panoramic views, walks, encounters with artists and artisans, and a local culture just waiting to be discovered.
And for wine lovers, the Forez-Roannais Wine Route in the Volcanic Loire is an excellent way to explore the region. Stretching nearly 96 kilometers, it passes through 32 towns and offers the chance to discover winemakers, charming villages, restaurants, and historic sites.
Valence Romans: A Cultural Getaway in the Heart of the Drôme
A change of scenery—let’s head to the Drôme! Nestled between the foothills of the Vercors, the hills of the Ardèche, the Rhône, and the Isère, the Valence-Romans region offers a different way to enjoy fall.
Here, the getaway takes on the feel of a cultural journey, with museums, architectural heritage, traditional crafts, and local cuisine on the itinerary.
Valence: A Blend of Heritage and Museums
Start your getaway in Valence, a city with a historic center that’s particularly pleasant to explore on foot.
As you stroll through the streets, several monuments are worth a stop, starting with the Maison des Têtes, one of the city’s most iconic buildings, famous for the faces carved into its facade and home to the Maison du Patrimoine, a free cultural center that traces the history of the Plaine de Valence.
For a true immersion in history and the arts, visit the Valence Museum of Art and Archaeology. Housed in the former bishop’s palace, it features more than 20,000 works and artifacts that trace the vast history of humanity and the arts, from regional prehistory to contemporary art.
Another must-see attraction: the Armenian Heritage Center. Valence has a rich history tied to the Armenian community, which settled in the city primarily starting in the 1920s. The center offers a deeper understanding of this history through its permanent exhibition and temporary exhibits.
A culinary break in the drôme
You can’t truly experience Valence and Romans without exploring the local cuisine. The region boasts a particularly rich culinary heritage.
Fall is actually a great time to discover local products and meet local producers.
And for those who want to take the experience even further, Valence Romans also boasts a fine selection of fine-dining restaurants, including Michelin-starred establishments.
Romans-sur-Isère, the town where shoes tell a story
About 20 kilometers from Valence, Romans-sur-Isère offers a completely different side of the Drôme region’s heritage.
The city is deeply rooted in the history of footwear and leatherworking. This history can be explored at the Shoe Museum, housed in the former Visitation Convent. The museum houses an exceptional collection that traces the history of footwear across the centuries, continents, and uses, from antique models to contemporary designs. The tour also provides insight into the importance of this industry in the history of Romans and the evolution of local craftsmanship.
To explore further, head next to the Cité de la Chaussure, where you can discover the manufacturing workshops and the revival of local production. It’s a particularly interesting way to move from history to the reality of a craft that’s still very much alive.
Strolling through Old Romans
After visiting the museums, take some time to wander through the streets of the old town.
The Saint-Barnard Collegiate Church, the Jacquemart Tower, Rue de l’Armillerie, the Josaphat Staircase, Place aux Herbes, and the mansions all bear witness to the city’s rich history.
It’s also the perfect time to sit out on a terrace and sample some local specialties like ravioles or pogne—true local classics!
Two getaways, one goal: to take the time
These two getaways have one thing in common: they invite you to travel differently.
In Loire Forez, you can take in the views from above, stroll through the narrow streets of charming villages, explore artists’ studios, and enjoy the landscapes of the Monts du Forez. In Valence Romans, you can go from one museum to a monument, from the historic district to an artist’s studio, before sitting down to enjoy some Drôme specialties.
Two different destinations, but the same promise: slow down, explore, savor, and enjoy the fall to rediscover Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in a whole new way.
So, are you more into hilltop villages and the landscapes of the Forez or museums, heritage, and fine dining in the Drôme?!
