The Château of Grignan

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A Renaissance and classical palace

In the heart of the Drôme provençale, dominating plains and mountains, the Château of Grignan is built on a rocky headland overlooking the village. A witness of the French Renaissance architecture and classicism, the edifice has had an eventful history. A fortified castle mentioned as early as the 11th century, it was transformed during the Renaissance into a prestigious "pleasure residence" by the Adhémar family. In the 17th century, the Marquise of Sévigné stayed in it by her daughter Françoise-Marguerite's side. Dismantled at the Revolution then rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century, it has belonged since 1979 to the Drôme Department which is pursuing an ambitious program of restorations and purchases. The Château of Grignan which became a Listed Building (Monument historique) in 1993 and received the Musée de France label, accounts of the art of living at different periods. This enchanting place is also used for a cultural program throughout the year.

This enchanting place also offers cultural programming throughout the year: theater, music ... Also find our offers of tourist and cultural experiences throughout the territory.


2025: A better welcome

A new chapter in the history of the château is being written at Grignan.

The work begun in 2023 to make the site accessible and repair the roof continues in 2025 with the creation of a new visitor trail.
 
This stage is part of the overall project to redevelop the château, which will eventually offer new areas.

This is a major project that will require the visitor trail to be adjusted over the coming months. During the works, the first floor is accessible, as are the outside areas and the vast terrace overlooking the countryside. The château's teams are fully mobilised to assist visitors.

Complete restoration of the ramparts is also under way, until spring 2025.

A unique view

Situated to the south-east of Montélimar, the village of Grignan marks a boundary between the north, with its oak and pine woods and broom-covered moors, and the south dominated by vines and lavenders. The charming little town which has kept its medieval shape follows the contours of a thirty-three meter-high rocky headland crowned by the château.
You get to it through steep lanes, after having admired the fourteenth-century belfry tower and some fine fifteenth-century houses.
Once at the top, you can discover the majesty of a Renaissance architecture together with a magnificent view with the Lance mountain, the Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail standing in the distance. The famous château terraces offer a remarkable view over the north of Provence.

In a letter dated 13th July 1689, Madame de Sévigné wrote to her daughter:

"It is even pleasant not to be tempted to leave your beautiful terraces. [...] All your views are admirable; I know the one of the Mont Ventoux. I very much like all these amphitheatres, and am persuaded, like you, that if ever the sky has some curiosities for us to see, its inhabitants will not choose another place than that one to look at them with ease, and at the same time, you will have the most magnificent one in the world, without a doubt..."