A weekend for the gourmand
And then of course there’s the annual Fête de la Gastronomie at the end of September. At this time of year, the weather’s still balmy and the city throws its doors open to embrace all the flavours of the region as well as the cuisine of the world.
Centred on the Place des Clercs but spreading out through the city, you can enjoy local celebrity chefs preparing their favourite dishes, markets, musico – gastronomic (yes cooking to the rhythm of the DJ), workshops and a tour of 8 of the city’s historical monuments who host fine food tastings. The streets are filled with music and teasingly delightful aromas and lots of the restaurants embrace the festival spirit with special offers and dishes.
Each year the festival celebrates a specific theme that encourages “the reflection and discovery of French Gastronomy” and in 2015, the festival saw some 2 million visitors. If you love France and you love food, it’s a little slice of the idyllic.
Linger a little longer
Valence feels sophisticated and elegant, yet quiet and very personal. There are regular markets here on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and other cultural events going on throughout the year. In July there’s a large and free music festival on the Champ Du Mars and of course, there’s the many places to visit beyond the city and in the surrounding Drôme. Valence is Lyon’s beautiful but shy cousin and a city that you should take the time to get to know much better.
More information
www.valence-romans-tourisme.com/en/
Details for Fête de la Gastronomie at: valenceengastronomie.fr
Where to stay:Les Négociants is in the centre of the city, a few steps from the station and almost next door to the Boulangerie Nivon. It has a quirky and fun feel and is a great place to explore from.
The very best place to try these is the Boulangerie Nivon, a short stroll from the station and where they’ve been serving these delights to commuters since 1856. They're possibly the best in the city and the bakers’ passion is palpable, (or should I say edible?).
In every restaurant, you’ll come across another speciality, their tiny Raviole du Dauphiné, made of white cheese and parsley. Then there’s Anne Sophie Pic and her family. An award winning, third generation chef, she has followed in her grandfather’s footsteps by winning 3 Michelin stars. Their influence is felt everywhere and of course, they’re not the only Michelin starred chefs in the city or the region.