Visit the Château de Grignan
In the heart of the Drôme Provençale, a visit to the Château de Grignan is a must for all lovers of French history and heritage. From our Le Garrigon campsite, you’re just 10 minutes (5.7 km) from this exceptional historic monument. Witness toRenaissance architecture and centuries of evolution, this emblematic Provencal landmark promises a journey through time. From medieval fortress to Grand Siècle palace, find out all you need to know to prepare for an unforgettable day among the region’s finest châteaux.
The essentials for your visit to the château
To help you plan your outing, here’s some key information to remember. Always remember to check the official website for the latest data before you leave.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 23 rue Montant au Château, 26230 Grignan, France |
| Contact | Tel: 04 75 91 83 50 |
| Timetable 2025 | Variable according to season. High season (July-August): 9:30am-6:30pm. Low season: lunchtime closing possible. |
| 2025 rates | Self-guided tour: €8 (full), €6 (reduced). Guided tour: €11 (full), €8 (reduced). Free for children under 12. |
| Services | Boutique , Louis-Provence café (light meals in season). |
| Parking | Parking available in the village, just a few minutes’ walk away. |
| Website | chateaux-ladrome.fr |
A palace overlooking the Drôme Provençale
Perched on its rocky promontory, the Château de Grignan dominates the village and surrounding countryside. This strategic position gives it an imposing appearance.
From its terraces, the panorama is breathtaking, stretching over plains, lavender fields and vineyards, with Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail in the background. It’s a unique vantage point from which to admire the landscapes for which Drôme provençale is famous. Château de Grignan is recognized as the largest Renaissance palace in southeastern France.
An eventful history, from fortress to literary salon
Thehistory of the Château de Grignan reveals a remarkable resilience through the centuries. Originally a fortified castle built as early as the XIIᵉ century by the Adhemar family, it was transformed into a pleasure residence during the Renaissance. It was under the impetus of Louis Adhémar that the magnificent 52-meter-long Renaissance façade saw the light of day. Later, in the XVIIᵉ century, Count François de Grignan, lieutenant general in Provence and son-in-law of the Marquise de Sévigné, continued the embellishments by fitting out thePrélats wing, turning the château into a little Provencal Versailles.
In the XVIIᵉ century, its fame became literary thanks to the Marquise de Sévigné. She stayed here on several occasions to see her daughter, Françoise-Marguerite, who had become Countess de Grignan. Their correspondence remains a masterpiece of French literature. Madame de Sévigné died at the château in 1696 and is buried in the nearby Collégiale Saint-Sauveur.
Dismantled during the Revolution, the château fell into ruin before being reborn in the early XXᵉ century thanks to Marie Fontaine, a passionate owner who devoted her fortune to its restoration. Acquired by the Département de la Drôme in 1979, it is now listed as a Monument Historique and labeled a Musée de France, a fine recognition of its heritage value.
A camping holiday in the Drôme provençale is the perfect opportunity to discover this place steeped in history.
What can you see on your tour?
Wondering what the Château de Grignan has to offer? The tour route, offered as a self-guided or guided tour, takes you on a journey through the ages. The apartments present a veritable staging of the art of living from the XVIIᵉ to the XXᵉ century. You’ll discover emblematic rooms such as the Salle du Roi and the Galerie des Adhémar.
The collections, which justify the Musée de France label, are extremely rich. Admire the History of Ariadne hanging, a set of eight Aubusson tapestries from the late XVIIᵉ century, or a rare Parisian ebony cabinet dating from 1650. These works of art and precious furnishings bear witness to the splendor of the Comte de Grignan’s residence. A visit to the château is an immersion in several centuries of French history.
Don’t miss a stroll along the terraces: the views are so beautiful that Madame de Sévigné wrote to her daughter: “All your views are admirable”. Situated in the heart of the village of Grignan, listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, the château and village form an inseparable whole. Below, cobbled streets lead to the 1840 washhouse, inspired by an ancient temple, and the XIIIᵉ century belfry, a former fortified gate.
For a comfortable stay, our campsite near Grignan welcomes you nearby, ideal for extending your discovery of this jewel of the Drôme provençale.
The events that punctuate life at the château
The Château de Grignan is also a lively cultural scene. Its flagship event, the Fêtes Nocturnes festival, brings the courtyard of honor to life every summer, transforming it into an open-air theater for the occasion. Audiences are treated to top-quality performances, combining heritage and contemporary creation.
Les Nocturnes du château is one of the highlights of the summer season in the Drôme, attracting large numbers of theater and history lovers every year.
A varied program is offered throughout the year:
- The Festival de la Correspondance, in early July, celebrating the art of letter writing.
- Themed tours to deepen your knowledge. The “Clef des Châteaux” card is an excellent option for heritage enthusiasts, creating a route between the three great châteaux of the Drôme: Grignan, Suze-la-Rousse and Montélimar.
- Activities for families, including introductory fencing workshops and investigative games for a fun visit.
- Concerts and temporary exhibitions bring this historic monument to life.
After a day rich in discoveries at the Château de Grignan, between the apartments of the Marquise de Sévigné and panoramic views over the Drôme, the return to Le Garrigon campsite is a real pleasure.
Come and relax in the calm and friendly atmosphere of our establishment. Our ideal location makes your stay the perfect starting point for further visits to the Drôme Provençale, whether for art, history or gastronomy.
Don’t wait any longer to organize your vacation and discover the treasures that Grignan and its surroundings have in store for you.
