Valence

Valence is the capital of the Drome region, in southern France. It is halfway between Lyon and Avignon. It's a nice stop because it has a nice historical center with regional and national brand stores that you can walk through, and it also has a beautiful park right next to the station. A half day is sufficient to explore Valence if you have little time, but in less than an hour by car or train you'll have cultural and natural wonders at your feet. First, there's Vercors Natural Park, with trails that traverse a still well-preserved region in France, among fruit trees and blue mountains. Then there's the Ardeche region, which, on the other hand is for the more rural tourism, with its guest houses where they make goat cheese and jams, and you can have your vegetables straight from the garden.