Active luxury life in the Drôme

The first thing to do as soon as you have passed through the door of the courtyard of this magnificent 11^th century fortress, even before making oneself at home in one of the vast and comfortable rooms, is to go on to the terrace and admire the view of the Rhône valley, which stretches from the foot of the castle, taking in the vineyards and up to Mont Ventoux. It is absolutely astounding.

The castle is occupied, obviously, and for many years now. A bust of Bacchus, made of white marble, was discovered here in 1820, and this magnificent work, coveted by the Louvre, is now the property of the collections of the Museum of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

The castle and its watchful eye on the valley, has memories which go back to the Gallo-Roman period and one can still see there ancient parchments, with seals and effigies, dating back to the papal period.

Well located near the Southern Côte du Rhône vineyards, Rochegude carefully maintains excellent relations with the Suze-la-Rousse Wine University, with which it organizes initiation tasting-sessions and also with the Château de Grignan, much loved by Madame de Sévigné.

During the season, it is the olive of Nyons which is celebrated and also the famous truffle of Tricastin, the illustrious "tuber mélanosporum" and its numerous markets in the area.

However lavish they are, rooms still have every modern comfort, which has been skilfully hidden: air conditioning, Souléiado fabrics and antique furniture. Some of the rooms are equipped with a Jacuzzi which is well matched with the monumental staircase and the Gypseries which date from the period of Marie-Antoinette.