February 2007

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: La Drome - Part of Rhone Alpes

The Dauphine region and former frontier province in southeastern France, was divided in 1790 after the French Revolution into the departments of Drome, Isere, and Hautes-Alpes. This territory, after the fall of the Roman Empire, constituted the largest part of the first kingdom of Burgundy. Later on, it progressively became in the possession of the Carolingian kings, then the second Burgundian kingdom of Arles and finally became a possession of the counts of Vienne, whose title, Dauphin, gave the region name. The last Dauphin of Vienne sold the region to France in 1349.

What about La Drome...?

Between the Vercors mountains to Provence, the Drome is above all about diversity, the product of a mingling of Alpine and Mediterranean influences. Pine woods share the landscape with lavender fields and olive groves, here where the Alps and Provence meet. Yet the Drome possesses authentic features of its own, reflected in both its man made and natural environment, its crafts and its agricultural activities. On the eastern limits of the Drome lie the first bastions of the Alps. This is the Vercors, a densely forested region. Then there is the Diois, whose wealth lies on the Clairette de Die vineyards. Further south, the "Baronnies", home to limes, olive groves, lavender... To the west lies the Rhone Valley, closely planted with orchards and vineyards.

Specialty of the Drome: Olive oil from Nyons is the only olive to be accorded "Appellation d'Origine Controlee" (AOC) White garlic ( Sturdy and fleshy) Truffles ...the black diamond Aromatic, medicinal plants and herbs ( thyme, mint, sage, fennel, rosemary and savory) Cheese specialty of the Drome: The Picodon ...is a goat cheese and is amongst the very few cheeses to be granted and "appellation d'origine controlee."

An alternative to high air fares to reach France?! Well, it does take a little bit of creativity and this solution isn't the most direct but it can save you some serious dough! The solution: Fly to London. London is one of the largest airport/airline hub cities in Europe and it is definitely the "low fare" transit center. An example: flying to London on Virgin Atlantic is currently under $500 for travel in June/July from Washington. The flight comes into Heathrow, and with a transfer to one of the other airports you can fly to another European city. For example, Easy Jet from London Gatwick to Marseille: $30. You just have to take the shuttle bus from Heathrow to Gatwick, but isn't that better than $1200 to Paris and then a train to Marseille, or some other point south?

Paris Hotel Promotions in March:

Hotel de Sevigne*** - 99 euros per night; near Champs Elysees
Stay 3/Pay for 2 nights: several 4 star and 3 star hotels

French Riviera:

Hotel Le Pre Catalan*** - 80 euros per night; in Juan les Pins
Hotel Continental*** - 90 euros per night; St Raphael

Stay 3/Pay for 2 in other cities/regions: Reims, Cannes, Aix en Provence, St Remy de Provence, Chambery...

CALL 800-960-2221 or email: contact@discoverfrance.com for availability on your dates and rate confirmation.

© 2007 Discover France (SM)