Valence Romans, the unspoilt destination for major sporting events
The countdown has begun to the Paris Olympic Games*! This year, France is hosting the Olympic Games from 26 July to 11 August and the Paralympic Games from 26 August to 8 September. This massive sporting occasion is sure to be a time of excitement, celebration and coming together. Want to get up close to the sporting action far from the madding crowd, in stunning natural surroundings? Valence Romans is the perfect unspoilt destination to experience the 2024 Olympic Games. So what’s happening in Drôme over the Olympics? Where can you stay? Where should you dine? What can you see and do while the Games are going on? If you like sports and love the Olympics, here’s why you should come to Valence Romans during the 2024 Olympic Games.
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Why come to Valence Romans during the 2024 Olympics ?
A quiet destination that makes the perfect base for getting to the Olympic Games
The Valence Romans area is in the heart of the Drôme département in the south of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. It’s the perfect location for a getaway in the south of France while serving as a base for further afield. That’s because Valence Romans is in the quiet countryside just 1 hour from Lyon and 2 hours from Marseille by car – and only 2 hours from Paris by train ! A long way from the city crowds but within easy reach of the main Olympic event and competition sites.
Stunning scenery and endless outdoor activities
Destination Valence Romans lies between the magnificent foothills of the Vercors, next to the Alps, and the mountains of Ardèche. The stately river Rhône and its tributary the Isère also run through the region. The unspoilt countryside here offers a host of outdoor activities for nature lovers, with hiking trails to explore in Drôme, biking the ViaRhôna
and Bella Via cycle paths and all sorts of water sports at Etoile Park.
Here, you can take in the gorgeous scenery and soak up our pleasant, sunny climate.
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Unspoilt cultural heritage and treasures ripe for exploring
In the Valence Romans area, you get a more authentic flavour of the real France, exploring the wealth of interest in the 54 charming, characterful towns and villages around the region and discovering the traditional arts and crafts produced by the talented locals. Browse our museum and delve into our past at the region’s historical attractions. Get out and about enjoying our fun and friendly events, exhibitions and concerts.
Mouthwatering regional cuisine
Destination Valence Romans will treat your taste buds too! Come and experience our drômoise, valentinoise and romanaise cuisines in the heart of La Vallée de la Gastronomie® . Our pioneering organic farming region is home to delicious local produce, an outstanding farming tradition and a selection of talented and creative Michelin-starred chefs dedicated to their art.
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A ‘Terre de Jeux 2024’ destination
The Olympic spirit is coming to Valence Romans during the Games, heralded by the arrival of the Olympic Torch Relay in the region on 20 June 2024. Officially recognised as a ‘Terre de Jeux’, our unspoilt destination stands for the inclusive values of the 2024 Olympics and sport, organising a host of events. Here, we believe in Sport for All. And we’re providing some of the official Olympic training centres too. Lastly, to bring the excitement to everyone – as if you were really there – Valence is hosting the region’s only Olympics Fan Zone.
Convinced? Then come to Valence Romans, the antidote to the usual suspects – you’ll have the time of your life!
What is there to do in Valence Romans during the 2024 Olympics?
See the Olympic Torch in all its blazing glory
In Valence Romans, you can be part of the excitement and the coming together through the 2024 Paris Olympics. Our region will be welcoming the Olympic Torch Relay on 20 June 2024, passing through Valence, Romans-sur-Isère and Bourg-de-Péage. Various local celebrities – including Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic and Paralympic swimming champion Hervé Prisset – will have the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch during the relay. To mark the occasion, the area will be buzzing with Olympics events : sports and games demonstrations, concerts, shows and more... An exciting time that will no doubt encourage many to try out a new sport and maybe be the start of things to come. The day’s events will culminate in the cauldron-lighting ceremony at the Jacques Chirac Convention Centre in Valence, after which the flame will continue its journey to the host city of Paris, setting the Olympic Cauldron alight at the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games.
See the route the Olympic Torch will be taking
Experience the 2024 Olympic Games in Valence Romans
There’s much more to the Olympics in Valence Romans than the Torch Relay! We are also an official Terre de Jeux 2024 destination, hosting a number of official Olympics training centres. The handball competition preparation is taking place at the Halle Vercors in Bourg-de-Péage. In Romans-sur-Isère, the Maison du Judo is holding the judo training sessions, Fenestrier Rowing Centre is hosting France’s Olympic rowers, Gymnase Roger François is home to the volleyball preparations, and Stade Porchier is hosting the Rugby Sevens. Lastly, Valence’s Cité de l’Escalade is welcoming France’s climbing Olympians.
And that’s not all: Valence is home to the only Olympic Fan Zone in Drôme. Local sports clubs and committees will be running the show, in partnership with the CDOS (Comité Départemental Olympique et Sportif) . The place will be full of festive atmosphere, featuring commentary by top athletes and famous coaches and demonstrations of Olympic sports!
You’ll also be within striking distance of Lyon, Saint-Étienne and Marseille, which are hosting the men’s and women’s football tournaments.
Make like an Olympic athlete in Drôme
For everyone from Sunday sports enthusiast to accomplished athlete, our destination is the ultimate sports playground. Get your adrenaline buzz on the climbing walls at The Roof and the Cité de l’Escalade . Cruise in the saddle along ViaRhôna or la Belle Via , or take on the climb of the Col de Tourniol on a racing bike. Explore the picturesque Drôme countryside on horseback. Perfect your butterfly strike in one of the region’s swimming pools. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced athlete, a host of activities is on offer. Valence Romans is the perfect destination for sporting thrills, surpassing your goals and creating indelible memories.
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Try something different
Why not spice up your holiday in Valence Romans with some unusual activities ? Make your holiday an adventure! With Trot Trot Trot , you can have fun exploring the hills of Drôme des Collines on an all-terrain electric scooter, for a totally new experience. Or tap into your logical skills and work as a team in one of the many escape games on offer in the region . Every option is a way of experiencing the spirit of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Valence Romans.
Add Drôme’s unmissable attractions to your holiday hit list during the Olympics
Explore Valence’s fascinating heritage
Take the opportunity of your holiday here during the Olympics to explore Valence, an irresistible blend of history, culture and gastronomy. The relaxed and friendly city centre is easy to get to by car and train. Why not potter around the pretty back streets, treat yourself to a bit of shopping and relax on a sunny café terrace? Officially recognised as a ‘Ville et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire’, Valence old town is packed with history and heritage interest. Must-sees include Saint Apollinaire Cathedral , the works on show in the Valence Museum and the highly original façade of the Maison des Têtes . Surrounded by unspoilt countryside, Valence is a small, friendly city where greenery is never far away. Why not take a stroll in Jouvet Park or along the canals, or potter around the park and marina atÉpervière on an easy-paced bike ride?
Take the train to the shoemaking capital of Romans-sur-Isère
You mustn’t miss Romans-sur-Isère, famous for its architectural heritage and arts and crafts tradition. The medieval streets and Isère riverside are best explored on foot. Wander round St Barnard Collegiate Church and see the Tour Jacquemart, the town’s historical gems. Romans-sur-Isère is also famous for its past as France’s shoemaking capital. At the Shoes Museum you’ll learn about the history of shoemaking, and in the exhibition ‘Roman d’une rencontre’ you’ll discover what happened when local legend Stéphane Kélian joined forces with Jean-Paul Gaultier. Then follow the trail to find the giant shoes dotted around the town centre. And to round off your day here, indulge in a spot of shopping at the Cité de la Chaussure.
Out in the country: explore the surrounding area by car
Experience the rich and varied interest the Valence Romans region has to offer at your own pace. See our picture-postcard villages : the medieval village of Chabeuil , the charming village of Étoile-sur-Rhône and the hamlet of cave dwellings at Châteauneuf-sur-Isère . Take a stroll or bike ride around the Île-Parc Girodet or take in the stunning mountain views in the Vercors. Enjoy the countryside on a hike in La Baume-Cornillane, see the Pangée Standing Stone and take in the atmosphere and unique panoramic views. Take your family to see more than 160 species of animals at Upie Zoo and learn all about biodiversity the fun way in Lorient Park.
DISCOVER THE MUST-SEES OF VALENCE ROMANS
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Where to stay in Valence Romans during the 2024 Olympics
Hotels, character gîtes, chambres d’hôtes, unusual accommodation, camp sites, and more… The perfect countryside destination for the 2024 Games, Destination Valence Romans boasts a wide range of accommodation options for every preference and every budget.
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Take a city break in Valence
Choose a modern, comfortable place to stay in the city centre and you’ll be right at the heart of the action. In Valence you can enjoy the Olympics to the max with none of the hassle. Treat yourself to some fine dining in the city and explore its fascinating history and heritage.
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Escape to the countryside
For those wanting to recharge their batteries in country surroundings, our charming rural accommodation is just the job. From the hills of the Ardèche to the Vercors Mountains, enjoy a unique stay in the peace and quiet of totally unspoilt countryside.
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Try something different: a quirky place to stay
If you’re looking for a unique experience, choose one of our unusual accommodation options. Log cabins, former shops, containers, ‘water drops’... When it comes to indulging your inner child or simply escaping to somewhere different, you’re spoilt for choice.
Enjoy the flavour of Drôme in Valence Romans’ gastronomic restaurants
Destination Valence Romans is also known for its outstanding, rich gastronomy. Our local specialities are sure to get your mouth watering. Try the delights of ravioles, Pogne, Pangée, Suisse, caillette and more… And don’t forget our fine local produce, including truffles. You can also treat yourself to the ultimate gastro experience, dining on the sumptuous dishes created by the region’s Michelin-starred chefs : Anne-Sophie Pic, the Bertrand brothers, Baptiste Poinot and Masashi Ijichi, cooking up creative, sophisticated cuisine that satisfies even the most refined palates.
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Restaurants with a terrace
Want a table with a view? Like a cooling breeze while you dine? Then ask for a table outside on one of our restaurant terraces – no charge for the view !
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Restaurants offering home-cooked dishes
Enjoy authentic Drômoise cuisine at our restaurants that serve home-cooked food with fresh, seasonal local produce.
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Bars
Experience Valence Romans’ night life when you head out on a night in town at a lively local bar to soak up the local atmosphere.
How to get to Valence Romans during the Olympic Games?
Valence Romans is located at the crossroads of major highways and close to major cities. Ideally located, it is also very well served and multimodal. You can come by car, train or even plane.
🚗 Getting here by car
Valence Romans is 1h10 from Lyon and 2h from Marseille.
- Take the A7 freeway to Lyon/Paris and Nîmes.
- Take the A49 freeway to Grenoble.
- Via the N7 from Paris to Menton, along the Rhône.
🚂Getting here by train
A nature destination close to the 2024 Olympic Games, Valence is 2 hours 10 minutes from Paris, 35 minutes from Lyon and 1 hour from Marseille.
- Valence-Ville station, located in the city center (TGV and TER).
- Valence TGV station, located on the outskirts of Alixan (TGV and TER).
- Romans-sur-Isère station, close to the center (TER only).
✈️ Getting here by plane
- Valence-Chabeuil airport
- Lyon-Saint-Exupéry international airport: 45 minutes by train from Valence.
find out how to get to Valence romans
* The terms ‘Jeux olympiques‘, ‘Jeux paralympiques‘, ‘JO‘, ‘Paris 2024‘, ‘olympique‘, ‘olympiques‘ and ‘olympiades‘ are registered trademarks owned exclusively by the Paris Olympic Games. Valence Romans Tourisme is not a partner of the Paris Olympic Games.