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Where is the Chauvet cave?

Located on a limestone plateau crossed by the meanders of the Ardèche River, in the south of France , the cave contains the oldest paintings known to date (Aurignacian period: between 30,000 and 32,000 BC).

What animals are represented on the walls of the Chauvet cave?

The 430 animals represented belong to 14 species, which is unusual: mammoths, rhinoceroses, lions, bison horses, aurochs, ibex, bears, reindeer, deer, megaceros deer, musk oxen, panther, owl and perhaps hyena . The cave bear frequented the site well before Man and just after him.

How old is the Chauvet cave?

36,000 years

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Chauvet Cave contains drawings of exceptional quality dating back 36,000 years .

You are here, on the lands where nature fertilizes the Truffle »

Born from the will of a handful of truffle growers proud to take the Truffle out of its almost too secret universe, the Market is aimed at individuals wishing to discover and taste the finest quality Truffles. Each Truffle Grower reserves his finest Truffles dug during the week to submit them to the Control Commission gathered before the opening of each Market. The approved Truffles will then be put on sale on the market.

There are two types of truffle markets: The "" Wholesale Market""» and the « retail market ». At wholesale markets, truffle growers sell their batches of truffles to brokers. For several years now, there have been retail markets , such as the one in Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux, where truffles are sorted and sold directly to individuals .

The canton of Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux and those of Grignan and Valréas is the leading truffle production area in France.

The Saint-Paul-Trois-Châteaux Truffle Market selects truffle growers and checks each truffle offered before sale!

Market values

• Loyalty

• Sincerity

• Honesty

• Quality

• Sharing

• Certain origin

The partners

Truffle growers have registered their desire for transparency on the origin, variety and quality of each Truffle . Restaurateurs, accommodation providers (hotels, guest houses, etc.) have joined them and signed the market quality charter . They organize meals , stays , tastings , meetings (Truffle growers, digging sessions, Truffle and Wine pairings, etc.). Also partners: the Tourist Office, the Brotherhood, the Remarkable Site of Taste, the House of Truffles and Tricastin, the Winegrowers, the Professionals of perfume plants, etc. all unite around our Black Diamond.

Grignan – Jewel of the Drôme Provençale near our home in Provence in Lapalud

Just 35 minutes from your home in Provence in Lapalud , the hilltop village of Grignan is one of the most beautiful treasures of the Drôme Provençale .
Known for its Renaissance castle , cobbled streets and lavender fields, Grignan perfectly embodies the art of living in Provence.

It is an ideal destination for a stay in Provence , combining heritage, nature and a gentle way of life.

A village steeped in history

Dominating the plains of the Drôme, the Château de Grignan is the symbol of the village. Formerly the home of the Marquise de Sévigné , it offers an exceptional panoramic view of the region.

The historic center, with its stone houses, vaulted passages and small shaded squares, invites you to stroll.

Among lavender fields, vineyards and Provençal markets

Around Grignan extend:

• lavender fields,
• vineyards of the Drôme Provençale ,
• olive groves and orchards.

Each week, the Grignan market offers local produce, olive oils, cheeses, wines and regional specialties.

An ideal day trip from Lapalud

Your holiday rental in Lapalud , between Vaucluse, Ardèche and Drôme, is perfectly located to discover Grignan and the most beautiful villages of Provence.

The Crocodile Farm in Pierrelatte – A tropical immersion in the heart of the Drôme

Just 25 minutes from your home in Provence in Lapalud , the Crocodile Farm of Pierrelatte offers you a change of scenery in an exotic world unique in Europe.
This iconic wildlife park, also known as the Crocodile Reserve , is the largest European site dedicated to reptiles and tropical fauna.

In a huge tropical greenhouse heated all year round, you will discover more than 600 animals and hundreds of plant species from all corners of the world.

A spectacular setting and impressive biodiversity

The Crocodile Farm spans several thousand square meters, faithfully recreating the tropical ecosystems of Africa, Asia and South America.

You will observe, in particular:

• 🐊 Nile crocodiles, alligators, caimans, gharials
• 🐍 Snakes, pythons, boas, iguanas
• 🐢Giant tortoises, aquatic turtles
• 🦎 Exotic lizards and monitor lizards

All of this unfolds in a natural environment composed of waterfalls, rivers, rocks and tropical plants.

A park committed to species protection

The Crocodile Farm is also a conservation and awareness center.
She participates in breeding and conservation programs for endangered species.

Explanatory panels and educational animations help to better understand the essential role of reptiles in ecosystems and the importance of their protection.

An ideal outing for young and old.

The park is perfectly suited for families.
Children can participate in:

• educational workshops ,
• fun trails ,
• Animal-related activities.

Play areas, picnic areas and a restaurant are also available.

Close to your rental in Lapalud

Thanks to the ideal location of your holiday rental in Lapalud , you can quickly access Pierrelatte and its major tourist sites.

The Crocodile Farm is a perfect excursion during a stay in Provence , combining nature, discovery and wonder.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape – The iconic village of Rhône Valley wines

Just 45 minutes from your home in Provence in Lapalud , the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an unmissable destination for lovers of wine, heritage and the Provençal way of life.

World-renowned for its Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation wine , this hilltop village offers an exceptional panorama of the Rhône Valley, surrounded by vineyards as far as the eye can see.

A village with character

Dominated by the ruins of the Château des Papes , built in the 14th century, Châteauneuf-du-Pape charms with its stone alleyways, fountains, art galleries and shaded squares.

Strolling through the village centre is to discover the soul of Provence, between tradition, gastronomy and wine culture.

Capital of the great wines of the Rhône

With over 300 wine estates , Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most prestigious appellations in France.

You will be able to:

• visit thewine cellars and vineyards,
• participate in wine tastings ,
• buy directly from the producers
• discover the village's wine museum .

A perfect stopover for a wine tourism holiday in Provence .

Close to our rental in Lapalud

Your holiday rental in Lapalud places you in the heart of the most beautiful villages of the Rhône Valley and the Vaucluse.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an ideal day trip during your stay in Provence .

The Ardèche Gorges – A natural treasure just a stone's throw from our home in Provence

Located less than an hour from Lapalud , the Ardèche Gorges are one of the most beautiful natural sites in France. Classified as a National Nature Reserve , they offer a spectacular setting of limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and wild beaches.

From your holiday home in Provence in Lapalud , set off to discover this jewel of the south of France, ideal for lovers of nature, sport and relaxation.

An exceptional landscape

Carved by the Ardèche river, the gorges extend for more than 30 km between Vallon-Pont-d'Arc and Saint-Martin-d'Ardèche.
The famous Pont d'Arc , a natural arch 54 meters high, is the emblem of the site and an unmissable landmark.

Vertiginous cliffs, caves, viewpoints and natural beaches make the Ardèche Gorges a unique place in Provence and southern Ardèche.