The elegant city of Valence is now the capital of the Drôme department in the Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. It stretches along the left bank of the Rhône River, just 105 kilometers south of Lyon and has been inhabited since pre-Roman times, making this area a popular tourist destination today.

In the old town of Valence, be sure to check out the 11th century Cathédrale St-Apollinaire, which unfortunately has undergone a number of exterior renovations (to varying degrees of success) but still retains its original, magnificent Romanesque interior. Also of note, the Parc Jouvet boasts remarkable views of the city, while the Fine Arts Museum features a stunning array of works dating all the way back to the 12th century. In addition, several prehistoric caves in the nearby Soyon district are a delight to explore, so be sure to reserve a rental car for your trip to Valence.