Find your perfect car hire at Valence TGV Train Station
Overlooking the Rhône river and filled with historical monuments like the Maison de Tetes, quiet Valence is full of French charm. Pick up your Avis car hire at the Valence TGV Train Station and drive for 13 minutes on the N532 to reach the heart of Valence.Plan your journey from Valence TGV Train Station
On arrival in Valence, start your visit at the Kiosk De Peynet on the Champ de Mars. It’s one of the city’s main attractions. From here, you can get a great view of Park Jouvet and its gardens and fountains below, as well as the Rhône river. You can see Chateaux Crossol here also, which inspired the artist Raymond Peynet to base his famous love story drawings here.The Maison de Tetes is a must-see. This 16th century house has sculptures of ancient Greek nobility, and boasts an impressive façade. Nearby is the St Appolinnaire cathedral, with architectural features that are unique to the region. Head to Grand Rue, lined with cafes and boutique shopping, where you can pause for coffee and take in your surroundings.
You can also dine in the market square where you can sample some of the local Swiss-influenced cuisine. Pop into any bakery in Valence, and you’ll find ‘The Swiss’ – a sweet orange flavoured pastry created in the shape of a Swiss guard. This is meant to commemorate the Swiss guard’s presence in Valence in the 1800s.
Unwind and relax in Valence with your Avis car hire.
Beyond Valence
Valence’s location provides you with the best opportunities for exploring the Rhône region.Lyon
Take the A7 from Valence and arrive in Lyon, the capital of the Rhône region. Sitting between two rivers, the Rhône and the Saone, Lyon has been a cultural and historical centre since Roman times, and this is reflected in its architecture. Start in the Croix-Rousse district, where silk makers worked until the 19th century and be sure to visit the Romanesque-gothic Lyon Cathedral, the City Hall, and the Fontaine Bartholdi. There are also many fine art museums to view.
Grenoble
You don’t have to travel far from Valence to reach the French Alps. Take the A49 for an hour and you’ll arrive in Grenoble – the gateway to the Alps, and the former host of the Winter Olympics. This place is perfect for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors; you can go snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, climbing, and more. Head to La Bastille fortress by cable car or hike up the hill at Jardin des Dauphins to see stunning views of the city and the Alps.
Mirmande
Dubbed the most beautiful village in France, Mirmande is just a 30-minute drive from Valence on the A7. This tiny medieval town is easy to explore, and you’ll love its traditional cottages. Nestled in the hills, walk to the top of the town to see the Romanesque Church of Saint Foy, which looks out across the area. Be sure to pop into one of the beautiful gardens while you’re here.
Ready to explore France’s Rhône region? All you have to do is drive.