Nyons is known above all for its incredibly fertile soil, unique light and mild climate with 300 days of sunshine a year.
Nyons offers great opportunities for relaxation in beautiful surroundings and/or an exciting activity holiday with sports and interesting excursions.
Nyons and the surrounding area offers a wide range of sports activities including golf, walking and hiking, cycling, skiing, horse riding, climbing and paragliding.
Nyons is beautifully situated in the heart of Drôme Provençale on the border between lowlands and mountains. To the east, the foothills rise to heights of 1000 metres or more, and to the west the landscape changes character to a more flat landscape down towards the Rhône.
Nyons is one of the main towns in the area with 6500 inhabitants. The town is located at an altitude of 270 metres, facing south and well protected between two mountain ranges, sheltered from the Mistral wind that blows down the Rhône Valley. Nyons is located in a very lush area by the river Eygues, surrounded by lavender fields, olive trees and vineyards, close to the famous wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas.
Nyons is not overrun with tourists. The town and its surroundings don't bear the sad mark of general wear and tear, which is always the unmistakable sign that there are too many people around.
The medieval village of Nyons has a lot to offer. The beautiful old bridge that rises above the Eygues dates back to the 14th century. It is quite narrow, but it is still in use. You shouldn't miss the opportunity to walk out to the centre of the bridge, high above the river. From here, you'll have a great view of the beautiful landscape on all sides. Nyons has several beautiful squares, including the Place de la Libération, filled with plane trees, and the Place du Dr Bourdongle, framed by arcades filled with shops of all kinds. One of the city's strangest sights is found in the pattern of streets concentrated in Rue des Grands Forts. The streets lead up to the city's old fortifications, all of which are built into the fortifications themselves. The Rue des Grands Forts itself and especially its parallel street inside vaults that have been inhabited for centuries. Walking through these narrow streets is like stepping back in time.
Due to its very mild climate, Nyons has become the centre of olive production in Provence. The small, wrinkled, black olives from Nyons carry the quality seal, Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée.
Nyons is a town with all kinds of shopping, restaurants and markets. Local specialities include olives, apricots, cherries, honey, truffles, lavender, lime blossoms, wines and cheeses. The two biggest markets in the area are in Nyons (Thursday) and Vaison-la-Romaine (Tuesday). Carpentras, located 44 kilometres from Nyons, also offers a very large and beautiful market every Friday.
Inspiration for your holiday:
Attractions:
Le quartier des Forts with its narrow, winding streets and many arches.
The partially preserved city wall
La Tour Randonne, 13th-century tower with an amazing bell tower.
Romanesque bridge from the 14th century (historical monument).
Olive Museum
Activities in Nyons
Markets: There is a market day every day in the area. The two largest markets in the area are in Nyons (Thursday) and Vaison-la-Romaine (Tuesday). Carpentras, located 44 kilometres from Nyons, also offers a very large and beautiful market every Friday.
Cycling: Challenges for everyone, from elite athletes to families with children. There are several great rides to other towns in the area, a wealth of less demanding mountain routes and the tough Mont Ventoux.
Golf - There is a wealth of golf courses in the Rhône Alpes region and 8 in the Drôme department. The French Golf Union has a website where most courses are presented. Unfortunately, the website is in French. Go to Guide de golfs and search here under the Rhône Alpes region: www.ffgolf.org.
