Montmeyran is a town in the Drôme department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, 16 km south-east of Valence.
Its territory of 24 km² is, moreover, part of the Valence plain, and includes part of the Raye massif, one of the foothills of the Vercors.
The landscape of the locality has remained essentially rural, with 83% of land dedicated to agriculture: for a quarter of them, they are labeled "organic", which makes Montmeyran, in proportion, the first "organic" town in France!
Composed of a village and several hamlets, crossed by several streams, Montmeyran was already occupied during prehistoric times, then a priory established in the 12th century gave birth to the first fortified village, at the top of the Coteau. From the 16th century, however, this first site was abandoned and a new town developed at the foot of the buttress, with one part occupied by Catholics and the other by Protestants.
Later, the small town became famous in the 19th century for its horse market which attracted merchants from Provence, Languedoc and even Italy. And in the twentieth century, after the first boom in walnut and evening worm cultivation, Montmeyran developed the production of vegetables and fruits.
The town, which has nearly 3000 inhabitants, has a heritage and a range of quality "nature" leisure activities.
In terms of heritage, we can see at the top of the Coteau (called the Meyran greenhouse) the remains of the first medieval castle in the form of a keep and, around or on the slopes, towers testifying to the stately castle built in Fifteenth century.
In the village which developed in the 16th century, at the foot of the buttress, to see next, the parish church of Saint-Blaise (patron saint of textile workers) built in the 18th century. In addition to a few alleys and houses in the old center, we then go to the plain to admire the beautiful silhouette of the imposing castle of Montalivet, built in the 19th century in a neoclassical style. It then replaced a simple hunting lodge. The domain is still the property of the descendants of the old lords. The site is not open to the public.
On the cultural side, in the town, the media library programs activities throughout the year (readings, exhibitions, meetings): inquire at +33 4 75 59 35 47. In addition, the MJC of the Forum regularly organizes activities for all audiences and offers shows (theater, concerts). Information on +33 4 75 59 34 95.
For sportsmen, it is possible to book a tennis court at the local club (contact on +33 4 75 59 30 63) or to take advantage of the facilities of the Bourget golf course, in the plain. Built in 1996, it has a 9-hole course designed by architect Roger Maugard, 2800 m long for a "par 36". In a green environment with wooded areas and water features, seasoned golfers or neophytes are welcome. 20 practice stations, 6 of which are covered, are available, the area also including a restaurant with areas dedicated to well-being. Visitor rate: from 19 to 39 euros depending on the season. Information on +33 4 75 59 48 18.
The locality is also endowed with a rich potential for hikers who can especially from the summits enjoy beautiful panoramas, unless they follow the banks of the streams, skirt the vast crops or even, via larger loops, reach the nearby Vercors. Another option: join the nearby Rhône valley and the ViaRhôna which offers more than 800 km reserved for soft mobility connecting Lake Geneva and the Mediterranean! Maps and information on +33 4 75 82 19 26.
Every Tuesday, a large market is held on the square where products from Dauphiné and nearby Provence are showcased. It is completed from May to September on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon by a market reserved for fruit and vegetables, especially from the "organic" farms of the town.
The second Sunday in February, municipal festival.
The third weekend of June, artistic exhibition.
The last weekend of November, Christmas market.
