Drôme, Department in southeastern France
Drôme is a department in southeastern France, extending from the Rhône valley in the west to the Vercors mountains in the east. Wide lavender fields, vineyards and wooded hills shape the landscape between the riverbanks and the Alpine peaks.
The department was formed in 1790 during the French Revolution from parts of the old province of Dauphiné and the Comtat Venaissin. The administrative boundaries combined areas that had previously stood under different rule.
Clairette de Die, a sparkling wine made from local Muscat grapes, reflects the old winemaking tradition of this area. Along the river valleys and hillsides, winemakers still tend the same grape varieties that have grown here for centuries.
Valence, the capital, sits on the western bank of the Rhône and serves as a central starting point for excursions into the valleys and mountains. Smaller towns such as Montélimar and Nyons are spread across the territory and connect the rural communes.
Rochefourchat, a commune within the department, counts only one single resident and is therefore the least populated municipality in France. Despite the empty lanes, the place remains officially in existence and appears on all administrative maps.
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