Visit the town of Nyons

Nyons ‘ history is deeply rooted in the centuries, as evidenced by its rich and diverse architectural heritage. Since the Middle Ages, the town has been a strategic crossroads between Provence and the Dauphiné, which explains the presence of exceptional monuments that continue to fascinate visitors.

One of Nyons’ historic jewels is the Pont Roman, built in the 14th century. Classified as a historic monument, this elegant structure spans the River Eygues. The town’s other landmark is the Tour Randonne, built around 1280. Imposing and majestic, it is honored every year during the August 15 festivities, an event that brings together locals and visitors in a convivial atmosphere.

The historic center of Nyons is another great place to learn about the town’s past. Its cobbled streets, lined with old houses, lead to enchanting sites such as the Place des Arcades, the Château Delphinal and the Church of Saint-Vincent, whose restoration in 2010 has brought this treasure of local heritage back to life.

This rich architectural heritage perfectly reflects the importance Nyons has occupied over the centuries. Even today, it remains a popular destination for history and culture enthusiasts, who come to discover a fascinating town in the heart of the Provencal Baronnies.

Nyons’ Romanesque bridge is one of the town’s most famous monuments and a treasure trove of its medieval heritage. Built in the 14th century, this remarkable structure spans the River Eygues with an elegance that perfectly illustrates the architectural know-how of the period. Listed as a Historic Monument, it impresses with its unique 43-meter-span vault, a real feat of engineering for its time!

In the past, this bridge was a strategic link between the Provence and Dauphiné regions, making Nyons a nerve center for trade and travel in the region.

Today, the Romanesque bridge is much more than just a work of art. It’s a fascinating site that attracts many visitors every year, impressed by its architecture and its essential role in the town’s development. A stroll along its cobblestones will give you a beautiful view of the banks of the Eygues and the surrounding countryside, between hills and olive groves typical of the Provencal Baronnies.

The Romanesque bridge remains a powerful symbol of Nyons‘ identity, linking history, the past and regional development to perfection.

Nyons is indissociable from its famous black olive, the Tanche, an exceptional product recognized by an AOP (Appellation d’Origine Protégée) since 1994. With some 220,000 olive trees spread over some fifty communes, the region is a veritable jewel in the crown of France’s agricultural heritage, making the Baronnies provençales famous.

This olive, often dubbedthe “black pearl of Provence“, is distinguished by its wrinkled texture and melting flesh, the result of a late harvest, generally after the first frosts. This process allows the Tanche to develop subtle, unique aromas that have seduced olive lovers for generations.

Nyons olive oil, cold-extracted using ancestral know-how, is just as renowned. Appreciated for its sweetness and fruity notes, it reveals the delicate apple and hazelnut flavors characteristic of this exceptional terroir. A veritable treasure trove of Provencal gastronomy, it has become a benchmark in France, supported by a strong local commitment to preserving this tradition.

To better understand the importance of this culture, don’t hesitate to explore the oil mills from our campsite near Nyons, some of which have been in operation for several centuries. Numerous tasting workshops enable you to discover the wealth of products derived fromolives, from aromatic oils to artisanal tapenades.

The scourtinerie in Nyons, founded in 1882 by Ferdinand Marie, is the last remaining scourtin factory in France. These coconut fiber filters were once essential for extractingolive oil, the region’s flagship product. Today, this family-run business, which has been awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label, perpetuates its ancestral know-how while diversifying its production.

Scourtins, originally designed for pressing olives, have found a new life as decorative and utilitarian objects. The Nyons scourtinerie now offers trivets, rugs and doormats in bright colors, combining tradition and modernity. In 2017, the company innovated by launching “ombrières de Provence”, shade sails made from coconut fiber, testifying to its ability to combine heritage and creativity.

A visit to the scourtinerie allows you to discover the workshop, where traditional machines rub shoulders with modern techniques, and watch the craftsmen at work, weaving with precision and passion. Located at 36, rue de la Maladrerie in Nyons, the scourtinerie is open to the public from Monday to Saturday, with opening hours adapted according to the season.

René Barjavel was born in Nyons on January 24, 1911. He is a renowned figure in French literature, particularly famous for his major contributions to science fiction. Born into a family of bakers, he spent his childhood in this Drôme town, a period that profoundly influenced his imagination and literary sensibility.

Among his most famous works is “La Nuit des temps” (1968), a novel combining love and science fiction that has captivated generations of readers. Barjavel is also the author of “Ravage” (1943), a visionary work describing the collapse of technological civilization, and “Le Voyageur imprudent” (1944), in which he explores the paradoxes of time travel.

To honor the memory and legacy of this illustrious writer, the town of Nyons regularly organizes the“Journées Barjavel“. Launched in August 2000, these cultural events feature lectures, exhibitions and literary walks, enabling participants to rediscover the places that marked the author’s youth.

The“Journées Barjavel” are an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to stroll through the writer’s world, gain a better understanding of his work and celebrate his attachment to Nyons!

Nyons, a charming commune in the heart of the Provencal Baronnies, embodies all that France has to offer. With its historic heritage and unique flavours, the town is renowned for its exceptional olive oil and famous PDO olives, the pride of the Nyons people. From monuments dating back centuries, such as the Pont Roman, to cultural events, such as local festivals and the Journées Barjavel, Nyons is a town rich in history, culture and tourism.

Include this destination in your future Drôme Provençale getaways and experience memorable moments alone, with a partner, friends or family in the heart of the Baronnies Provençales!