Château de Grignan

About the museum

Grignan Castle stands on a rocky outcrop above the village. First mentioned in the 11th century as a fortress on the site of an ancient oppidum, it has belonged since the 12th century to the powerful Adhémar de Monteil family, who expanded its defences. At the end of the 15th century, Gaucher Adhémar turned it into a country residence; his son Louis Adhémar had the collegiate church of Saint-Sauveur built, whose terrace forms the roof, and had the façades of the courtyard of the well rebuilt in the antique style.

In the 17th century, François de Castellane Adhémar, Count of Grignan, made it a classical palace. His marriage in 1669 to Françoise, daughter of the Marquise de Sévigné, linked the castle to the famous correspondence between mother and daughter. The Marquise died here in 1696 and was buried in the collegiate church.

At the Revolution, the castle was confiscated, looted and dismantled. Léopold Faure, who bought it in 1838, consolidated the ruins and obtained a first listing as a historic monument in 1840. Marie Fontaine acquired it in 1912 and rebuilt it on the basis of the old traces, with some neo-Gothic touches. Her heirs sold it in 1979 to the Drôme Department, which continued restorations and acquisitions. Listed as a historic monument in 1993, the castle carries the Musée de France label.

Highlights

• Renaissance well courtyard and large state gallery
• Panoramic terrace with a 360° view of Mont Ventoux and Provence
• Collegiate church of Saint-Sauveur, where the Marquise de Sévigné is buried
• Apartments of the Count and Countess of Grignan
• Second floor open to visitors since 2026

Permanent exhibition

• Parcours de visite du château – Visit of the vestibule, the first floor, the gallery and the second floor, then the exterior: courtyard of the well and terrace with a 360° view.

Operated by

Département de la Drôme (Châteaux de la Drôme)

Admission & discounts

Prices shown are for self-guided visits. Also free for holders of a tour guide card, the Clef des Châteaux card or the annual pass. For a full-price ticket bought at Grignan, a reduced rate applies at another castle in the Drôme within 30 days. Payment methods: bank card (except American Express), cash, cheques, ANCV holiday vouchers, chèque culture, Pass Région and Top Dep’Art (for regular visits).

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

A ramp leads from the ticket office exit to a priority entrance; a lift serves the floors. Most areas are wheelchair-accessible, but the castle recommends visiting with someone (paved path, slopes, gravel) and informing it in advance. Reserved parking space in front of the castle (to be requested in advance in July and August). The reception and ticket office are fitted with an induction loop. Touch exploration of certain objects offered depending on crowds. Contact: grignanpourtous@ladrome.fr.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities

Family activities and themed trails depending on the programme (holidays, Easter, All Saints, Christmas). Free activity booklets at the ticket office depending on the programme. Baby changing table in the visitors’ toilets near the cloakroom. Strollers cannot be taken into the rooms: left at the entrance; baby carriers lent depending on availability.

Getting there & parking

Grignan lies between Montélimar and Nyons, 26 km from Montélimar, 74 km from Valence and 80 km from Avignon. From the north: motorway A7, exit 18 Montélimar sud, towards Nyons. From the south: A7, exit 19 Bollène, then D26. The old town centre is pedestrian-only. Cycle routes in the Drôme, including the ViaRhôna.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café Louis-Provence offers light refreshments (terroir picnic basket) in the grove, every day during the day in summer (late June to late August). Hot and cold drink vending machines at the entrance. Lockers in the Tzanck room with a €1 coin or a token. Picnics allowed in the exterior areas during opening hours. Animals not allowed in the castle.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit