Discover our local partners: for an immersion in Drôme - Ardèche
The Cité du Chocolat Valrhona is an essential step for lovers of greed and culture. But the adventure doesn’t stop at the doors of the chocolate museum: the region of Tain-l'Hermitage and its surroundings are full of gastronomic, cultural and natural treasures to discover. Whether you are a lover of authentic experiences or enchanting landscapes, let yourself be guided by our selection of must-see addresses.
Prepare your chocolate getaway and then go meet artisans, places or activities that will make your visit a unique moment! Do not hesitate to consult the page Office de Tourisme Ardèche Hermitage to prepare your stay in the region.
Le petit Train des Vignes
Take a seat in the little Train of the Vines de l'Hermitage ! Let yourself be told the story of the towns of Tain - Tournon. Discover the famous vineyard as well as a magnificent view of the Rhone Valley through a 45-minute commented ride. The little train of the vineyards offers you different activities to have a good time with family or friends, throughout the week !
The starting point is located next to the Valrhona shop.
Terres de Syrah by la Cave de Tain
A few steps from the Cité, the hills of Hermitage and Crozes-Hermitage offer an exceptional panorama. The cellars and wineries welcome visitors for tastings and guided tours. Like chocolate, wine is a story of terroir and passion: a perfect alliance to extend your gourmet day.
With a simple and friendly approach, the Terre de Syrah team puts its oenological expertise at your service and guides you in the heart of the vineyards. Agence œnotourisme de la Cave de Tain, the teams of Terre de Syrah are also our direct partners in the development of wine & chocolate workshops that take place at the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona.
La compagnie des canotiers
The Rhône & Saône boater company invites you to share an "unforgettable" day in harmony with the river and the dazzling nature of its banks and hillsides, discovering wine, chocolate, beer, history, and culture.
The boat trip offers a magical view of the Valence, Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph regions. The starting point is less than a 20-minutes walk from the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona (on the port of Tournon-sur-Rhône).
The Castle-museum of Tournon sur Rhône
Located on the banks of the Rhône, on the other side of the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, in the heart of town, the castle of Tournon, classified historical monument, dates essentially from the 15th and 16th centuries.
The two terraces offer you a 360° view of the city of Tournon sur Rhône but also on the slopes of Saint de Joseph and the famous hill of L'Hermitage.
At the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, each visit can become a concrete action for the planet.
From January 2026, we are launching a low-carbon preferential rate of €9.50 per person, aimed at visitors who choose more responsible modes of transport.
Beyond the journey, this initiative invites you to take the time to experience the territory differently: stroll on foot along the banks of the Rhône, discover the vineyards of the Hermitage, cross the Marc Seguin footbridge, visit Tournon-sur-Rhône, its alleys, its castle and its shops, or even enjoy the many walks and gourmet breaks accessible without a car.
By choosing soft mobility, you reduce your carbon impact while transforming your visit to the Cité du Chocolat into a day of discovery, sensory and responsible, in the heart of the Rhône Valley.
Discover the sites accessible by car from the Cité du Chocolat
From the Cité du Chocolat in Tain l’Hermitage, numerous tourist sites are easily accessible by car, offering a diverse exploration of the heritage of the Drôme and Ardèche regions.
Further afield, but still within easy reach, lies the Drôme des Collines, with its rolling landscapes, vineyards, and iconic landmarks. Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or a foodie, these excursions accessible by car from the Cité du Chocolat allow you to fully appreciate the richness and diversity of the region.
Wine And Ride
With Wine and Ride Tain, set off by bike to meet winemakers from the Crozes-Hermitage appellation in the Drôme des Collines, as well as Saint Joseph in Ardèche.
It's also a unique opportunity to discover and chat, in a relaxed atmosphere, with local artisans and producers from this part of the Rhône Valley, also known as the Valley of Gastronomy ! The starting point for this activity is at the Tain l'Hermitage SNCF train station.
Le train de l'Ardèche
A 15-minutes drive from the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, the Ardèche Train, a famous historic steam train, sounds its whistle in the Ardèche Gentle Valley.
On a narrow-gauge track, in a protected area designated as a "Espace Naturel Sensible" (a Sensitive Natural Area), a timeless journey awaits, a complete change of scenery guaranteed ! Partnering with the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona for the traditional Easter egg hunt, as well as for the Christmas holidays, the Ardèche Train will delight young and old alike.
Erik Borja's Zen Garden
A place that inspires and invites meditation, just a 10-minutes drive from the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona : Erik Borja's Zen Garden. In the heart of Ardèche Hermitage, it showcases the art of Japanese gardens.
Embark on a journey to the land of the rising sun for a stroll in calm and serenity. A haven of peace with vibrant colors that will leave all visitors dreaming !
La Cité de la Chaussure
The historic capital of shoemaking, has shone throughout the world for several decades ! Come visit the production workshops and discover the many steps involved in making a shoe entirely crafted in Romans-sur-Isère.
Like the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, the Cité de la Chaussure shares the values of passing on expertise and local roots.
Le lac de Champos
In the heart of the Drôme des Collines region, the lake of Champos estate is a natural site that combines relaxation and enjoyment. You'll find a leisure center with a multitude of activities in a natural setting.
A great outing idea ! Combine this with a delicious visit to the Cité du Chocolat in the morning and a relaxing break for the rest of the day.
La forêt des champos
Discover an outdoor amusement park designed for families with children aged 2 to 12, themed around the role of fungi in the ecosystem !
More than 20 outdoor activities await you! Less than 30 minutes from the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, extend your family day with this outdoor park.
Le Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval
Le Palais Idéal is a monument built in Hauterives (a 30 minutes drive from the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona), by the postman Ferdinand Cheval, from 1879 to 1912.
A masterpiece of naive architecture and art, it has been listed as a historical monument since 1969 and enjoys great renown throughout France.
Le Safari de Peaugres
The animal park "le Safari de Peaugres" in Ardèche is the largest in the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes region. 30 minutes by car from the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona, the park welcomes you in a wild territory dedicated to the preservation of rare and protected species.
More than 1200 animals representing 134 species: from the giraffe to the wild beasts, passing by the bears, or the little red pandas, there is something for everyone.
Le jardin des trains Ardéchois
In an exceptional garden, mixing vegetation and sound models, you will discover the Ardèche with giant steps ! Thanks to 33 years of passion, the sound-activated trains cross stations, tunnels and rivers among 900 bonsai and 1000 figurines.
Discovery tour for the whole family, virtual trip, games... discover the Ardèche differently !
La ferme aux crocodiles
Dive into the heart of a lush biodiversity in the largest animal park dedicated to reptiles in Europe. With more than 1,200 animals, including 350 crocodilians and 150 birds in free flight, the crocodile farm offers a fun and educational course for the whole family.
A culinary adventure for all ages