Bourg-Lès-Valence offers several different ways to shape a stay: regional church history, a former fortified house, an industrial past, as well as routes and leisure activities. Visitors can put their own interests at the centre of their plans, rather than trying to fit every theme into a single itinerary. The historic sites tell different stories; activities range from walking routes to specific sports and leisure facilities.
Church, Fortified House and Industrial History
Saint-Pierre Church is one of the oldest churches in the Valentinois region. Its regional importance makes it a prominent landmark in the history of Bourg-Lès-Valence. Another historical trail leads to the former fortified house of Genas, dating from the 16th century: it belonged to the de Genas family, and the neighbourhood is named after the house. These offer two different points of connection—the long history of the church and the story of a house whose name lives on in the neighbourhood.
La Cartoucherie also tells a story of change: it was first a textile factory, then became a national cartridge factory. Today, it houses various businesses in the fields of imagery, film and animation. This site thus brings together industrial history and its present-day use by businesses. Those interested in how workplaces and production sites have evolved will find a distinct subject here, alongside the religious and family connections in the area’s history.
Walking Routes and Nature in the Town
The many canals and streams in Bourg-Lès-Valence are currently being developed as walking routes. For a longer hike, the “Escapade dans les vergers” route makes a great focus: it runs through orchards and along shaded country paths. The two options differ in both scenery and purpose; the route is specifically described as a hike, while the canals and streams are part of an ongoing development into walking routes.
The “Escapade dans les vergers” hike can be reached from Valence by public transport. Check the current routes and stops before travelling. This allows you to plan your journey to the hike without assuming a specific stop or starting point.
Park, Play and Golf
Île-Parc Girodet offers an open-air theatre, barbecue areas and a beach volleyball court. These facilities offer different ways to spend time outdoors: enjoy an open-air performance, have a barbecue together or play beach volleyball. If you are planning to use a particular facility, check its availability before your visit, as individual facilities may change.
Golf Club des Chanalets has an 18-hole course and a compact 4-hole course. It also has a driving range with 25 bays and a putting green. The two course options differ in the number of holes, while the range and putting green round out the facilities. Here too, it is worth checking the current facilities before finalising your visit.
Another Route for Families
“A la recherche du trésor perdu” is a mobile, interactive and playful route in Bourg-Lès-Valence, available through Baludik. It is suitable for the whole family, offering a different experience from a hike through orchards or a visit to sports facilities. Check in advance whether the app is available if you would like to include this route in your plans. This lets you choose between a family-friendly activity, hiking, and the facilities at the park or golf club, according to your interests.
Visiting the Gardens at La Cartoucherie
At La Cartoucherie, only the gardens are open to visitors, every day throughout the year. The visit is therefore limited to this area; other parts of the site are not open for sightseeing. Check the visiting conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: La Laupie, Montélimar, Charols, Châtillon-En-Diois, Espeluche, Roche-Saint-Secret-Béconne, Chabrillan, Saulce-Sur-Rhône.
For the broader travel overview: Drôme.
