Drôme

Drôme department is located in southeastern France, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, along the Rhône river, and its capital is the city of Valence. The department stretches from fertile fruit and vegetable plains in the west to the alpine mountains of Drôme Provençale in the east, giving it great natural diversity. Its economy combines agriculture (fruit, lavender, wine), the food industry, and rural tourism. Drôme is known for its lavender fields and sunny Provençal villages, and its cost of living is moderate, with relatively easy access to Lyon and Avignon by fast train.

Valence, Romans-sur-Isère, Montélimar

• Université Grenoble Alpes – Campus Valence Drôme-Ardèche - A campus of the University of Grenoble Alpes in Drôme, with varied programs from law and economics to sciences and engineering.
• IUT de Valence – Université Grenoble Alpes - A university institute of technology (BUT) offering programs such as GEA, Informatique, Réseaux & Télécoms, and Techniques de commercialisation.

Valence and the surrounding towns are at an average level of crime for French cities. The city center and student neighborhoods are usually lively and busy. As always, at train stations, bus stops, and the city center, you should keep an eye on your wallet and phone, but overall it is suitable and acceptable for student and family life.

The Citéa public transport network (Valence Romans Mobilités) includes city and intercity buses, and the Valence-Ville and Valence TGV train stations provide excellent access to Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Grenoble. You can also easily get around between Valence, Romans, and some nearby towns without a car.