The Château Adhémar in Montélimar

The Château Adhémar was built by the prestigious Adhémar family in the 10th century in Montélimar. This remarkable edifice is one of the most important examples of medieval architecture in the mid-Rhône Valley. Over the centuries, the château underwent construction, alterations and expansion and served many functions, such as castle, citadel, palace, prison and, since 2000, renowned Contemporary Arts Centre.
In the 10th century, the building was a keep standing on top of a hillock surrounded and protected by a bank and a big trench.
In the 12th century, the Adhémars transformed the castle into a palace, thus expressing the wealth of this noble line. It can still be admired today.

In 1580, the Duke de Lesdiguières had the castle demolished, except for the keep, to build a more modern fortification. In 1889, the lords' residence was listed as a historic monument. Composed of a Romanesque chapel and a square tower, it is surrounded by a fortified wall with a walkway on top.
Since 1965, the Château is the property of the department of the Drôme. Today, it is a cultural and artistic centre that organises temporary exhibitions. Works by artists and designers of national, even international renown, are presented.
A historic place that combines heritage and contemporary creation.