Map of Mondragon
Tourist map and places to visit in Mondragon
Below you will find our map of Mondragon. The village of Mondragon stretches out at the foot of its hill, in the northwest of the Vaucluse department, between Bollène and Orange, along National Route 7. Our map of Mondragon shows you the highlights: the old village, the castle ruins perched above the rooftops, the Chapel of the Penitents, the crenellated gate on Rue du Moulin, and the free parking lots.
How long does it take to visit Mondragon?
Allow one hour to an hour and a half to walk through the old village. Mondragon is a rural town with fewer than 4,000 residents, and the distances between City Hall, the market hall, and the path up to the castle are short.
The classic walking route follows the remains of the ramparts, passes through the crenellated gate, and winds its way up the hill. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes for the upper section—the path is steep and the ground is uneven. The castle remains private property and is not open to the public, but the view of the Rhône Valley is well worth the climb.
For a half-day trip, expand your exploration: the trails of the Uchaux Massif to the east, the Île Vieille lake to the southwest, and the Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Massif-d’Uchaux wine cellars. A quick visit fits perfectly into a trip between Lyon and Provence.
Where can I download a map of Mondragon as a PDF?
You can download it directly from this page. Click the “Download Map” button located above, just below our interactive map. The file opens as a PDF and prints in a few seconds.
This format comes in handy out in the field. Cell service is good in the Rhône Valley, but it becomes spotty as soon as you head up into the hills. Save the PDF to your phone before you leave; you can view it offline.
The local tourist office also publishes a tourist map of the area and hiking guides. The two resources complement each other: our map covers the village, while theirs covers the surrounding area.
Where is the tourist office located?
Mondragon does not have a tourist office within its boundaries. The town is served by the Provence Côté Rhône intermunicipal tourist office, which also covers Bollène, Mornas, Lapalud, and Lamotte-du-Rhône.
The tourist information office is located at the “Portes de Provence” roundabout, at the A7 entrance/exit in Bollène. The phone number is 04 90 30 36 83. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with extended hours from July 1 through August 31 and Sunday morning hours during the summer.
For purely local inquiries, the Mondragon town hall, on Rue des Clastres, is happy to provide information on current events.
Where to park in Mondragon?
Parking is free in Mondragon. The main parking areas are located just outside the historic center, which allows you to avoid the narrow streets of the old village. All parking lots are marked on our interactive map on this page.
The most convenient parking spots:
Place de la Paix, just a stone’s throw from the shops
Place Léon Vignard, near the market hall
The Monument aux Morts parking lot on Rue Marcel Ackermann, shaded by plane trees
The area around the stadium in the Fontjoyeuse neighborhood, with a height restriction for large vehicles
During peak season, parking can be tricky. Parking spots in the center fill up quickly in July and August. During the Fête du Drac weekend in late May, parking becomes downright difficult, and some streets are closed. Arrive early, park on the outskirts, and finish your journey on foot: it takes just ten minutes to walk through the center.
What are the must-see sights?
Once you’ve parked your car, the tour begins. Here’s what to look for on the map:
The ruins of the Château des Dragonet, on the hill. This 12th- and 13th-century fortress was severely damaged during the Wars of Religion. It’s private property, so view it from the outside.
The crenellated gate on Rue du Moulin, bearing the town’s coat of arms, is the last remaining vestige of the city walls.
The Hôtel de Suze on Place Perrot, with its 16th-century Renaissance façade and mullioned windows. Nestled among the houses, it’s easy to miss without a map.
The Chapel of the Penitents on Rue Jean Jaurès, built in the Romanesque style and topped by a bell tower.
The late 19th-century Neo-Romanesque parish church, whose 40-meter octagonal spire serves as a landmark throughout the village.
The Drac, a large, colorful sculpture installed in the town hall courtyard, which recalls the legend of the Rhône dragon.
Add to that the vaulted alleyways, the carved wooden doors, and the old mill, all of which you’ll come across as you stroll through the village. If your visit falls on the last weekend of May, the Drac Medieval Festival takes over the village center for two days, featuring a medieval market, encampments, and a nighttime torchlight parade.
How to get to Mondragon?
Driving is still the easiest option. The A7 highway runs through the town, but there is no full interchange on site. If coming from the south, the half-interchange at Exit 20 “Mondragon” takes you directly there. Otherwise, take Exit 19 (Bollène) to the north or Exit 21 (Orange) to the south. National Route 7 runs through the village from north to south, and Departmental Roads 26 and 44 connect to Bollène and Pont-Saint-Esprit.
By train, the nearest TER station is Bollène-La Croisière, less than ten kilometers away. For the TGV, head to Avignon TGV, about fifty kilometers away, or Montélimar to the north. You’ll then need to take a taxi or rent a car, as there is no convenient direct connection to the village.
Buses on the Zou! network connect Mondragon to Bollène and Orange, with limited service on Sundays. By plane, Marseille-Provence is about an hour and a half’s drive away via the A7.
See also to help you plan your trip:
