Surrounded by mountainous palisades, covered by vast, green forests fall of wild animals, the plain of Tricastin came south of the"Robinet" of Donzère. To the west, there was a broad swampy expanse principally irrigated by the impetuous Rhône. On the left bank of the river stood an immense rock which looked down upon the region and allowed the first inhabitants to take refuge.

Pierrelatte, previously called Petra-Latta,that is to say "dropped stone. The tale said Gargantua dropped a stone from his boot. This stone is the rock you can see in Pierrelatte. Ligures, celts, as well as the Roman Empire, took a great part in civilization. A feudal system set up at last in the Middle Ages with Seigniors, Suzerains and later Consuls. A fortress was built on the Rock. In the beginning of the XIVth century, the Templars developed and restored agriculture. Beyond the ramparts, a second protective wall helped to fight off brigands and pillagers. The "Liberation Charter" allowed the inhabitants to elect their representatives, with limited power : the Commune was born.

Since the beginning of the XVth century, the Dauphin, the future Louis XI, united the seigniory of Pierrelatte to the Dauphiné and then to the kingdom. Then, religious wars stained the plain with blood. The lack of resources to feed the soldiers in garrison was felt. François the first had first to rent Pierrelatte to de Reymond and then to sell it to the Baron of La Garde Adhemar. But in 1599, Pierrelatte bought back by its inhabitants, was once again turned over to the king. Cardinal Richelieu had the fortress destroyed. Money was needed ! More and more money! Louis XIII taxed the community under the form of a "repurchase" and once again the inhabitants of Pierrelatte intervened and offered the Seigniory to the Prince of Conti, Mazarin's nephew. 1789, the Revolution! Pierrelatte had to submit to the laws of the new regime. The "Popular Societies" were created. Lands were sold to citizens. The first Municipality was founded.

The XIXth century saw the succession of kingdoms, Empires, and Republics. In 1814, the Seigniory was restored to the future Louis XVIII and, in 1852, the railroad marked the beginning of prosperity. 14-18, 39-45, two world wars periods when Pierrelatte paid its tribute to heroism. During the XXth century, the Rock was bought back by the Municipality and, after the Liberation, Pierrelatte became famous with the building of the Donzere-Mondragon canal and of the Nuclear Plant.
Thus, briefly outlined is the history of a very small village, which has become a city of worldwide renown.

(Pierrelatte, Pages d'Histoires extract.)