Provence: Walking and Wine

Arrive in Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage city. It is a beautiful medieval town, where you can meander though history as you walk its cobbled streets. If you have time, why not visit the famous Pope’s Palace and St Benezet bridge.

A short transfer (30 min) takes you to the famous wine village of Chateauneuf du Pape (“the Pope's new castle”). It was chosen as the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon. It was a Pope who brought the vines here in the 14th century, making wines that have been famous for centuries. The growing area is small compared to many of the world’s famous vineyards but the wine produced here is constantly prized. 

This morning’s walk is a circular route through the fabulous local vineyards. This splendid loop walk stays within the heart of the Chateauneuf appellation, strolling on farming tracks in between the parcels of vines of the Vaudieu & Nalys & Solitude wineries, which lead from one estate to the next. The itinerary takes you to 3 widely-known wine estates - Vaudieu, Nalys, and Solitude - all centuries-old, all happy to share their savoir faire with you during a wine-tasting. The reds are deep and heavily spiced, while the surprising whites have notes of almond, spice, and honeysuckle. 

Find a local restaurant for dinner in Chateauneuf du Pape. Geography, geology and climate combine to create an exemplary terrain in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and wherever the eye roams you’ll see thick, low vines and, in summer, bunches and bunches of delicious Grenache and Syrah grapes.

Ascent: 65m Descent: 53m

This morning walk through the famous vines once more, alongside tracks packed with the red rocks that were deposited here 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age. They absorb the heat during the day and emit it at night, keeping a constant warmth in the vineyards which help to produce powerful and spicy reds.

After this short walk you will have the option (not included) to participate in a half day wine tour of the Southern Rhônes premium wine villages. A local wine expert will reveal a wealth of secrets about the vines and explain the key elements of the wine-making process as you visit the cellars and taste four to five wines at a local wine estate (depending on the wine expert you visit 1 or 2 wine estates). The tasting characteristics, ageing potential and varying influences of the terroir and cellar methods will all be described.

Later this afternoon a transfer to the village of Seguret is included.

Ascent: 155m Descent: 155m

A short transfer takes you to Séguret, which is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful villages in France (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France). Wander cobbled streets and amongst the houses that seem to cling to the rock face. A picturesque route through Haut Vaucluse takes you beneath cragged peaks and above the Rhône Valley, on paths and farm tracks through vineyards and olive orchards. At Gigondas, you’ll discover a village that seems to rise straight out of the vineyards and here it is well-worth visiting the 11th century church. Walking towards Vacqueyras, you reach the foothills of the jagged mountain chain of Dentelles de Montmirail.

Ascent: 429m Descent: 561m

The walk today offers an up-close exploration of the Dentelles de Montmirail foothills. The mountain range name means “lace”, probably because the magnificent and intricate limestone peaks look similar to lace work. Descend to Beaumes de Venise, where you can indulge in a glass of Muscat. The route then takes you to the hilltop village of Le Barroux, which is home to an impressive 12th century castle. Before checking into your accommdoation wander through a maze of quiet streets and take in such highlights as the Church of Saint-Jean Baptiste. 

Ascent: 477m Descent: 285m

Today's walk takes you closer to the mighty Mont Ventoux. Its peak of 1,912m puts it head and shoulders above others in the Luberon mountain range. Walking the lower slopes, through pine and cedar forests, offers an impressive contrast with the "géant de Provence” and its bare limestone peak. Its huge silhouette is a backdrop for your hike, its barren white peak glistening in the sun. Through shaded paths of pine and cedar you reach the Chapel of Piaut, where in generations past locals climbed during periods of draught to pray for rain. Descend the pilgrimage path to the fortified village of Malaucene which takes shape around its ancient hilltop fort. The old town reveals an amazing tree-lined avenue.

Ascent: 573m Descent: 568m

From Malaucène, you walk northward on thyme and rosemary drenched hills to the perched, authentic village of Le Crestet. Visit tucked away villages that are many miles from the usual tourist trail. At Le Crestet find ancient alleys, arches and cul-de-sacs to explore, revealing beautiful historic buildings and fountains. Reaching Vaison-la-Romaine, you can enjoy your final afternoon strolling through this extraordinary place, Vaison’s Gallo Roman remains, which is the largest archaeological site in France.

Ascent: 400m Descent: 280m

All great tours must come to an end. Your tour finished in Vaison La Romaine. This town is accessible by bus to Avignon and the journey will take you via Orange (where you can jump on a train) in approximately 1H20.