Arrive in Avignon, take a short transfer (20 mins) to the famous wine village of Chateauneuf du Pape whose name translates as “new castle of the Pope” and 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.
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Overnight Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
A small B&B in the historic centre of Chateauneuf du Pape village. Your host Danièle is a professional sommelier and worldwide wine lecturer, who will share her passion for wine with you from her traditional B&B. If you choose to you can take a vineyard tour, or tastings recommended by your knowledgeable host.
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
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Overnight Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
A small B&B in the historic centre of Chateauneuf du Pape village. Your host Danièle is a professional sommelier and worldwide wine lecturer, who will share her passion for wine with you from her traditional B&B. If you choose to you can take a vineyard tour, or tastings recommended by your knowledgeable host.
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
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Overnight Séguret
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
At the foot of Séguret, one of the most beautiful villages in France, the wine estate houses a peaceful and charming hotel-restaurant. Surrounded by its own vineyards, the hotel offers a magnificent terrace, a large pool and a wine cave. Enjoy the hotel's privileged natural setting and tranquillity, fine dining and wine tasting.
Séguret 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
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Overnight Vacqueyras
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
Ideally situated at the top of the village, welcoming B&B with outdoor pool and garden, which has been entirely restored and decorated by the happy owners. Relax in the garden, by the pool and listen to the cicades, play a tame of pétanque in the shade of the pine trees, exercise in the fitness room or unwind in the sauna.
The Hotel Le Pradet welcomes you to a bright and spacious space in a peaceful setting offering some rooms a view of the swimming pool, the garden, and the Dentelles de Montmirail.
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
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Overnight Le Barroux
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
Mr Huw welcomes you in his hotel-restaurant, set in Le Barroux, a magnificent medieval village situated on a rocky outcrop, dominated by its 12th century castle. On the wine route, with the Mont-Ventoux on one side and the Dentelles de Montmirail, on the other side, all the charm of this place lies in its surroundings. In the middle of olive trees, vineyards and fruit trees admire the panoramic views over the whole Comtat plain.
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
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Overnight Malaucene
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
An idyllically located guesthouse at the end of an alley lined with century-old trees. In a restored bastide with a small restaurant and only ten minutes from the village centre, it offers a warm and comfortable stay. All the rooms are lovingly decorated in typically Provençal style. Relax in the garden, by the pool, the sunny terrace or in the lounge. In the evening let you surprise by the chefs creative dishes with fresh seasonal products.
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
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Overnight Vaison la Romaine
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Accommodations
A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.
Located in the medieval city of Vaison-la-Romaine, Maison d’Hôtes de l’Evêché was formerly the old Bishops Palace. You will be welcomed into this cosy and refined place, full of authenticity: the old stone work, antique furniture and paintings, a real haven of peace! Enjoy 2 private air-conditioned lounges, the library and the flowered terraces where breakfast is served in the summer.
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.
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