Walking the Wine Trails of Provence

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Day 1: Avignon – Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Arrive in Avignon, easily accessed by train from Paris, Marseille, and Marseille Airport. Or you can arrive the day before to explore the medieval town and its cobbled streets, the famous Papal Palace and St Benezet Bridge. At 16.30 h meeting at the train station with your taxi for your transfer to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Translated as the New Castle of the Pope, Châteauneuf-du-Pape village was the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon, complete with a castle built atop the hill, today only a set of ruins from which the views extend far into the horizon. It was the popes who brought the vines here in the 14th century, making world-famous wines. Overnight in Châteauneuf du Pape

• Accommodation: The Wine B&B or similar

Day 2: Châteauneuf-du-Pape Circular Walk – Vaudieu, Nalys & Solitude | 7km

A splendid easy loop walk stays within the heart of the Châteauneuf 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.

NB!: The Vaudieu & Nalys & Solitude wineries are closed on Sunday (as most of the wine estate) The Mont-Redon is open on Sunday for tasting (the cellar visit is however not possible on Sunday) Therefore, if your trip starts with the first walk on Sunday we recommend that you do the Mont-Redon walk on Sunday and the Vaudieu, Nalys, Solitude on Monday.

• Accommodation: The Wine B&B or similar
• Walking for the day: 7km, 2-3h, ↑100m ↓100m

Day 3: Châteauneuf-du-Pape Circular Walk – Mont-Redon | 11km

With such a prized terroir, every square meter is planted with vines, mostly Grenache and Syrah. A splendid afternoon loop walk stays within the heart of the Châteauneuf appellation, strolling on farming tracks in between the parcels of vines, which lead from one estate to the next. The itinerary takes you to three widely-known wine estates – Chateau Vaudieu, Nalys and Solitude, all happy to share their savoir-faire with you during a wine tasting (not included). The reds are deep and heavily spiced, while the surprising whites have notes of almond, spices, and honeysuckle. We recommend the full loop option that passes by the famous estate of Château Mont-Redon. Afternoon transfer from Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Gigondas, a renowned winemaking village. Overnight in Gigondas, dinner included.

• Accommodation: Les Florets or similar
• Walking for the day: 11km, 3-4h, ↑150m ↓150m (full loop) or 8km, 2-3h ↑100m ↓100m (easy option)

Day 4: Gigondas – Dentelles – Gigondas | 11km

Today’s walk is through the vines of Gigondas. The town of Gigondas sits high above the Rhône, overlooking a sea of vines. Narrow cobbled streets separate the old stone houses with their clay-tiled roofs. Take the time to explore the village before the walk that takes you to the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a set of chiselled limestone cliffs that soar in the sky. The steep hills have been carved into terraces, planted with rows of seemingly inaccessible vineyards. Views of the Rhône Valley and Provence’s highest mountain, Mont Ventoux, paint the backdrop. There are plenty of wine tasting opportunities in the village. Picnic lunch included and second overnight in Gigondas.

• Accommodation: Les Florets or similar
• Walking for the day: 11km, 3-4h, ↑300m ↓300m (standard option) or 5km, 1-2h ↑200m ↓200m (shorter option) or 12km, 4-5h ↑450m ↓450m (Dentelles ridge option)

Day 5: Gigondas – Séguret – Vaison la Romaine | 10km

Today is the last walking day of the trip, with a lovely walk to Séguret, considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. The walk follows a trail underneath the rugged peaks and above the Rhône Valley, on paths and farming tracks through the vines and olive orchards. You pass above the village of Sablet before reaching the medieval wooden entrance gates of Séguret, its houses set in superposed rows and all clinging to the rock. You’ll find a tea house with delicious cakes along the cobbled streets in a setting overlooking the Rhône Valley: the perfect reward after a day’s walk. At the end of the walk, transfer in the afternoon to Vaison la Romaine, France’s largest Roman archaeological site. Dinner on your own, and overnight in Vaison la Romaine.

• Accommodation: Eveche B&B or similar
• Walking for the day: 10km, 3-4h, ↑300m ↓380m

Day 6: Departure

End of the trip after breakfast. Before leaving, take some time wandering through the expansive Roman ruins before crossing the 2000-year-old bridge and up to the Medieval village. Perched dizzyingly on the rock above the Ouvèze River, the cobbled streets between Vaison’s medieval houses lead up to the ruins of the 12th-century feudal castle, from where the view extends to the entire town and the countryside. Don’t miss the fabulous Tuesday morning market!

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• Arrival: Train journey by TGV from Paris to Avignon is 3h, while a local train from the nearest international airport of Marseilles takes 2h to reach Avignon. Train schedules in France can be checked here: Train travel around France and Europe by OUI.sncf
• Avignon is 5.5h by rail from London St Pancras (see details).
• Departure: By bus from Vaison to Avignon (1h) and then train to Marseille airport or Paris. By bus from Vaison to Orange (1h) and then high-speed train to Paris. Or by bus from Vaison to Carpentras (50min) then train. Bus schedule can be checked here: Lieutaud Lignes Régulières et Scolaires.