Chateauneuf du Pape to the wine trails of Provence

Today, you explore Chateauneuf du Pape and its famous vineyards. Literally “New castle of the Pope”, this village was chosen as 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 wines that have been famous for centuries.
You walk through the vines, 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, and helping produce powerful and spicy reds. We recommend the full loop option that passes by the famous estate of Château Mont Redon.

Loop Walk :
. Short : Chateauneuf du Pape > Chateau Mont Redon | 3h15 |  10 km - 6 miles | Elevation: +100m/-100m
. Long  : 4h15 |  14 km - 9 miles | Elevation: +150m/-150m
Meals included : breakfast
Night : Chateauneuf du Pape

. Morning : A splendid loop walk within the heart of the Chateauneuf appellation, strolling along farming tracks in between the parcels of vines 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.
. Afternoon : free time in the lovely Chateauneuf du Pape village to wander from one wine shop to the next all the way to the castle, or enjoy a half day wine tour ! 
. Optional : a half-day wine tour with our local wine expert (3h) - See details in the extension section
Our wine specialist will unveil all the secrets of these vines, taking you on a tour and leading you through a wine-tasting session. You'll learn the concepts of terroir and appellation while perfecting your wine tasting technique.
. Transfer to Seguret at the end of the day 

Loop Walk : Chateauneuf du Pape > Vaudieu + Nalys +  Solitude wine estate | 2h45 |  7 km - 4 miles | Elevation: +100m/-100m
Meals included : breakfast & dinner
Night : Seguret

From Séguret, you walk along quiet farm tracks above the Rhône Valley to Gigondas, world famous for its sublime red wines. From Gigondas you climb to get a closer view of the spectacular Dentelles de Montmirail, a veritable playground for walking enthousiasts, before descending to Vacqueyras, also reputed for its wine.

Walk : Séguret > Gigondas > Vacqueyras | 5h30 to 6h |  17 km - 10 miles | Elevation: +350m / -450m
Meals included : breakfast 
Night : Vacqueyras

You continue through the untamed slopes and reach the ruins of a church set beside ancient cave dwellings. From there, you descend to Beaumes de Venise where you can indulge in a glass of Muscat. Then it’s onward to Le Barroux, a hilltop village crowned by its 12th century castle and quiet, cobbled streets.

Walk : Vacqueyras > Le Barroux  | 5h30  |  15 km - 9 miles | Elevation: +420m / -250m
Meals included : breakfast 
Night : Le Barroux

Today you make your approach towards the Mont Ventoux, its giant silhouette 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 Malaucène. Transfer at the end of your walking day from Malaucene to Vaison.

Walk : Le Barroux > Malaucène  | 4h30  |  13 km - 8 miles | Elevation: +500m / -500m
Meals included : breakfast 
Night : Vaison la Romaine

Visit the medieval village of Vaison and its Roman ruins & enjoy lunch in town. 
2pm : Transfer to Avignon or Orange train station. End of your trip

Meals included : breakfast 
 
(Big) Market: Tuesday morning in Vaison la Romaine