Provence Walsk & Wine

Introduction
Provence France
Join this walk through Provence’s famous wine growing region, from Avignon, a World Unesco Heritage site, to the medieval town of Vaison la Romaine.

Walk through Chateauneuf du Pape, southern France’s most prestigious wine village. The Popes brought the vines to this area in the 14th century and thanks to the amazing growing conditions many world renown and prized vintages have been produced here.

You will also walk across Séguret and Gigondas, two medieval villages perched high over the Rhône valley, framed by never-ending seas of reputed vineyards. 

HIGHLIGHTS
- Wander through the famed vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape
- Take in views of Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence
- Walk in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way. 

Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Wine B&B in Chateauneuf du Pape
Night 3: Le Pradet in Vacqueyras
Night 4: Geraniums in le Barroux
Night 5: Hotel Blueberry in Maulaucène
Night 6: B&B Evêché in Vaison la Romaine

The Wine B&B in Chateauneuf du Pape
Located right in the heart of the village, this quiet vinegrowers’ house offers 4 comfortable guestrooms, all featuring air conditioning.
Your host will share with you the art of provencal lifestyle, her passion of cuisine and secrets of French wines and cheese.

Le Pradet in Vacqueyras
Recently renovated, this 3-star hotel has 32 guestrooms, all equipped with a phone, TV, Wi-Fi, temperature control and ensuite bathroom.
In the evening, guests can relax by the pool or in the small garden.

Les Gernaiums in Le Barroux
Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Les Geraniums is set in a charming stone building. The guestrooms have free Wi-Fi access, private facilities and some rooms have a TV.

Hotel Blueberry in Malaucène
This small family hotel has 19 air conditioned bedrooms. The rooms all feature a bathroom, a flat screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.

L'Evêché in Vaison la Romaine
This B&B is housed in a beautiful restored house dating back to the 17th century. It offers 5 cozy bedrooms featuring ancient furniture and paintings that contribute to their charming atmosphere. The rooms all have their own bathroom and free Wi-Fi access.


Meals
All breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Moderate
You enjoy regular exercise (whether walking, cycling, aerobics, etc.). You’re in good shape, used to regular and sustained exercise. You are keen to set off on all-day walks, and can handle walking uphill (slowly) for up to 2 hours at a time. Walks are generally under 5 hours, on various types of terrain (only 1 hike lasting 6h) -- though nothing technically difficult -- with up to 600m/2000ft of climbing per day

Itinerary

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to Avignon. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is a beautiful medieval town with lots of cobbled streets and full of history with its famous Pope’s Palace and St Benezet bridge.
At 4:30 pm, transfer from Avignon to Chateauneuf du Pape.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Châteauneuf du Pape

Day 2: Chateauneuf du Pape
Today, you explore Chateauneuf du Pape and its famous vineyards. This village was chosen as the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon. The town is complete with a castle built atop its hill (today only a set of ruins remain), from which the views extend far into the horizon.
You can choose between 2 walks in Châteauneuf du Pape:
- Option 1: 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
- Option 2: A splendid loop walk on farming tracks in between the parcels of vines of the Vaudieu, Nalys & Solitude wineries. Each estate is happy to share their savoir faire with you during a wine-tasting.
Option 1: Hiking about 7 km (2h45) + 100m / - 100m
Option 2: Hiking about 11 km (4h15) + 150m / - 150m With shortcut 8,5km (3h15) +100m / -100m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Châteauneuf du Pape

Day 3: Séguret to Vacqueyras
After breakfast you are transferred to Séguret. You walk along quiet farm tracks above the Rhône Valley to Gigondas, famous for its sublime red wines. From Gigondas you climb to get a closer view of the spectacular Dentelles de Montmirail, before descending to Vacqueyras, also reputed for its wine.
Hiking about 17 km (5h30) + 350m / - 450m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vacqueyras

Day 4: Vacqueyras to Le Barroux
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 streets.
Hiking about 15 km (5h30) + 420m / - 250m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Le Barroux

Day 5: Le Barroux to Malaucène
Today you make your approach towards Mont Ventoux, its giant silhouette as a backdrop for your hike, its barren white peak glistening in the sun. Through path shaded by pine and cedar trees, 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.
If you are up to it you can add another loop from Malaucène. Your walk takes you into the heart of Mont Ventoux, through its densely forested northern slopes, far from the beaten paths. Along a forestry road 400m above the village, your views extend far into the Barronies mountains to the north, before you reach a most improbable chapel on a plateau (great picnic spot). A steep descent leads you down to the small hamlets in the plains, and you are led back to Malaucène via quiet country roads, laden with truffle-oak plantations and orchards of all kinds.
Hiking about 13 km (4h30) + 500m / - 500m + optional loop 17 km (5h) + 400m / -400m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Malaucène

Day 6: Malaucène to Vaison la Romaine
From Malaucène, you walk northward, on thyme and rosemary drenched hills, to the perched and authentic village of Le Crestet. You then continue to the Gallo-Roman village of Vaison la Romaine, taking the time to visit the largest archaeological site in France on the way.
Hiking about 18 km (6h) + 400m / - 280m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vaison la Romaine

Day 7: Departure
Transfer back to Avignon and end of tour.

Rates and Dates for Provence Walsk & Wine

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Chateauneuf du Pape
Airport: Marseille
Transfer:

Climate:
                                    Chateauneuf du Pape area