Provence Vineyard Trails

Arrive in Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Avignon is a beautiful medieval town on the banks of the Rhone River. In the 14th Century it was the seat of the Catholic Popes and remained under papal rule until becoming part of France in 1791. Recognized for beautiful architecture and historic importance, visit the gothic Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), explore the medieval streets and seek out the "broken" bridge, the famous Pont d'Avignon. The city is easily accessible from Paris by TGV train, with a journey time of around 3 hours. Accommodation: close to the Palais des Papes, stay 1 night in a 4* hotel built as a monastery in the 16th century. This historic building has comfortable rooms, views of the cloister courtyard and private garden. Guests can enjoy a unique chapel walk to their rooms—be sure to look up at the stunning dome!

Morning transfer to Chateauneuf du Pape. Literally "new castle of the Pope" this village was the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon, complete with a castle atop the hill. The Popes brought vines here in the 14th century. Enjoy an easy-going circular walk within the appellation strolling on farm tracks in between the vines of the Vaudieu, Nalys and Solitude estates. The reds produced here are deep and heavily spiced while the whites have notes of almond, spice and honeysuckle. Spend the afternoon at leisure visiting local wine shops or enjoy a half day wine tour. Ask your travel consultant for further details if you would like to arrange a tour. Please note that the Vaudieu, Nalys and Solitude wineries are closed on Sundays, should this coincide with your day here, we can arrange to swap the days in your itinerary. An introductory level walk today. Ascent 100m/descent 100m. Accommodation: stay 2 nights at a small boutique B&B with an outdoor pool and spacious rooms that come with kettle, fridge, AC and TV. Enjoy a glass of local wine in the garden and enjoy the views of the surrounding Provencal landscape.

A walk via the red clay trails of Mont Redon. Château Mont-Redon boasts 100 hectares of prime vineyards, many planted on “diluvium alpin” soil at elevations above 500 feet, benefiting from the region's Mistral winds. The famous “galets,” or round pebbles shaped by the Rhône River, cover these vineyards, with some layers exceeding 2 meters in depth, encouraging deep root growth that yields powerful, concentrated wines from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Today's walk is also at introductory level and there is the option to shorten the distance should you wish. Ascent 150m/descent 150m. In the afternoon, enjoy free time exploring Chateauneuf du Pape village or taking another optional wine tour. Ask your travel consultant for further details if you would like to arrange a tour on this day. Accommodation: a second night in Chateauneuf du Pape.

After breakfast, take a short private transfer (30 mins) to Seguret to start the hike. You can ask the driver to drop you off in Gigondas to shorten today's walk should you wish. From Seguret, follow quiet farm tracks above the Rhône Valley to Gigondas, world famous for its sublime red wines. From Gigondas climb to get a closer view of the spectacular Dentelles de Montmirail, a range of jagged limestone peaks amongst the foothills of Mont Ventoux. The range was formed by a horizontal strata of Jurassic limestone and is a veritable playground for walking and hiking. Descend to Vacqueyras, also reputed for its red Cotes du Rhone wines. Today's walk is a longer moderate distance. Ascent 35m/descent 450m. Accommodation: overnight at a charming 19th century house, now a restored 3* hotel with garden, outdoor pool and a restaurant. The stylish rooms include TV, AC, shower and toilet facilities.

Walk through the wild slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, passing by a ruined church and ancient cave dwellings. Descend to Beaumes de Venise, where you can enjoy a glass of the local Muscat wine. Continue onwards to Le Barroux, a hilltop village crowned by a 12th century castle with views to Mont Ventoux. Wander through the quiet streets and enjoy exploring this off-the-beaten-track village. A more moderate walk today. Ascent 500m/descent 500m. Accommodation: Chambre d'Hotes guesthouse in a characterful traditional building that combines modern comfort with original features. The guesthouse has an outdoor pool and each room has wifi and AC with private bathroom.

Today make the approach towards Mont Ventoux, its giant silhouette forming a backdrop for the hike. The barren white peak glistens in the sun from all angles. Mont Ventoux is possibly the most famous mountain in cycling and is a magnet for cyclists from all over the world who want to challenge themselves on the iconic slopes to pay homage to the famous riders of the Tour de France. The route passes through shaded paths of pine and cedar to the chapel of Piaut, where in generations past locals climbed during periods of drought to pray for rain. Descend on an old pilgrimage trail to Malaucene. Today's walk is introductory to moderate level. Ascent 500m/descent 500m. Accommodation: a beautiful French house B&B with a restaurant and outdoor pool. Rooms are minimal yet warm and relaxing and private bathrooms.

From Malaucene, walk northward through the garrigue landscape of thyme and rosemary drenched hills to the perched village of Le Crestet. Continue to the Gallo-Roman village of Vaison la Romaine, take time to explore the largest archaeological site in France. The town is highly unusual in that you can view 2000 years of history - ancient, medieval and modern - in a single place. Archaeological digs have revealed elaborate Roman villas with mosaic floors and marble ornamentation. In medieval times, the villagers settled close to the hilltop castle for protection from invaders. Wander the shady, cobbled streets and climb to the top of the Haute-Ville for wonderful views. A longer more moderate level walk today. Ascent 400m/descent 280m. Accommodation: a hotel in the medieval part of the town with outdoor pool and terrace. All rooms have private bathrooms, AC and some rooms have a small kitchen area.