| Day 1 : Chateauneuf du Pape
Arrive in Chateauneuf du Pape. 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. The growing area is small, confined to only 3200 hectares, but constantly producing world renowned and prized vintages. Dinner and night in Chateauneuf du Pape.
Day 2 : Famed vineyards
Chateauneuf du Pape > Chateauneuf du Pape
2 hours and 45min., 7km, +100m /-100m
Leaving the village the homes and shops quickly give way to vineyards. With such a prized terroir every square meter is planted with vines, thick and low to the ground, seemingly gnarled hands reaching up from underneath the earth, proudly displaying bunches of Grenache and Syrah. You stroll on farming tracks in between the parcels of vines, which lead from one estate to the next. The itinerary takes you to three wines estates, 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. Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch with a fresh baguette, some charcuterie, cheese, and a bottle of Chateauneuf… Night in Chateauneuf du Pape.
Day 3 : Through the Papal Vineyards
Chateauneuf du Pape > Chateauneuf du Pape
3 hours and 15min. or 4 hours and 15min., 14 km, +150m/-150m or +100m/-100m
Another day walking 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. For a half-day, our local wine expert 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. A private taxi transfer takes you to the town of Gigondas, to a hotel high above the Rhône Valley and hidden in the vines. Enjoy a gourmet meal amongst the vines, accompanied by a bottle of red from the local estate. Dinner and night in Gigondas.
Day 4 : Gigondas and the Dentelles de Montmirail
Gigondas > Gigondas
2 hours, 5 km, +200m/-200m or
3 hours and 30min., 11km, +300m/-300m or
4 hours, 12km, -450/+450m
Today’s walk is through the vines of Gigondas, 2nd of the cru wines of the southern Rhône. The town of Gigondas sits high above the Rhône, overlooking a sea of vines. The old stone houses with their clay tiled roofs are separated by narrow cobbled streets. Take the time to explore the village before heading into the vines: the walk takes you to the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, a set of chiseled limestone cliffs that soar almost improbably in the sky. The steep hills have been carved into terraces, planted with rows of seemingly inaccessible vineyards. Views of the Rhône Valley and of Provence’s highest mountain, Mont Ventoux, paint the backdrop. There are plenty of wine tasting opportunities in the village before returning to your hotel for a gourmet meal and night.
Day 5 : One of the most Beautiful Villages
Gigondas > Séguret
3 hours, 30 mins., 10 km, +300m/-380m
Today is the last day of the tour, and you can choose to either be transferred from Gigondas to Avignon in the morning, or complete a lovely walk to the town of Séguret, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The walk follows underneath the cragged 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 homes set in superposed rows and all clinging to the rock. Along the cobbled streets you’ll find a tea house with succulent cakes, in a setting overlooking the Rhône Valley: the perfect reward after a day’s walk. Transfer to Avignon and end of trip.
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