Walk along the Wine trails of Provence - Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Highlights

With its height of 1912 meters, Mont Ventoux is Provence’s highest peak, also called "the Giant of Provence". It is a remarkable natural site classified as a "Biosphere Reserve" by UNESCO. Its largely preserved nature, allows you to discover an exceptional flora and fauna which refuge certain plant species that are the witnesses of the last Ice Age. Mont Ventoux is a must-see in Provence.

You will start your trip in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, by discovering its wonderful vineyards and wineries, tasting the delicious local and regional wine. During this self-guided walking tour, you will then continue to the villages of Séguret, Gigondas, Le Barroux, all the way to Malaucene. You will step into the Dentelles de Montmirail, a delight for hiking and climbing enthusiasts in the heart of landscapes composed of forests, different geological formations and vineyards; where aromatic plants, holm oaks and Aleppo pines flourish.\nYour last stop is Vaison-la-Romaine’s famous archaeological Roman site.

Optional : You can join a half-day wine tour in Provence guided by a local wine expert.

To see

- Walking through the famed vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape
- The famous wine-making villages of Gigondas and Vacqueyras
- Optional : A half day winetour with a wine expert
- The perched villages of Seguret, Gigondas, Le Barroux
- The majestic "Dentelles de Montmirail" mountains
- The circumnavigation of Provence's highest mountain, Mont Ventoux
- Authentic villages far from the tourist destinations of Provence
the medieval roman town of Vaison la Romaine

Gastronomy

If you are a foodista, Provence is the place for you! It is bursting with local specialties. Among them, you might want to try:
- Soupe au Pistou - a thick vegetables soup with beans flavored with garlic and basilica.
- Daube de boeuf a la Provencale - beef stew with tomatoes and olives, cooked for 4 to 6 hours!
- Tapenade – a paste made of olives, lemon, capers, anchovies and olive oil
- and of course, the famous Herbs de Provence (a mix of wild rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil and savory)

Wine

With over 2,500 years of experience, Provence knows a thing or two about wine! The appellations in Provence, more specifically the regions of Cotes de Provence and Bandol, are well known for their rose wines. But wine critics rant about Provence's spicy, full-flavored red wines as well. Rose or red, while cycling around Provence make sure you take some time to do a wine tasting session.
Aside from the wine, the most popular drink in Provence is the Pastis: a local aperitif made from aniseed. Don’t be afraid to order in Provencal slang for a Pastagas!