Walking & Wine in Provence

Your accommodation for the first two nights is at the Chateauneuf Wine B&B. Located in the famous vineyard of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, right in the heart of the village, this quiet vine grower’s house is a real find. The owner, Danièle, is a professional sommelier and wine lecturer and will share her secrets of French cuisine and wines.

There is a market in Chateauneuf du Pape on Friday mornings.

Overnight: Chateauneuf Wine B&B

Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 150 m | Descent: 150 m | 4 hrs 15 mins approx.

With shortcut: 3hrs 15 mins approx | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 100 m

Today’s walk takes you through the heart of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine country: a never-ending sea of vineyards on rolling hills.  We recommend the full loop, as this includes a section along a ridge that offers breathtaking views of the appellation and far-reaching panoramas.  The full loop also passes by Château Mont Redon, where you can do some wine-tasting at the famous estate and pick up a bottle for your picnic…

Overnight: Chateauneuf Wine B&B

Distance: 7 km | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 100 m | 2 hrs 45 mins approx.

This morning’s walk is a circular route through the fabulous local vineyards, alongside tracks packed with 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.

After this short walk you will have the option to participate in a half day wine tour of the Southern Rhônes premium wine villages (not included, cost €99 pp. Please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to participate in this tour). A local wine expert will reveal a wealth of secrets about the vines and explain the key elements of the wine-making process as you visit the cellars and taste four to five wines per estate. The tasting characteristics, ageing potential and varying influences of the terroir and cellar methods will all be described.

Overnight: Domaine de Cabasse, Séguret

A family run wine estate & hotel situated right in the heart of the Cotes du Rhône wine region and at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail. You will have the opportunity to visit their wine cave and enjoy a free wine tasting of their own wines!

Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m

Séguret is widely acclaimed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Wander cobbled streets and wonder at the houses that seem to cling to the rock face. A picturesque route through Haut Vaucluse takes you beneath cragged peaks and above the Rhône Valley, on paths and farm tracks passing through vineyards and olive orchards. At Gigondas, you’ll discover a village that seems to rise straight out of the vineyards. The 11^th century church here is worth visiting. Walking towards Vacqueyras, you reach the foothills of the jagged mountain chain of Dentelles de Montmirail.

Overnight: Hotel le Pradet, Vacqueyras.

Located in a small picturesque village with vineyards and hills, Le Pradet is a charming accommodation with a swimming pool, garden and a view of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Distance: 15 km | Ascent: 420 m | Descent: 250 m | 5½ hrs approx.

The walk today offers an up-close exploration of the Dentelles de Montmirail foothills. The mountain range name means “lace”, probably because the magnificent and intricate limestone peaks are reminiscent of delicate lace work. The route takes you to the hilltop village of Le Barroux, which is home to an impressive 12^th century castle. Wander a maze of quiet streets and take in such highlights as the church of Saint-Jean Baptiste.

Overnight:  Hotel Les Geraniums, Le Barroux

Set in a charming stone building, Les Geraniums offers a cosy and welcoming stay in the medieval village of Le Barroux. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, it features a traditional restaurant which serves regional cuisine and offers panoramic views of the Provence countryside from its outdoor terrace.

Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 500 m | 4½ hrs approx.

Staying in the scenic Dentelles foothills, today’s walk takes you closer to the mighty Mont Ventoux. Its peak of 1,912m puts it head and shoulders above others in the Luberon mountain range. Walking the lower slopes, through pine and cedar forests, offers an impressive contrast with the “géant de Provence” and its bare limestone peak. The fortified village of Malaucène takes shape around an ancient hilltop fort, its old town revealing an amazing tree-lined avenue.

Overnight: Hôtel Ventoux Provence, Malaucène

A small, family-run hotel at the foot of Mont Ventoux and right in the centre of the village, with a large garden and private outdoor pool. There is a market in Malaucène on Wednesday mornings.

Distance: 18 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 280 m | 6 hrs approx.

Another day of walking and discovering takes you from Malaucène towards Vaison la Romaine. You’ll visit tucked away villages that are many miles from the usual tourist trail. At Le Crestet, you’ll find a wonder world of ancient alleys, arches and cul-de-sacs, revealing beautiful historic buildings and fountains. Reaching Vaison-la-Romaine, you can enjoy your final afternoon strolling through an extraordinary place; Vaison’s Gallo Roman remains which all together represent the largest archaeological site in France.

Overnight: l’Évêché, Vaison-la-Romaine

A charming B&B which offers a hearty breakfast including home-made jams and seasonal fruit served on the peaceful terrace under the shade of lime trees. There is a large market in Vaison-la-Romaine every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. You can take a bus (or we can arrange a taxi) to Orange, where you can catch a train for onward travel.