8 Days & 7 Nights

Provence: Walking and Wine

Walks through the world-famous vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape
Unforgettable and classic views of Mont Ventoux
Spectacular scenery in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail
Picnic lunches amidst stunning vineyards feasting on fresh baguettes and local cheese
Sharing a bottle of enticing rich and fruity Côtes du Rhône in a hill-top village restaurant

Walk through Provence's famous wine-growing region, starting in Avignon, a World UNESCO Heritage city and ending in the medieval town of Vaison La Romaine, exploring both famous vineyards and quaint villages on the way. Chateauneuf du Pape, one of the highlights of the tour, is one of France’s most prestigious wine villages, with a viticultural history spanning 850 years. Introduced to this region by the Popes in the 14th century during their residence in Avignon, the grapes have thrived. Immerse yourself in the vineyards, unveiling the secrets of these ancient vines. Head into the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail in the Vaucluse, taking in views of Mont Ventoux and passing through splendid medieval hilltop villages, such as Seguret and Gigondas. End your days with a leisurely French meal, savouring regional specialities such as ratatouille, soupe au pistou, and tapenade—all of which, naturally, must be accompanied by a glass of exquisite local wine!

From $1,595.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Avignon.

Arrive in Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage city. It is a beautiful medieval town, where you can meander though history as you walk its cobbled streets. If you have time, why not visit the famous Pope’s Palace and St Benezet bridge.

Overnight Avignon

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Boquier | 2 Star

Day 2 Transfer to Chateauneuf du Pape; circular vineyard walk. 4 miles / 7 km

A short transfer (30 min) takes you to the famous wine village of Chateauneuf du Pape (“the Pope's new castle”). It was chosen as the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon. It was a Pope who brought the vines here in the 14th century, making wines that have been famous for centuries. The growing area is small compared to many of the world’s famous vineyards but the wine produced here is constantly prized.

This morning’s walk is a circular route through the fabulous local vineyards. This splendid loop walk stays within the heart of the Chateauneuf appellation, strolling on farming tracks in between the parcels of vines of the Vaudieu & Nalys & Solitude wineries, which lead from one estate to the next. The itinerary takes you to 3 widely-known wine estates - Vaudieu, Nalys, and Solitude - 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.

Find a local restaurant for dinner in Chateauneuf du Pape. Geography, geology and climate combine to create an exemplary terrain in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and wherever the eye roams you’ll see thick, low vines and, in summer, bunches and bunches of delicious Grenache and Syrah grapes.

Ascent: 65m Descent: 53m

Overnight Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

A-Lovely-Planet-Chateauneuf-du-Pape-Wine-BB-1

Wine B&B | Bed and breakfast

A small B&B in the historic centre of Chateauneuf du Pape village. Your host Danièle is a professional sommelier and worldwide wine lecturer, who will share her passion for wine with you from her traditional B&B. If you choose to you can take a vineyard tour, or tastings recommended by your knowledgeable host.

Day 3 Through the Papal Vineyards. Optional Wine Tour 7 miles / 11 km

This morning walk through the famous vines once more, 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 which help to produce powerful and spicy reds.

After this short walk you will have the option (not included) to participate in a half day wine tour of the Southern Rhônes premium wine villages. 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 at a local wine estate (depending on the wine expert you visit 1 or 2 wine estates). The tasting characteristics, ageing potential and varying influences of the terroir and cellar methods will all be described.

Later this afternoon a transfer to the village of Seguret is included.

Ascent: 155m Descent: 155m

Overnight Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Wine B&B | Bed and breakfast

La Mère Germaine

Famous for its Michelin star restaurant, where French movie stars such as Jean Gabin used to meet, the hotel La Mere Germaine offers comfortable rooms in the heart of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Day 4 Transfer to Sèguret; walk to Vacqueyras, via Gigondas 11 miles / 16 km

A short transfer takes you to Séguret, which is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful villages in France (Les Plus Beaux Villages de France). Wander cobbled streets and amongst 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 through vineyards and olive orchards. At Gigondas, you’ll discover a village that seems to rise straight out of the vineyards and here it is well-worth visiting the 11th century church. Walking towards Vacqueyras, you reach the foothills of the jagged mountain chain of Dentelles de Montmirail.

Ascent: 429m Descent: 561m

Overnight Vacqueyras

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Terre de Bacchus B&B | Bed and breakfast

Ideally situated at the top of the village, welcoming B&B with outdoor pool and garden, which has been entirely restored and decorated by the happy owners. Relax in the garden, by the pool and listen to the cicades, play a tame of pétanque in the shade of the pine trees, exercise in the fitness room or unwind in the sauna.

Hôtel Le Pradet | Hotel

The Hotel Le Pradet welcomes you to a bright and spacious space in a peaceful setting offering some rooms a view of the swimming pool, the garden, and the Dentelles de Montmirail.

Day 5 Walk Vacqueyras to Le Barroux 9 miles / 14 km

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 look similar to lace work. Descend to Beaumes de Venise, where you can indulge in a glass of Muscat. The route then takes you to the hilltop village of Le Barroux, which is home to an impressive 12th century castle. Before checking into your accommdoation wander through a maze of quiet streets and take in such highlights as the Church of Saint-Jean Baptiste.

Ascent: 477m Descent: 285m

Overnight Le Barroux

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Les Geranium | 3 Star

Mr Huw welcomes you in his hotel-restaurant, set in Le Barroux, a magnificent medieval village situated on a rocky outcrop, dominated by its 12th century castle. On the wine route, with the Mont-Ventoux on one side and the Dentelles de Montmirail, on the other side, all the charm of this place lies in its surroundings. In the middle of olive trees, vineyards and fruit trees admire the panoramic views over the whole Comtat plain.

Day 6 Walk Le Barroux to Malaucène 8 miles / 12 km

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. Its huge silhouette is a backdrop for your hike, its barren white peak glistening in the sun. Through shaded paths of pine and cedar 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 the fortified village of Malaucene which takes shape around its ancient hilltop fort. The old town reveals an amazing tree-lined avenue.

Ascent: 573m Descent: 568m

Overnight Malaucene

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Le Pont de l'Orme B&B | Bed and breakfast

An idyllically located guesthouse at the end of an alley lined with century-old trees. In a restored bastide with a small restaurant and only ten minutes from the village centre, it offers a warm and comfortable stay. All the rooms are lovingly decorated in typically Provençal style. Relax in the garden, by the pool, the sunny terrace or in the lounge. In the evening let you surprise by the chefs creative dishes with fresh seasonal products.

Day 7 Walk Malaucène to Vaison la Romaine 10 miles / 16 km

From Malaucène, you walk northward on thyme and rosemary drenched hills to the perched, authentic village of Le Crestet. Visit tucked away villages that are many miles from the usual tourist trail. At Le Crestet find ancient alleys, arches and cul-de-sacs to explore, revealing beautiful historic buildings and fountains. Reaching Vaison-la-Romaine, you can enjoy your final afternoon strolling through this extraordinary place, Vaison’s Gallo Roman remains, which is the largest archaeological site in France.

Ascent: 400m Descent: 280m

Overnight Vaison la Romaine

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

L'Eveche B&B | Bed and breakfast

Located in the medieval city of Vaison-la-Romaine, Maison d’Hôtes de l’Evêché was formerly the old Bishops Palace. You will be welcomed into this cosy and refined place, full of authenticity: the old stone work, antique furniture and paintings, a real haven of peace! Enjoy 2 private air-conditioned lounges, the library and the flowered terraces where breakfast is served in the summer.

Day 8 Onward travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 6kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 6kg is equivalent to 4.5 ham and cheese sandwiches from the store. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

If famous vineyards, wine-tasting, stunning mountain views and a treasure trove of fascinating off-the-beaten-trail hilltop villages appeal to you, then you need to book this tour! An optional half-day guided tour with a wine expert is also available, plus plenty of amazing walks and lots to see in Chateauneuf du Pape and Haut Vaucluse region.

Tour Type:

Slower Adventures | Where walking and cycling meet easy-going exploring, our Slower Adventures are the perfect combination. Most days are filled with picturesque journeys with some free time to dive into the destination and experience the people, local food and culture as you go.

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 18 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Wine

Accessible by Rail

Activity Level & Terrain

This walking tour is graded easy to moderate. On the first few days of the tour there is very little elevation gain and loss as you will be walking through vineyards. After this the walking does get a little more challenging, but you will have time to get used to the walking and the terrain. As is the norm in Provence the walks can be tough underfoot in places with rocks and routes to negotiate. You will need to be sure-footed. There are also some prolonged climbs and steep hills.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

24/7 Emergency telephone support
7 Nights accommodation in very comfortable hotels and B&B's
7 Breakfasts
Transfers on Days 2 & 4
Luggage transfers
Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app

Excluded

Lunches and dinners
Snacks and drinks
Optional Wine Tour
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
Any items not specifically mentioned in the programme

Extras

Optional Wine Tour
Additional nights

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and descents / ascents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necesssary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking/ cycling gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Equipment

Our pre-departure information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take with you to France. This includes warm and cold weather gear, hiking boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.

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Provence: Walking and Wine

Provence: Walking and Wine

Gallery

Itinerary

Other Information

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Meals

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Why Macs

The Biggest Choice

Founded in 2003

23,000+ Customer Reviews

B Corp Certified