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This walking holiday explores Chateauneuf du Pape, a premium wine growing region in Provence. The Popes introduced vines to this area in the 14th century, and thanks to exceptional growing conditions, many world-famous vintages have emerged. Start in the historic city of Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, explore the vineyards on foot, wandering between the estates, most of which have been run by the same families for generations. Enjoy wine-tasting opportunities along the way. Hike through Séguret and Gigondas, medieval villages perched high above the Rhône Valley, surrounded by endless rows of vineyards. Approach the Dentelles de Montmirail, a stunning range of jagged limestone peaks that rise dramatically over the valley, creating a spectacular vista. Walk towards Mont Ventoux, a famous Tour de France cycling ascent, traversing orchards and vineyards while soaking up the views. Standing at 1912m (6972ft), Mont Ventoux is the highest peak in Provence, its iconic silhouette providing a striking backdrop. Conclude your trip in the charming medieval town of Vaison-la-Romaine with a glass of your favourite vintage and a gourmet meal.
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11kg of CO2-e PP per day
(79kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in Avignon
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!
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Circular vineyard walk from Chateauneuf du Pape 7km/4 miles, 2h 45m
Afternoon 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. You can choose instead to do the walk in the morning and 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 / 328ft Descent: 100m / 328ft 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.
Meals: B
Day 3
Circular walk via Chateau Mont Redon 11km/7 miles, 4h 15m
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.
Day 4
Transfer to Seguret and walk to Vacqueyras 17km/11 miles, 5h 30m
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.
Day 5
Vacqueyras to the perched village of Le Barroux 15km/9 miles, 5h 30m
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: A traditional 3-star Provençal-style hotel located in the heart of this hilltop village, featuring a regional restaurant with a panoramic terrace overlooking the countryside. Dinner is included tonight.
Meals: B,D
Day 6
Walk to Malaucene with views of Mont Ventoux 13km, 8 miles, 4h 30m
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. Rooms are minimal yet warm and relaxing and have free WiFi access, air conditioning and private bathrooms.
Day 7
Final walk to Vaison la Romaine 16km, 10 miles, 6h
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.
Day 8
Arrangements end after breakfast
Tour arrangements end after breakast. If you are in Vaison on a Tuesday and have spare time before your departure, make sure to visit the morning market. From Vaison you can take a bus to Orange, Carpentras or Avignon. From Avignon you can catch the high-speed train to continue your onward journey from Paris. Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer to Marseille Airport. Please ask your travel consultant for further details.
What's included
What's not included
We have chosen a range of stylish and comfortable 3 and 4* hotels for this tour. The accommodation standards will vary and will be authentic to the region. Many of the hotels we use for this tour have outdoor pools and are often in restored and beautiful old buildings. All rooms have private bathroom facilities although many rooms with ensuite facilities have a shower rather than a bath. Note that the descriptions of overnight stops is the usual schedule however we do occasionally need to change places when our chosen hotels are full. This is particularly the case with late bookings.
The trails in Provence tend to be a mix of natural trails, farm tracks and quiet country roads. Some of the trails will be rocky underfoot and good boots with ankle support and walking poles are highly recommended. In the event of rain, the trails can become slippery and care should be taken.
The walking on this tour is varied: Introductory - Moderate. (Grade 2). The walks range in length from 7 to 17km (4 to 11 miles) and with ascent/descent of up to 500m (1640ft). The walking on days 2 and 3 is at Introductory level in terms of distance and ascent/descent profile and the walk on day 3 can be shortened. On days 4 to 7, the grading of the walks is Moderate. The distances are longer, with mountainous terrain and greater ascent/descent. Note that some trails are quite rough and stony. A reasonable level of fitness and ability to progress on rocky paths is required. You need good boots throughout the tour: The trails are generally good, but on occasion there are steep or winding sections of loose limestone shingle. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun, including a sun hat.
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