Côtes du Rhone Wine Trails

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon 
Day 2: Châteauneuf du Pape - Château Mont Redon - Châteauneuf du Pape, 7 or 5.3 mi. (11 or 8.5 km)
Day 3: Châteauneuf du Pape - Châteaux Vaudieu, Nalys, Solitude wineries - Séguret, 4.4 mi. (7 km)
Day 4: Séguret - Gigondas - Vacqueyras, 10.6 mi. (17 km)
Day 5: Vacqueyras - Le Barroux, 9.3 mi. (15 km)
Day 6:  Le Barroux - Malaucène, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 7: Malaucène - Le Crestet - Vaison la Romaine, 11.2 mi. (18 km)
Day 8: Vaison la Romaine

Every effort is made to update the routes, however, changes can occur on the ground due to various factors such as fallen trees, adverse weather conditions, or human activity. These factors can affect path signage.

Day 1: Arrival in Avignon
Access: Regular train services operated by SNCF connect Paris and Marseille (city or airport) to Avignon.

Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a stunning medieval town filled with cobbled streets and steeped in history. Highlights include the iconic Pope’s Palace and the St. Benezet Bridge. Upon arrival, a local host will reach out to you via phone or WhatsApp to review the itinerary and answer any questions you may have about the tour, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Standard accommodation: Hotel Central 
Upgraded accommodation: Hotel Horloge

Day 2: Châteauneuf du Pape - Châteaux Vaudieu, Nalys, Solitude wineries - Séguret, 4.4 mi. (7 km) | Elevation: + 100m / - 100m

Important Note: The Vaudieu, Nalys, and Solitude wineries are closed on Sundays, as are most wine estates in the region. However, Mont Redon remains open on Sundays for tastings (please note that cellar visits are unavailable on this day). If your trip begins with the first walk on a Sunday, we recommend visiting Mont Redon that day and saving the Vaudieu, Nalys, and Solitude loop for Monday.

After breakfast, enjoy a 30-minute transfer to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where you'll explore this historic village and its famous vineyards. Known as the "New Castle of the Pope," this picturesque destination was once the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon. Its hilltop castle, now a scenic ruin, offers breathtaking views that stretch far into the horizon. In the 14th century, the popes introduced vines to the region, giving rise to the centuries-old winemaking tradition that thrives here today. Embark on a splendid loop walk through the heart of the Châteauneuf appellation, following farming tracks that meander between parcels of vines. The route connects three renowned wine estates—Vaudieu, Nalys, and Solitude—each with a rich history and a dedication to sharing their expertise through wine tastings. Sample their robust, spiced reds and whites with hints of almond, spice, and honeysuckle. In the afternoon, spend your free time in the charming village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Explore its delightful wine shops, wander through cobblestone streets, or visit the castle. Alternatively, opt for a half-day wine tour to delve deeper into the region’s winemaking heritage.

Optional Activity: Embark on a half-day wine tour (3 hrs) led by a local wine expert where they will reveal the secrets of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's renowned vineyards, guiding you through an informative and engaging experience. You’ll explore the concepts of terroir and appellation, gaining a deeper appreciation for the unique characteristics of the wines. The tour concludes with a wine-tasting session where you’ll refine your tasting skills and savor the distinctive flavors of the region.

Approx. walking time: 2 hrs. 45 min.
Standard accommodation: The Wine B&B
Upgraded accommodation: Château Fines Roches

Day 3: Châteauneuf du Pape - Château Mont Redon - Châteauneuf du Pape, 7 or 5.3 mi. (11 or 8.5 km) | Elevation: + 150m / - 150m
Take a scenic walk through the vineyards along paths lined with distinctive red rocks, a striking remnant from the end of the last ice age, 15,000 years ago. These rocks play a crucial role in the winemaking process by absorbing heat during the day and releasing it at night, creating a consistent warmth that contributes to the production of bold and spicy red wines. For the best experience, we recommend the full loop trail, which includes a visit to the renowned Château Mont-Redon estate. In the afternoon, enjoy your free time in the enchanting village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Stroll through its charming streets, exploring wine shops or making your way to the historic castle. Alternatively, consider joining a half-day wine tour for an immersive experience in the region’s winemaking traditions.

Optional Activity: Embark on a half-day wine tour (3 hrs) led by a local wine expert where they will reveal the secrets of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's renowned vineyards, guiding you through an informative and engaging experience. You’ll explore the concepts of terroir and appellation, gaining a deeper appreciation for the unique characteristics of the wines. The tour concludes with a wine-tasting session where you’ll refine your tasting skills and savor the distinctive flavors of the region.

Approx. walking time: 4 hrs. 15 min. or 3 hrs 15 min. with shortcut
Standard accommodation: The Wine B&B
Upgraded accommodation: Château Fines Roches

Day 4: Séguret - Gigondas - Vacqueyras, 10.6 mi. (17 km) | Elevation: + 350m / - 450m
From Séguret, embark on a peaceful walk along serene farm tracks that overlook the Rhône Valley, leading you to the renowned village of Gigondas, celebrated worldwide for its exquisite red wines. From there, ascend towards the stunning Dentelles de Montmirail, a dramatic landscape of jagged limestone peaks that offer a paradise for walkers and hikers. After taking in the breathtaking views, descend to the charming village of Vacqueyras, equally famed for its exceptional wines.

Approx. walking time: 5 hrs 30 min. 
Standard accommodation: Le Pradet
Upgraded accommodation: Le Montmirail

Day 5: Vacqueyras - Le Barroux, 9.3 mi. (15 km) | Elevation +/- 420
The wild slopes accompany you until you reach the ruins of a church, nestled next to age-old cave dwellings. Afterward, you'll descend towards Beaumes de Venise, where you can treat yourself to a glass of Muscat. The journey then continues to Le Barroux, a hilltop village that boasts a 12th-century castle and peaceful streets, away from the usual walking holiday routes. You'll spend the night in Le Barroux. Dinner not included.

Approx. walking time: 4 hrs. 30 min.
Standard accommodation: Les Geraniums
Upgraded accommodation: Iris le Suze

Day 6:  Le Barroux - Malaucène, 8 mi. (13 km) | Elevation: +/- 500m 
Mt. Veloux's impressive silhouette beckons as you hike closer toward the mountain. Through shaded paths of pine and cedar, the route leads to the chapel of Piaut. This chapel was once a place of pilgrimage for locals during times of drought, where they climbed to pray for rain.

After taking in the views, you'll descend the pilgrimage path toward Malaucène. Here, you'll have the option to add an additional loop to your trek. The loop covers a distance of 17 km with an elevation gain of +400m and a loss of -400m, taking approximately 5 hours to complete.

This loop will lead you deep into the heart of Mont Ventoux's densely forested northern slopes, away from the tourist crowds. Along a forestry road, 400m above the village, you'll enjoy views that stretch far into the Baronies mountains to the north. You'll also come across a picturesque chapel on a plateau that serves as a great picnic spot. The loop concludes with a steep descent down to the small hamlets in the plains, leading you back to Malaucène via quiet country roads, laden with truffle-oak plantations and orchards of all kinds.

Approx. walking time: 4 hrs. 30 min.
Standard accommodation: Le Pont de l'Orme
Upgraded accommodation: Domaine des Tilleus

Day 7: Malaucène - Le Crestet - Vaison la Romaine, 9.9 mi. (16 km) | Elevation: + 400m / -280m
From Malaucène, you'll trek northward towards the hilltop village of Le Crestet, taking in the fragrant hillsides filled with thyme and rosemary. Continuing on, you'll arrive at the Gallo-Roman village of Vaison la Romaine, where you can take time to visit the largest archaeological site in France. Night in Vaison la Romaine. Dinner not included.

Approx walking time: 6 hrs.
Standard accommodation: L’Evêché
Upgraded accommodation: Beffroi 

Day 8: Vaison la Romaine
Breakfast and the end of your tour in Vaison la Romaine. If you happen to be in Vaison on a Tuesday, make sure not to miss the great morning market that takes place year-round. Before finishing your walking holiday, take some time to explore the medieval village of Vaison and its Roman ruins. You can catch a bus to Orange TGV train station, Carpentras or Avignon. From Avignon, you can catch the high-speed train to continue your onward journey.

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You will stay at local small-size and family-run hotels and B&Bs. All of them are handpicked with a strict criterion of comfort, hospitality, and authenticity. It is possible to upgrade in Chateauneuf du Pape, Malaucène, & Vaison la Romaine. You can find the names of the preferred hotels for each day in the tour itinerary. Upon booking, any changes that need to be made due to availability will be subject to your approval before official confirmation