2
introductory to moderate
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 3 to 4* hotels and guesthouses
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1430GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: JVT

Chateauneuf du Pape Hiking Trip highlights

  • Wander through the famous vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape
  • Stay in medieval French villages perched high over the Rhone valley
  • Enjoy the views of majestic Mont Ventoux
  • Taste world-renowned Provencal wine at its origin
  • Orchards, limestone peaks, sage and thyme
  • Papal Palaces and 14th century castles
  • Indulge in classic French cuisine; baguettes, goats cheese & local wine
  • Upgraded accommodation included
  • Option to add wine tasting tours

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.

Countries:

France

Starting Point:

Avignon

Finishing Point:

Vaison la Romaine

Itinerary

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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

Morning 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. 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/descent 100m. 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

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.

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B

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: Chambre d'Hotes guesthouse in a characterful traditional building that combines modern comfort with original features. The guesthouse has an outdoor pool and each room has wifi and AC with private bathroom.

Meals:  B

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 and outdoor pool. Rooms are minimal yet warm and relaxing and private bathrooms.

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B

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.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights in 3 and 4* hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage transfer
  • Taxi transfers days 2 & 4
  • Information pack including route notes, maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • GPX files

  • Lunches, dinners & beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • Excess Luggage

Accommodation

Stylish and Comfortable Hotels

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.

Trail Surface

Natural terrain with some uneven surfaces

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.

Suitability

introductory to moderate

2

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.

Departure dates

Daily from 01 Mar to 15 Nov

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
Note:
Mid Season is from 12 Apr to 19 Jun and 19 Aug to 15 Nov. High season is from 20 Jun to 18 Aug. A supplement applies for mid and high season departures.
DN2
If you would to include any wine tasting tours or gourmet experiences, please ask your travel consultant for details.

Priceper person from

£1430GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£520
  • Single Supplement - Mid SeasonGBP£580
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£690
  • Single Supplement - High SeasonGBP£760
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - Mid SeasonGBP£840
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonGBP£940
*Prices listed are per person

Chateauneuf du Pape Hiking Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.