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
Avignon is a charming medieval town that boasts cobbled streets and a rich history, featuring landmarks such as the Pope's Palace and St. Benezet Bridge. At 4:30 pm, a taxi will transfer you from Avignon train station to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with the option to adjust the time and place to fit your arrival schedule. Check-in at your guesthouse in Châteauneuf du Pape is possible from 5 pm. The village, meaning "New castle of the Pope," was selected as the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon, and its hilltop castle ruins offer breathtaking views. The Popes introduced vines to the region in the 14th century, producing wines that have been famous for centuries. Enjoy an overnight stay in Avignon. We suggest that you arrive a day or two early to fully explore this ancient city, that offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, as well as a vibrant food and wine scene. 

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
Today, you explore Chateauneuf du Pape and its famous vineyards. Literally translated, “New castle of the Pope”, this village was chosen as the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon, complete with a castle built on a hilltop. It was the popes who brought the vines to the region in the 14th century, making the most delicions wines that have been famous for centuries. A splendid loop walk stays within the heart of the Chateauneuf appellation, strolling on farming tracks in between the parcels of vines of the three widely-known wine estates - Vaudieu, Nalys, and Solitude - all centuries-old. The reds are deep and heavily spiced, while the surprising whites have notes of almond, spice, and honeysuckle. Be sure to enjoy a wine tasting (or three!). Tonight you stay in Châteauneuf du Pape.

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
Explore the famous vineyards and alongside red rocks that were deposited here 15,000 years ago at the end of the last ice age. These rocks absorb heat during the day and emit it at night, creating a constant warmth in the vineyards that helps produce powerful and spicy red wines. We recommend the full loop option, which includes a pass by the famous Château Mont Redon estate.

The afternoon is yours to explore the charming Châteauneuf-du-Pape village at your leisure, wandering from one wine shop to the next and up to the castle, or you may choose to indulge in a half-day wine tour with a local wine expert. During the tour, you'll gain insights into the secrets of the vines and participate in a wine-tasting session, while learning about the concepts of terroir and appellation and refining your wine-tasting technique. Enjoy another night in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Dinner not included.

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

Important Note: The Vaudieu, Nalys, and Solitude wineries are closed on Sundays (like most wine estates). However, Mont Redon is open for tastings on Sundays (although cellar visits are not possible). If your trip begins with the first walk on Sunday, we recommend that you do the Mont-Redon walk on Sunday and the Vaudieu, Nalys, and Solitude tour on Monday.

Day 4: Séguret - Gigondas - Vacqueyras, 10.6 mi. (17 km) | Elevation: + 350m / - 450m
After breakfast, a 30 minute transfer will take you to Séguret, the start of your hike and one of the most beautiful villages in France. You can ask the driver to drop you off in Gigondas to shorten the hike. On peaceful farm tracks above the Rhône Valley, you head towards Gigondas, which is renowned worldwide for its exquisite red wines. After reaching Gigondas, you'll climb up for a closer view of the breathtaking Dentelles de Montmirail, a perfect playground for those who love to walk and hike. On the descent, you arrive at Vacqueyras, which is also famous for its wine. You'll spend the night in Vacqueyras. Dinner not included.

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 1/2 hr
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 and small-size and family-run hotels and B&B. 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 name 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