Provence Ventoux

Introduction
Provence France
Embark on a walking holiday through Provence’s famous wine growing region, starting in Avignon, a World Unesco Heritage site and finishing in the medieval town of Vaison la Romaine.

Chateauneuf du Pape is southern France’s most prestigious wine village: grapes have been grown here for over 850 years. The Popes brought the vines to this area in the 14th century and thanks to the amazing growing conditions many world renown and prized vintages have been produced here. The best way to discover these vineyards is by foot, strolling between the vines from one estate to the next. You’ll have lots of wine-tasting opportunities.

You will also pass through Séguret and Gigondas, two medieval villages perched high over the Rhône valley, framed by never-ending seas of reputed vineyards. From Gigondas you approach the Dentelles de Montmirail, a set of jagged limestone teeth that soar high and defiantly over the Rhône Valley. You then walk towards the foot of Mont Ventoux – through orchards and vineyards, with extraordinary panoramas and a large diversity of landscapes. At 1912m in altitude, Mont Ventoux is Provence’s highest peak. Its remarkable silhouette paint the backdrop of this scenic exploration of Provence.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Wander through the famed vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape
• Take in views of Mont Ventoux, the Giant of Provence
• Walk in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail
• Indulge in classic French cuisine; baguettes, goats cheese, ratatouille and Côtes du Rhône wines

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way. 

Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: The Wine B&B in Chateauneuf du Pape
Night 3: Domaine de Cabasse in Séguret
Night 4: Le Pradet in Vacqueyras
Night 5: Les Gernaiums in Le Barroux
Night 6: Domaine des Tilleuls in Malaucène
Night 7: L'Evêché in Vaison la Romaine

The Wine B&B in Chateauneuf du Pape
Located right in the heart of the village, this quiet vinegrowers’ house offers 4 comfortable guestrooms, all featuring air conditioning.
Your host will share with you the art of provencal lifestyle, her passion of cuisine and secrets of French wines and cheese.

Domaine de Cabasse in Séguret

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Some of the walks are longer and you will have some steep sections of trail, notably around Mont Ventoux. However, none of the walks are technically difficult. There is no scrambling, and there are no dangerous sections either.
If you are used to exercise for several hours at a time, and have walking experience on trails, you shouldn’t have a problem with this itinerary.

Walking Poles
We recommend using walking poles for this tour. Poles are helpful to increase power going uphill, but especially to relieve your knees going down hills. Walking poles takes some time to get used to: we recommend that you walk with them before coming to Provence.

Weather Advice
Make sure to get an early start if the weather is warm.
On Mont Ventoux snow can appear in April, May & October so check out the weather forecast for Mont Serein station

Itinerary



Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

NOTE: Most wineries are closed on Sunday. If your trip starts with the first walk (Day 2) on Sunday we recommend you to do the Mont Redon walk on Sunday and the Vaudieu, Nalys & Solitude loop on Monday.

Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to Avignon and make sure to arrive at Avignon train station before 4:30 pm, so that you are able to catch the transfer for Chateauneuf du Pape.
Avignon is a beautiful medieval town with lots of cobbled streets and full of history. Some of its main attractions include the famous Pope’s Palace and St Benezet bridge.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Chateauneuf du Pape

Day 2: Vaudieu, Nalys & Solitude Wine Estates
Today, you explore Chateauneuf du Pape and its famous vineyards. This village was chosen as the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon, complete with a castle built atop the hill. Today, only a set of ruins remain, from which the views extend far into the horizon. You will go on a splendid loop walk, always staying within the heart of the Chateauneuf appellation, strolling on farming tracks in between the parcels of vines, leading from one estate to the next. The itinerary takes you to 3 renown wine estates: Vaudieu, Nalys, and Solitude - all happy to share their savoir faire with you during a wine-tasting. 
In the afternoon, you have some free time in the lovely Chateauneuf du Pape village. Wander from one wine shop to the next all the way to the castle OR enjoy a half day wine tour (extra cost applies for the wine tour). 
Distance 7 km / Elevation + 100m / - 100m / Walking time about 2h45
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Chateauneuf du Pape

Day 3: Mont Redon
You start the day with a walk through the vines, alongside tracks packed with the red rocks that were deposited here 15 000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age. These rocks absorb the heat during the day and re-emit it at night, keeping a constant warmth in the vineyards, and helping produce powerful and spicy reds.
We recommend taking the full loop option that passes by the famous estate of Château Mont Redon.
After lunch, enjoy some free time in the lovely Chateauneuf du Pape village. Wander from one wine shop to the next all the way to the castle OR enjoy a half day wine tour (extra cost applies for the wine tour). 
At the end of the afternoon, transfer to Séguret, where you will overnight.
Distance 11 km / Elevation + 150m / - 150m / Walking time about 4h15 (with shortcut 3h15min, 8,5km +100m / -100m)
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Séguret

Day 4: Séguret to Vacqueyras
From Séguret, you walk along quiet farm tracks above the Rhône Valley to Gigondas, famous for its sublime red wines. From Gigondas you climb to get a closer view of the spectacular Dentelles de Montmirail, a veritable playground for walking and hiking, before descending to Vacqueyras, also reputed for its wine.
Distance 17 km / Elevation + 350m / - 450m / Walking time about 5h30
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vacqueyras

Day 5: Vacqueyras to Le Barroux
You make your way through untamed slopes, and reach the ruins of a church, set beside ancient cave dwellings. From there, you descend to Beaumes de Venise, where you can indulge in a glass of Muscat. Then it’s onward to Le Barroux, a hilltop village crowned by its 12th century castle and quiet streets.
Distance 15 km / Elevation + 420m / - 250m / Walking time about 5h30
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight in Le Barroux

Day 6: Le Barroux to Malaucène
Today you make your approach towards Mont Ventoux, its giant silhouette as 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 past generations climbed during periods of draught to pray for rain. Then, descend the pilgrimage path to Malaucène.
If you are up to it you can add another loop from Malaucène. This walk takes you into the heart of Mont Ventoux, through its densely forested northern slopes, far from the beaten paths. Along a forestry road, your views extend far into the Barronies mountains to the north, before you reach a most improbable chapel on a plateau (great picnic spot). A steep descent leads you down to the small hamlets in the plains, and you are led back to Malaucène via quiet country roads, laden with truffle-oak plantations and orchards of all kinds.
Distance 13 km / Elevation + 500m / - 500m / Walking time about 4h30 // with optional loop Distance 17 km / Elevation + 400m / -400m / Duration 5h
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Malaucène

Day 7: Malaucène to Vaison la Romaine
From Malaucène, you walk northward on thyme and rosemary drenched hills to the authentic village of Le Crestet. You then continue to the Gallo-Roman village of Vaison la Romaine, taking time to visit the largest archaeological site in France along the way.
Distance 18 km / Elevation + 400m / - 280m / Walking time about 6h
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vaison la Romaine

Day 8: Departure
If you are in Vaison on a Tuesday, do not miss the great morning market taking place throughout the year.
Take time to stroll the medieval village of Vaison and its Roman ruins before finishing your walking holiday.


Optional half-day wine tour with a local wine expert on Day 2 or 3
During a 3-hour tour, our wine specialist will unveil all the secrets of these vines, leading you through a wine-tasting session. You'll learn the concepts of terroir and appellation while perfecting your wine tasting technique.


IMPORTANT NOTE 
From July 1st until September 15th, access to forest paths may be forbidden or partially restricted (access until 11:00am) if the risk of forest fire is high in the Dentelles & Ventoux area. At 6:00pm the local prefecture creates an automated telephone message for the following day's access. Information is also available on the internet. You are responsible for getting this information.
Tel : +33 (0)4 88 17 80 00 - http://massifs.dpfm.fr/maps/84/
Any extra cost for extra transfers due to those restrictions will be at your own charge.

Rates and Dates for Provence Ventoux

Dates Note: Trips can start any day during the season

Other Info
Meeting: Chateauneuf du Pape
Airport: Marseille
Transfer:

Climate:
                                    Chateauneuf du Pape area