Côtes du Rhône

Introduction
Provence France
In the heart of the Côtes du Rhône region, this self guided hiking tour is ideal for wine lovers and people who enjoy hiking through beautiful landscapes.

Discover the trails along the famous Dentelles de Montmirail. Magnificent views of the whole region await with the impressive Mont Ventoux, surrounded by prestigious vineyards of the Rhone Valley. You walk through the hills, between pines and cypresses, orchards and olive trees, small villages and chapels in the warm colors of the South of France. Along the way, make sure you taste a good Côtes du Rhône wine.

HIGHLIGHTS
• The landscapes of the Grands Crus of the Côtes du Rhône in the wild foothills of Mont Ventoux
• Wine tasting opportunities & wine estate tours along the way
• Beautiful wine villages including Séguret, Gigondas & Vaison la Romaine

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. 

Your package includes standard accommodation (with all basic comfort and services) but it is possible to upgrade to more comfortable accommodations for an extra fee.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Evêché in Vaison la Romaine
Night 2: Le Pradet in Vacqueyras
Night 3: Les Geraniums in Le Barroux
Night 4 & 5: Hotel Blueberry in Malaucène

L'Evêché in Vaison la Romaine
This B&B is housed in a beautiful restored house dating back to the 17th century. It offers 5 cozy bedrooms featuring ancient furniture and paintings that contribute to their charming atmosphere. The rooms all have their own bathroom and free Wi-Fi access.

Le Pradet in Vacqueyras
Recently renovated, this 3-star hotel has 32 guestrooms, all equipped with a phone, TV, Wi-Fi, temperature control and ensuite bathroom.
In the evening, guests can relax by the pool or in the small garden.

Les Gernaiums in Le Barroux
Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, Les Geraniums is set in a charming stone building. The guestrooms have free Wi-Fi access, private facilities and some rooms have a TV.

Hotel Blueberry in Malaucène
This small family hotel has 19 air conditioned bedrooms. The rooms all feature a bathroom, a flat screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.


Meals
All breakfasts are included in your package.

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Trip Difficulty: Moderate
From 4h to 5h of walking per day, on marked trails and forest paths with possible options, altitude difference up to +650m/-550m, Accessible to anyone walking regularly in the year

Itinerary

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Make your own way to Vaison la Romaine and wander through this lovely city. Make sure you visit the Gallo-Roman ruins, the largest archaeological site in France.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Vaison la Romaine

Day 2: Séguret to Vacqueyras
Short transfer from Vaison to Séguret. From Séguret, hike to Gigondas, a picturesque village rising in the middle of the famous wine estates of the same name, with its church of the eleventh century. Then hike on the foothills of the Dentelles Sarrazines.
Hiking about 4h30, +450m / -450m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Vacqueyras

Day 3: Vacqueyras to Le Barroux
Hiking on the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail with the villages and vineyards of Beaumes-de-Venise, orchards and olive trees all around you. The perched village of Le Barroux and its quiet streets are dominated by a castle of the twelfth century.
Hiking about 4h40, +450m / -200m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Le Barroux

Day 4: Le Barroux to Malaucene
The trail follows the southern foothills of Mont Ventoux. You hike through pine and cedar forests that contrast with the bare summit of the peak culminating at 1912 meters above sea level.
Hiking about 4h00, +650m / -450m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Malaucene

Day 5: Chapels & foothills of Mont Ventoux 
Today you pass on the northern foothills and hamlets of Mont Ventoux. On the path of the Chapel, you come across a series of places of pilgrimage, dating for the oldest of the twelfth century.
Hiking about 4h45, +550m / -550m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Malaucene

Day 6: Malaucene to Vaison-la-Romaine
On the way to Vaison-la-Romaine, discover Crestet, another picturesque village. End of your trip in Vaison-la-Romaine.  
Hiking about 4h15, +450m / -550m
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Côtes du Rhône

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Vaison la Romaine
Airport: Marseille
Transfer:

Climate:
                                    Vaison la Romaine area