Day 1 – Avignon > Chateauneuf du Pape
Trip starts in Avignon. Discover the beauty of one of Provence’s great cities before a short transfer o Chateauneuf du Pape. Dinner in town. Guesthouse Chateauneuf du Pape.
Dinner on your own and night in Chateauneuf du Pape
Day 2 – Chateauneuf du Pape
Loop walk from Chateauneuf du Pape
-Walking time about : Full loop 4h15 mins. 14km +150m / -150m / With shortcut: 3h15 mins. +100m/- 100m
>Chateauneuf du Pape: market on Friday morning
Today’s walk takes you through the heart of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation: a never-ending sea of vineyards on rolling hills. We recommend the full loop, as the section from to is along a ridge with breathtaking views of the appellation, and far-reaching panoramas. The full loop also passes by Château Mont Redon, where you can do some wine-tasting at the famous estate and pick up a bottle for your picnic…
Dinner on your own and night in Chateauneuf du Pape
Day 3 – Chateauneuf du Pape > Optionnel Wine tour > Séguret
-Walking time about 2h45 mins – 7km – +100m/-100m
This morning’s walk is a circular route through the fabulous local vineyards, alongside tracks packed with the red rocks that were deposited here 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age.
After this short walk you will have the option (not included) to participate in a half day wine tour of the Southern Rhônes premium wine villages. A local wine expert will reveal a wealth of secrets about the vines and explain the key elements of the wine-making process as you visit the cellars and taste four to five wines per estate. The tasting characteristics, ageing potential and varying influences of the terroir and cellar methods will all be described.
Dinner on your own and night in Séguret. Swimming pool
Day 4 – Séguret > Vacqueyras
Walking time about 7.5 miles/11 km – Ascent: 500m – Descent: 500m
Séguret is acclaimed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Wander cobbled streets and wonder at the houses that seem to cling to the rock face. A picturesque route through Haut Vaucluse takes you beneath cragged peaks and above the Rhône Valley, on paths and farm tracks through vineyards and olive orchards. At Gigondas, you’ll discover a village that seems to rise straight out of the vineyards. The 11th century church here is worth visiting. Walking towards Vacqueyras, you reach the foothills of the jagged mountain chain of Dentelles de Montmirail.
Dinner on your own and night in Vacqueyras Swimming pool
Day 5 – Vacqueyras > Le Barroux
Walking time about 5 1⁄2 hours, 15 km, +420m / -250m
> Vacqueyras: market on Thursday morning
The walk today offers an up-close exploration of the Dentelles de Montmirail foothills. The mountain range name means “lace”, probably because the magnificent and intricate limestone peaks look similar to lace work. The route takes you to the hilltop village of Le Barroux, which is home to an impressive 12th century castle. Wander a maze of quiet streets and take in such highlights as the church of Saint- Jean Baptiste.
Dinner on your own and night in Le Barroux
Day 6 – Le Barroux > Malaucene
Walking time about 4 1⁄2 hours, 13 km + 500m / -500m
Staying in the scenic Dentelles foothills, the walk takes you closer to the mighty Mont Ventoux. Its peak of 1,912m puts it head and shoulders above others in the Luberon mountain range. Walking the lower slopes, through pine and cedar forests, offers an impressive contrast with the “géant de Provence” and its bare limestone peak. The fortified village of Malaucene takes shape around an ancient hilltop fort. The old town reveals an amazing tree-lined avenue.
Dinner on your own and night in Malaucene
Day 7 – Malaucene > Vaison la romaine
Walking time about 6 hours, 18 km +400m / -280m
> Malaucene: market on Wednesday morning
Another day of walking and discovering takes you from Malaucène towards Vaison la Romaine. You’ll visit tucked away villages that are many miles from the usual tourist trail. At Le Crestet, you’ll find a wonder world of ancient alleys, arches and cul-de-sacs to explore, revealing beautiful historic buildings and fountains. Reaching Vaison-la-Romaine, you can enjoy your final afternoon strolling through an extraordinary place, Vaison’s Gallo Roman remains which combine as the largest archaeological site in France.
Dinner on your own and night in Vaison la Romaine
Day 8 –Vaison la romaine > Avignon
> Vaison la romaine: market on Tuesday (the big one), Thursday and Saturday Transfer to Avignon. End of the trip
