Provence Wine Trails (& Mount Ventoux)

Avignon is a UNESCO World Heritage site a beautiful medieval town, lots of cobbled streets and full of history with its famous Pope’s Palace and St Benezet bridge. The walk starts with a transfer late afternoon from Avignon to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The literal translation of Châteauneuf du Pape is the “New castle of the Pope”, as this village was chosen as the summer residence of the Popes of Avignon, complete with its’ own castle built atop the mount. Today what remains is a set of ruins and a great vantage point for superb views far out to the horizon. It was the popes who brought the vines here in the 14th century, making wines that have been famous for centuries adding another element to the religiosity of this wine growing region and the walk.

Walking: Easy 1 – 5 kms
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Châteauneuf du Pape in an ensuite room

Today we walk 2 circuitous tracks through the historic vineyards. With such a prized ‘terroir’ every square meter is planted with vines, seemingly gnarled hands reaching up from underneath the earth, proudly displaying bunches of Grenache and Syrah. Staying within the heart of the Châteauneuf appellation, we take a stroll on farming tracks in between the parcels of vines, which lead from one estate to the next. We walk to 3 widely-known wine estates – Chateau Vaudieu, Nalys & Solitude, all of them centuries-old and all happy to share their savoir faire with you during a wine-tasting. The reds are deep and heavily spiced, while the surprising whites have notes of almond, spice, and honeysuckle. We recommend the full loop option that passes by the famous estate of Château Mont Redon.

Walking: Moderate / 8.5 or 18 kms / 3 to 7 hrs
Elevation: +250 / -250M
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Séguret in an ensuite room

The walk begins from Séguret which is listed among the most beautiful villages in France. From Séguret, you walk along quiet farm tracks above the Rhône Valley to Gigondas, world famous for its sublime red wines.

From Gigondas you climb to get a closer view of the spectacular Dentelles de Montmirail, a veritable hikers’ playground , before descending to Vacqueyras, also reputed for its wine.

Walking: Moderate / 17 kms / 5.5 hrs
Elevation: +350 / -450m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vacqueyras in an ensuite room

You continue through the untamed slopes, and reach the ruins of a church, set beside ancient cave dwellings. The walk travels on from Vacqueyras to Dentelles de Montmirail, a set of jagged limestone teeth that soar high and defiantly over the Rhône Valley.

The route takes you down into Beaumes de Venise, where you can indulge in a glass of Muscat. Today’s walk ends in Le Barroux, a hilltop village crowned by its 12th century castle and quiet streets, which is off the beaten track even for a walking holiday.

Walking: Moderate / 15kms / 4 hrs
Elevation: +420m / -250m
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Le Barroux in an ensuite room

The approach to Mont Ventoux is stunning, the giant silhouette of the mountain acts as the perfect backdrop for today’s hike with its’ barren white peak glistening in the sun. At 1912m in altitude, Mont Ventoux is Provence’s highest peak. Its remarkable silhouette paint the backdrop of this scenic and diverse exploration of Provence. The path takes you through shaded paths of pine and cedar you reach the chapel of Piaut, where in generations past locals climbed during periods of draught to pray for rain. Descend the pilgrimage path to Malaucène.

There’s also an option to another loop walk from Malaucène. The route starts at Malaucène at the foot of Ventoux, and climbs 700m in altitude to the “ski resort” of Mont Serein.

Walking: Moderate or Moderate to Challenging / 13 or 27 kms / 4.5 to 9 hrs
Elevation: +500m / -500m or +950m / -950m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Malaucène in an ensuite room

(NOT PART OF THE 7 DAY ITINERARY)

For those Tour de France enthusiast the Mount Ventoux section is deemed to be the hardest stage of the tour. What’s beautiful about these two walks is the starling contrast to our earlier walking days and the sheer diversity of flora. You’ll move from Mediterranean vegetation to arctic flowers in just 2 days of walking, and experience every level of vegetation in between: from thyme to arctic poppies, from vines to mountain pine, from wall lizard to chamois (wild mountain goats). You’ll be along seldom used paths, and have an authentic chalet experience in Provence, cool mountain air and superlative scenery.

There are two options today.

The moderate walk option takes you from Mont Serein balcony up to Mont Serein. If you choose the easier of the day’s walks, a transfer takes you halfway up the mountain.

The challenging walk option takes you from Malaucène all the way up to the summit of Mont Serein. The walk takes you through the densely forested northern slopes, far from the crowds. Your views extend far into the Barronies mountains to the north, over the many vineyards you’ve explored and to the dozens of villages that dot the countryside. Catch your breath here before a steep climb to Ventoux’s ski resort, Mont Serein, at 1400m in altitude. Settle into your chalet for two nights.

Walking: Easy / 7 kms / 2 hrs 30 mins / Elevation + 460m / – 60m
OR
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 15 kms / Elevation + 1100m / – 100m
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Accommodation: Mount Serein in an ensuite room

(NOT PART OF THE 7 DAY ITINERARY)

There are 2 walks today out of your accommodation in Mount Serein one returning via a slightly easier path. You quickly trade fir and beech for larch as the walks meander up above the ski resort. As you go a little higher only sparse mountain pine remains, and finally nothing at all other than the echo of your feet walking on the scree towards the summit.

Once at the top you have a 360° view, Alps to the north and the plains of the Rhône to the south, the Rhône River snaking its way down to the Med Sea. Once you’ve soaked up the ambiance of the summit you head eastward along the barren ridge. The upper ridge is carpeted with sparse bunches of arctic flowers, including the arctic poppy, that grow only on the Spitzberg islands just shy of the North Pole and on Mont Ventoux.

After about 1 hour on the ridge you have a choice of walks, but both return to Mont Serein with beautiful views all the way.

Walking: Moderate / 15 kms / 5 – 5hrs 30mins / Elevation + 600m / – 600m
OR
Walking: Moderate to challenging / 22 km / 7 -8 hrs / Elevation + 650m / – 1650m
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Mount Serein in an ensuite room

(DAY 6 OF THE 7 DAY ITINERARY)

From Malaucène, your walk northward is bathed in thyme and rosemary drenched hills to the authentic village of Le Crestet perched on . You continue to the Gallo-Roman village of Vaison la Romaine where you can enjoy exploring the largest archaeological site in France. There’s also a market on Wednesday morning to savour and wander through.

Walking: Moderate / 18 kms / 6. hrs
Elevation: 4500m / -280m
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Vaison la Ramone in an ensuite room

(DAY 7 OF THE 7 DAY ITINERARY)

There’s an opportunity to visit the medieval village of Vaison and its Roman ruins before finishing your walking holiday. Spend the morning discovering the city of Vaison, enjoy lunch in the old part of town. There is also the famous Tuesday morning market in Vaison la Ramone. There is also a transfer back to Avignon included and the high speed train from Avignon to continue your onward journey.

The trip finishes after breakfast.  Au revoir.

Walking: Easy / 2 kms
Meals: Breakfast