Hiking the Wine Trails of Provence

Discover off-the-beaten-path wine trails of Provence, hiking from Châteauneuf du Pape to Côtes du Rhône, while visiting medieval cities in between.

Your journey will start in the Historic Center of Avignon (a UNESCO site) and end in the medieval town of Vaison la Romaine, filled with archaeological delights. Along the way, you'll taste robust reds Châteauneuf du Pape, sweet, white Muscats from Côtes du Rhône, and plenty more.

This trip is the ideal combination of hiking, relaxing, tasting good food, and enjoying delectable wine in Provence!

• Wander through famed vineyards in Châteauneuf du Pape, tasting red & white wines
• Indulge in French cuisine: baguettes, goats cheese, ratatouille & Côtes du Rhône wines
• Explore the Historic Center of Avignon, a UNESCO site where history echoes in every cobblestone
• Hike along quiet farms and take in sweeping vistas like Mont Ventoux, the "Giant of Provence"
• Roam the Rhone Valley's untamed slopes to discover enigmatic church ruins & cave dwellings
• Uncover Roman traditions by exploring the vastness of France's largest archaeological site
• Stay in the picturesque villages of Séguret, Le Barroux, & Vaison la Romaine

Embark on a mesmerizing journey through the sun-kissed vineyards of Provence! Start in the enchanting embrace of Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and conclude your adventure amidst the medieval allure of Vaison la Romaine.

Châteauneuf du Pape is Southern France’s most prestigious wine village: grapes have been grown there for 850 years. The Popes brought the vines to this area in the 14th century and, thanks to the amazing growing conditions, many world-renowned and prized vintages have been produced.

The best way to discover the vineyards of Provence is by foot, strolling between the vines from one estate to the next. Vineyards are commonly run by the same families for generations, and you’ll have lots of wine-tasting opportunities on this sustainable Provençal walking tour.

You will 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: a playground for magnificent walking and scenery!

You then walk towards the foot of Mont Ventoux (the "Giant of Provence") – through orchards and vineyards, with extraordinary panoramas and a large diversity of landscapes. At 6,263 ft in altitude, Mont Ventoux is Provence’s highest peak. Its remarkable silhouette paints the backdrop of this scenic exploration of Provence.

You can book this trip from March to mid-November, but really we recommend between March and June or between September to mid-November.

Provence enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, providing plenty of days of sunshine. The precipitation levels in the region are relatively low and there can be strong and cold winds.

• March to June: Springtime is ideal for hiking as the trails are less crowded, the wineries are open for tastings, and the countryside is alive with vibrant wildflowers. The weather is agreeably mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 68°F.
• July to August: During summer, this trip is possible, though not ideal. The weather is particularly dry and hot, so hikes would need to be completed in the morning. Importantly, there may be possible trail closures, and access to hiking paths may be closed or be time-restricted if the risk of fires is high in the Dentelles & Ventoux areas. The local prefecture informs the following day's access by phone. Be sure to get this information if you choose to travel during these months.*
• September to Mid-November: Fall offers lovely hiking conditions with temperatures from 59°F to 77°F, and the autumnal landscape is filled with shades of red, orange, and gold. As this is the harvest season, you can witness vineyards and olive groves bustling with activity.

*Any additional cost for extra transfers due to weather-related restrictions (or for any personal reason) will be at your own expense. Trail closures can also sometimes affect June and September, though this is not as likely as in July and August.

To ensure both comfort and sustainability, we strongly recommend planning your trip for the spring or fall. This helps with tourism dispersal and the alleviation of congestion at peak times. You'll have a more pleasant experience, explore the natural beauty of the region at a more relaxed pace, and have a positive impact on the local communities and environment.

Our tours offer a unique and eco-friendly way to explore a country on foot or by bike, allowing you to travel in a pollution-free manner. Walking and cycling not only provide an eco-responsible mode of transportation but also promote physical activity and mental well-being, allowing you to break free from daily routines and stress.

By moving to the slow rhythm of our footsteps or our pedal strokes, we take the time to observe the landscapes, meet the local population, and find our freedom of movement. In this way, our trips allow travelers to fully immerse in the places they are visiting. We prioritize sustainable and responsible tourism by partnering with small local accommodations and supporting the local economy.

To minimize our carbon footprint, we have partnered with Reforest'Action to offset the CO2 emissions generated by our trips. Through tree planting and the purchase of carbon credits, we aim to contribute to forest preservation and the development of carbon sinks.

By participating in our tours, you not only experience the world up close but also actively support the fight against the negative consequences of tourism and promote a greener form of travel.

Environmental Initiatives

Throughout this self-guided tour, we prioritize sustainability by emphasizing the importance of minimizing waste. Our aim is to leave a minimal impact on the environment and promote a cleaner, healthier planet.

We are also committed to serving local food, preferably sourced from organic producers. By supporting local farmers and businesses, we not only ensure that you have a truly authentic culinary experience but also contribute to the local economy and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.

In addition to our food choices, we are conscious of using eco-friendly cleaning products to minimize harm to the environment. We believe in responsible tourism practices that extend to all aspects of our operations, including the products we use to maintain cleanliness and hygiene. Water and energy conservation are also key priorities during the tour. The accommodations we chose are trying to reduce waste and use refilled toiletry items, serve as many local products as possible, and implement water & energy-saving measures. We encourage responsible water usage and provide information on how to minimize water waste. Similarly, we promote energy-saving measures to reduce our ecological impact. By incorporating these practices into our tour operations, we strive to create a sustainable travel experience that respects and preserves the natural resources of the destinations we visit.

Sociocultural Initiatives

In our roadbook, we emphasize the socio-cultural positive impact of our tour. We believe that travel should go beyond sightseeing and offer meaningful interactions with local communities and their traditions.

By highlighting the locations of local markets each day, we encourage you to stroll through these vibrant spaces. It provides you with a unique opportunity to engage with local vendors, taste regional delicacies, and witness the lively atmosphere. These interactions allow you to learn about traditional food practices, support small-scale farmers and artisans, and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of their customs and traditions.

Furthermore, we provide information on wine and olive oil tastings along the way. These experiences allow you to delve into the rich culinary heritage of the region, learn about wine production techniques, and appreciate the artistry of olive oil making. By visiting these establishments, you not only savor the flavors but also support local winemakers and olive oil producers, contributing to the preservation of traditional craftsmanship.

Economic Initiatives

We have nurtured long-term relationships with small guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and hotels that are locally owned and operated. Whenever possible, we prioritize partnering with these establishments to support the local economy and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.

By choosing these small-scale accommodations, we ensure that a significant portion of the revenue generated from your stay goes directly into the hands of local entrepreneurs. This not only helps them sustain their businesses but also creates employment opportunities for the local community.

Moreover, our tour is carefully designed to include lesser-known and off-the-beaten-path places in Provence. By exploring these hidden gems, you will have the opportunity to experience the authentic essence of the region and support local providers. From visiting local markets to engaging in wine or olive oil tastings, we guide you toward experiences that connect you with the local economy and cultural heritage.

During your journey, you will have the chance to support approximately 10 local providers in the region. This includes not only your accommodations but also interactions with local artisans, farmers, and producers. By purchasing their products, participating in their activities, and engaging in their services, you contribute directly to the economic sustainability of these individuals and their communities.

Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
It's recommended to be in good physical condition to do this trip.