48 hours in the Rhône Valley
48 hours in the Rhône Valley
48 hours in the Rhône Valley
48 hours in the Rhône Valley
This first action-packed day begins with a visit to Avignon, before heading south for a trip through the Gard vineyards by electric mountain bike and a magical night in a Provençal mas, or country house.
9 a.m. – Explore Avignon using the Vins Rhône Tourisme app
Armed with your phone, discover the walled city by visiting six not-to-be-missed historic monuments: the Hôtel de l’Horloge, the Halles, the bridge and, of course, the Palais des Papes. Original, fun and free.
DOWNLOAD THE APP10:30 a.m. – Wine tasting at the Rhône Valley Wine School
Still in Avignon, head to the Carré du Palais for a workshop that takes you on a tour of the appellations, grape varieties and local blends. The sommeliers take an instructive yet relaxed approach to sharing their knowledge, the perfect way to bring you up to speed.
BOOK A WORKSHOP
12:30 p.m. – Lunch at the Bistrot du Carré du Palais in Avignon
Une cuisine de terroir typée bistronomie chic. Une carte de 50 vins au verre et 800 références du Rhône en cave. Environnement exceptionnel et produits de qualité. Une flopée d’accords mets-vins en prévision.
BOOK A TABLE AT THE BISTROT DU CARRÉ DU PALAIS2 p.m. – Explore Domaine de la Mordorée by electric bike
Head to the Gard to explore this stunning playground and its 50 hectares of vines by electric mountain bike. After the tour, it’s time for a wine tasting, with Lirac and Tavel wines heading the bill.
PREPARE YOUR VISIT TO DOMAINE DE LA MORDORÉE
4 p.m. – Espace Rabelais, Bagnols sur Cèze
A quick pit stop in this hotbed of wine tourism and gastronomy, which welcomes those keen to find out more about Provence Occitane crus. And the perfect place to pick up local wine recommendations.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE ESPACE RABELAIS6 p.m. – Overnight at Domaine Rouge Bleu in Sainte Cécile les Vignes
Bed and breakfast on a wine estate in a 17th century Provençal mas, or country house. Excellent facilities including a swimming pool, tour of the biodynamic wine estate and, of course, a tasting of its red, white and rosé wines.
BOOK A ROOM AT DOMAINE ROUGE ET BLEU
Our in-depth tour of the Rhône Valley’s wine terroir continues today with a focus on the Vaucluse and the Dentelles de Montmirail mountain range. And to finish, a romantic sunset over Mont Ventoux. What more can you ask for?
10 a.m. – Wine and chocolate at Cave de Rasteau
The day begins at a gentle pace with this excellent workshop that pairs the output of the region’s chocolate makers with that its winemakers. Tantalise your taste buds with: Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages, Côtes du Rhône Rasteau crus and Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau.
BOOK THE WINE AND CHOCOLATE WORKSHOP12 p.m. – Lunch at La Tuilerie, Violes
A restaurant in the heart of the Grand Père Jules wine estate. A feast of Mediterranean flavours and produce sourced from short food-supply chains. Paired with 100% organic wines and a stunning view of the vineyard and the Dentelles de Montmirail. Excellent gourmet restaurant.
MORE INFO ABOUT LA TUILERIE
2 p.m. – Explore the Rhonéa vineyards in Beaumes de Venise in a 4X4
Set off for a trip along vineyard paths surrounded by the superb Dentelles de Montmirail. Each stop includes a tasting of the local appellation's wines: Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaumes de Venise.
BOOK A TRIP IN A 4X45 p.m. – Domaine Château Pesquié, Mormoiron
One of the jewels in the Ventoux appellation’s crown, due to the wine it produces and its setting. After a stroll through the stunning vineyard, and a picnic meal washed down with a bottle of the château's finest, you’ll be in no rush to leave.
VISIT DOMAINE CHÂTEAU PESQUIÉ
6 p.m. – Overnight in a bed and breakfast at Domaine Plein Pagnier, at the foot of Mont Ventoux
A truly atypical estate that operates on a biodynamic polyculture basis yet maintains traditional production methods. Drop off your bags and head to the slopes of the Giant of Provence for a legendary sunset.
MORE INFO ABOUT DOMAINE PLEIN PAGNIER
