Things to do in Orange, France

Begin your full-day tour with a pickup in front of Hotel Le Bristol in Avignon (address: 44 Cours Jean Jaurès 84000 Avignon) or around (contact me if you don’t stay within Avignon itself). Then we will go to Orange for a stop at the Roman Arch of Triumph for some pictures and explanations about the history of the monument. After this, you will visit the Roman Theatre of Orange with audio guides in the language you want. You will enjoy the picnic with local products from farms only and the Pont du Gard in the background (between April and October only), before walking around and on the magnificent Pont du Gard, a former bridge aqueduct. To finish, we will go to Nimes for a quick stop in front of the Maison Carrée, a former temple dedicated to the grandsons of Emperor Augustus, before visiting the Amphitheater with an audio guide in the language you want (between April and October only). Between November and March, the tour itinerary is altered slightly, offering you the opportunity to explore the sights on a half-day tour from Avignon. The winter edition of the tour does not include lunch and instead of visiting the Amphitheater in Nimes, you will enjoy a photo stop outside the amphitheater. Your tour comes to an end with a convenient drop-off at the same location where it began in Avignon.

Come and discover a family estate in the heart of the famous wine appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Brotte family has been passing down know-how since 1931 and today, be part of the adventure by coming to discover their secrets. Our sommeliers will welcome you for a tasting of 5 wines. You also have access to a visit to the Brotte Wine Museum! Museum created in 1972 by Jeanne Brotte, grandmother of the current owner. This Museum is unique in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it will teach you everything you need to know about vines, wine and the history of the Brotte family!

Discover Nîmes, a vibrant city rich in art and proud of its prestigious Roman heritage. Discover the city's iconic ancient landmarks, including the Arena (entrance included), with an audio-guided tour, and the Maison Carrée (Square House), one of the best-preserved Roman temples. Your historical journey continues with a visit to the Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct that once brought spring water to Nîmes. Dating back to the first century and classified by UNESCO, the Pont du Gard is the most impressive and well-preserved section of this ancient water system, making it a highlight of any historical tour in Provence. The day concludes with a visit to the Ancient Theatre of Orange (entrance included) and a photo stop at the Triumphal Arch. Enjoy some free time for lunch during the day. Note: On certain dates, events may take place inside the Arena of Nîmes. In such cases, the Arena visit will be replaced with a photo stop around the monument.

Châteauneuf du Pape Wine tour The Châteauneuf du Pape Appellation was one of 6 to be labeled as the first AOC wines of France in 1936. The vineyards planted by the Romans were extended and developed by the Pope's residing in Avignon popes during the 14th century. In 1314, Clement V, the first Avignon Pope discovered the special soil of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. His successor, John XXII supports him and it was during his reign that the vineyard really took off and spread fame beyond the borders of “The Comtat”. The former bishop of Avignon, Jacques Duèse was elected as Pope John XII and succeeded Clement V in 1316. He regularly drank the wines from the vineyards ‘in the north’ and did much to improve viticulture practices there. The Pope sought a place sufficiently far from the city to discourage courtiers, sycophants, and scroungers, yet close enough so that a courier could go there and back to Avignon on the same day. The ideal spot was found on a hillock overlooking the Rhône Valley about halfway between Avignon and Orange – Châteauneuf – and this area was placed directly under his authority. As you reach this famous wine producing region, discover the village and its ancient castle that was the summer residence of the Pope's during their stay in the area. Here, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view on the valley. Morning Wine tasting session in a local Winery The Chateauneuf du Pape wines are well known for their full bodied red wines made predominantly with different grape varieties such as Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre that are typical grapes that can be found in the southern vineyards of France. There are also some white Châteauneuf du Pape wines that are intensely perfumed. The grape varieties used for the white wines include Grenache Blanc, Rousannes, Clairette and Bourboulenc many of which are rustic french varietals. Upon arrival in the village, it will be time to taste some of the local wines in a local winery. Then, you will have some free time to roam around and enjoy a wine tour of Chateauneuf du Pape wines in the old 14th century pope cellars. Depending on your wishes, it will be possible to taste more wines in the local wineries that your guide can point to. Lunch in a local restaurant After your morning Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour, it will be time for lunch.Your guide will suggest different options so don't hesitate to ask for suggestions. Afternoon wine tasting session in a local Winery After lunch, experience your second Chateauneuf du Pape winery tour. Listen about the history of this unique domain and participate in a commented tasting of the wines of the estate. Take the opportunity to ask about the wine making process, the different bledings that are possible and most of all learn about the large range of grape varieties that can be used to make this exceptional wines. After the wine tasting tour, we will take you back to Aix en Provence and that will be the end of our services.

Discover various landscapes, experience local lifestyle & immerse in different ambiances in Provence without running. My goal is to make you happy & unwid. According to your expectations, pickup location, day energy & mood we will fix together the perfect itinerary selecting & mixing these visits: COUNTRYSIDE: peaceful nature, hilltop authentic villages, wine tasting, incredible landscapes, game of pétanque with regional appetizers..just like locals do ! (around Sainte Victoire mountain or Le Castellet) MARSEILLE: Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica, amazing view over the sea & the city, walk in the vibrant Old Port AIX-EN-PROVENCE: little chic town, perfect for strolling & shopping CASSIS: boat ride to visit the incredible Calanques, strolling & lunch in the pictoresque port or beach time. Drive on Cap Canaille, the biggest cliff in Europe, a glass of wine with a stunning view there of all the Mediterranean.. Ready for this unforgettable day with Happy Day in Provence? :) Pickup locations : upon request in Provence: it can be a hotel, train station, cruise port in Marseille, Toulon or Seyne-sur-mer or the airport.

Go back in time to the 1st century AD by visiting two wonders of the Ancient World : The famous aqueduct, Pont du Gard and one of the most beautiful Roman Theatre, in Orange, the only one in Europe to have preserved its stage wall intact. The acoustic is so great that it has been used since 1971 for a world famous summer Opera Festival called les Chorégies. You will also enjoy a wine tasting in the legendary Chateauneuf du Pape. Enrich your knowledge of wine production, grape varieties and have a great time learning how to taste wine professionally. Provence enjoys over 300 days of sunshine and the soil of the south of the Rhône valley is very rocky and sandy. The nutriments the grapes found in those different soils, coupled with the sunny and hot climate give low yield exceptional wines with a great potential of aging.

Leaving Aix en Provence where I will pick you up We will drive towards the city of Orange where you can have some time to visit this incredible amphitheater, one of the largest with its 103m long and 37m high. We will continue to the aqueduct of Pont du Gard, a really impressive aqueduct that once carry water from Uzes onto Nîmes. It was built by Agrippa the son in law of the Emperor August Last stop will be Nîmes with its great coliseum and Maison Carrée (square house) a roman temple in great shape