Tours & tickets

Rhone Valley

From Avignon or around (contact me if you don’t stay within Avignon itself), we will go to 3 different wineries in the Côtes du Rhône area. The 3 wineries will be very different from each other, they will mostly be family businesses. Depending on the size of their estate, they can make a lot of different appellations and cuvées in white, rosé or red. The tour usually goes to a winery in Beaumes de Venise and its famous Muscat de Beaumes de Venise, a sweet wine which can be drunk as an aperitif wine or a dessert wine. Also, it usually goes to Gigondas, a small area famous for its red wine, the most famous red wine in the Southern Rhône after Châteauneuf du Pape. And we finish with a winery in Châteauneuf du Pape area to taste the very famous red wine but also to discover the less famous white wine from there (if the tour starts in the afternoon, the tour will start in Châteauneuf du Pape to finish in Beaumes de Venise). After the second tasting, if you chose this tour starting in the morning between April and October, we will share a wonderful picnic made with fresh products from local farmers (for instance: fresh eggs, tapenade, bell peppers cream, goat cheese, seasonal fruits, fruits juice) for a convivial time spent together.

Come and enjoy a unique gastronomic experience in the majestic city of Avignon! In the heart of Provence, Avignon is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful jewels in the south of France, with its exceptional historical center, and of course, its delicious Provençal cuisine and high-quality ingredients: aromatic herbs, tomatoes, olive oil, a good glass of Côte du Rhône and sun-ripened fruit. Our gastronomic tour will bring you on a compelling walk in the medieval old town, showing you the culture and history of the city through its food served in beloved eateries. Here's our possible tastings: - Fougasse, the tipical bread from Avignon, perfect as a starter; - Olive oil and tapenades, a must-try in Provence; - Quiche, one of the most popular French dishes; - Desserts such as homemade cakes and local biscuits. Tastings may vary according to the season.

First stop on your trip will be Roussillon, a charming and very typical French village in Provence famous for its red and yellow ochre cliffs and unique natural landscape. Next you will travel on to Gordes, a village perched high up in the Luberon, and labelled as one of "the most beautiful villages in France". It is famous for the dry stones with which the whole village is constructed. Your guide is a local expert and will take you to an incredible panoramic viewpoint for a photo stop where you will enjoy a wonderful view of the village. The last village stop of the day is to Fontaine de Vaucluse where you can discover the mysterious source of the Sorgue River where it emerges from the ground. Time for a snack. The afternoon is dedicated to wine. This tour will give you the opportunity to discover wines from the famous Chateauneuf du Pape appellation of Provence. Your local expert guide will lead you to the scenic drive through the Rhone's valley vineyards, Châteauneuf du Pape. Learn about the historical heritage of Provence. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the world of wine! You’ll journey through the scenic vineyards of the Rhône Valley, heading toward the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. Along the way, your guide will share insights into the rich history and winemaking heritage of Provence. Sample some of the finest wines from the region at 2 different charming wineries (wine tasting included). Play with your 5 senses during this winery tour. From the ruins of the Pope's summer residence, enjoy a panoramic view over the Rhône river valley and the hill ranges surrounding the village. This full day tour will return to Avignon in the middle of the day.

With your wine guide, discover the south Luberon wine area basking in a perfect Mediterranean climate. Learn about the winemakers’ savoir-faire and the authentic Luberon wines between Provence and Rhône Valley. Learn all about the wine making process while visiting the cellars, and enjoy some free time to visit and dine in the picturesque village of Lourmarin, ranked one of the most beautiful villages of France. After lunch, your guide will give you a private tour of a third winery to round out the day.

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.

• Pickup in front of Hotel Le Bristol (address : 44 Cours Jean Jaurès 84000 Avignon) or outside Avignon (contact me if you don’t stay within Avignon itself). 30 minutes drive to Châteauneuf du Pape • The 2 wineries will be very different : they will be mostly well-renowned family businesses, they can be inside Châteauneuf du Pape village or in the countryside nearby, they can also be among the oldest wineries of Châteauneuf du Pape. They both make different cuvées including red and white wines. One of them uses the 13 grape varietals allowed in Châteauneuf du Pape wines, the other one makes some single grape wines, which is not very usual in the Côtes du Rhône wines. 30 minutes drive back to Avignon

After a short drive from Avignon and your tour guide's commentary along the way, experience the peaceful surroundings of St Paul de Mausole's asylum, where the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh created masterpieces like "The Starry Night" and "The Irises". Don't miss the remains of the former Roman town of Glanum that are to be admired just nearby. Please be aware that the hospital is still in use today so you will only be able to see the exteriors and the last part of St Remy's Van Gogh Walk with boards representing some of the painter's most famous works. The visit of the replica of the painter's room is not included in this tour. A beautiful drive through vineyards and olive groves will take you to Les Baux de Provence, a real gem in the heart of the Alpilles massif. Your tour guide will drop you at the entrance of this pedestrian village, from where you'll have the chance to enjoy breathtaking views. An eagle's nest perched on a rocky plateau overlooking the Crau and the Camargue, Les Baus is not only a medieval fortress: a lot of shopping opportunities are available there! Meet your driver again and head to the "capital" of the Camargue, the lively and colourful old Arles. Your tour guide will provide you with maps and information about things to do and see, as well as lunch suggestions. A long stop is scheduled so that everyone can have enough time to visit the many monuments inscribed in the Unesco world heritage list, follow in Van Gogh's footsteps and also taste some local specialties (lunch not included). Don't miss Arles' picturesque market on Wednesdays and Saturdays! In the afternoon, meet your guide again and continue the journey with another unique World Heritage Site. Enjoy a beautiful walk on shaded alleys and be awestruck by this 2000-year-old masterpiece of Roman engineering. On hot days you can also deep your feet or take a dive into the river Gardon, to see the aqueduc from an unusual angle! Afterwards, head back to Avignon old town.

Let us guide you through this amazing visual and tasting experience of the best wines of the Côtes du Rhône. You will enjoy some of the best CRUs of the south of the Rhone valley with it’s blended grapes, adapted to the exceptional “terroir”. 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.

Discover Avignon and the Cotes du Rhone wine area on a day trip from Marseille. See medieval Pope's Palace and Pont d'Avignon while exploring the old town, shop for local produce at an indoor market, and taste wine at the famous Chateauneuf du Pape vineyard. Walk through the alleys of the old town of Avignon and hear about the city’s history from your guide. Visit the Palais des Papes, or Pope’s Palace, one of the largest gothic buildings in France. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was once home to popes during medieval times. During your Avignon tour see another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the medieval Pont d'Avignon which still stands on the Rhone River. After your tour of Avignon’s old town, head towards Les Halles for lunch. This indoor market has a vertical garden, cafes, and numerous stalls selling local produce, meats, and cheeses.  Continue your tour to the prestigious Chateauneuf du Pape vineyard to experience a sensory journey. Visit a wine museum, Enjoy sweeping landscapes of hills and vineyards as you travel through the southern part of the Rhone Valley to different Côtes du Rhône AOPs, which may include Gigondas, Cairanne, Rasteau, and Vacqeyras... Wines have been produced in the Rhone Valley since back in Roman times, and the area is known particularly for its red wine.

Discover the south Luberon wine region, an area basking in a perfect Mediterranean climate. Visit different wineries, all family-owned and award-winning, and enjoy a private tour of each site. With your expert wine guide, learn about the incredible knowledge of the local winemakers, and how to taste the differences between the authentic Luberon wines of Provence and Rhône Valley. Discover all there is to know about the wine making process, and wander around the cellars that house the many casks of wine being made. Taste the various robust flavors of the region’s wine, from reds full of character, to gastronomic rosés. At the end of the tour, enjoy some free time to visit and lunch in the picturesque Provencal village of Lourmarin which is ranked as one of the most beautiful villages of France.