Avignon and the Vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape

Avignon for 70-odd years of the early 1300s was the centre of the Catholic world. The skyline a magnificent urban landscape, overlooks the city, river Rhône, and Rocher des Doms presenting an exceptional set of monuments that includes the Saint Bénezet Bridge - the famous Pont d’Avignon, the Ramparts, Petit Palais, Cathedral & walls of the Popes’ Palace flanked by four mighty towers.

Start with a visit to the Palais, gardens & bridge before a short drive to the wine country of Châteauneuf du Pape. Châteauneuf du Pape is at the heart of a region full of history, culture and joie de vivre. A unique, magical place that appears on the hill like an island rising out of a sea of vines.  At the summit the vestiges of the ruined château – wall, tower & lower hall built by the popes in the 14th century as a summer residence to escape the city heat of Avignon. It was the popes who planted the town's first vineyards.

In the afternoon visit two different vineyards - first Château Fortia whose history dates back to the 17th century & in the 19th century under the ownership of Baron Le Roy, created France's first AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) the world standard for wine. Next to a nearby winemaker with an 8-ha vineyard based exclusively on the appellation owned by five generations of wine producers. Introducing you to the iconic wines established in the 1880s where tradition is enhanced by modernism & excellence, with wine tasting too.