Walking Tours
This self guided walking tour invites you to explore Provence beyond the postcard, where Roman engineering meets world class wine. From the elegant town of Uzès to the legendary vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, you will walk through thyme scented hills, ancient aqueducts and timeless villages that tell the story of southern France. Follow quiet trails through the garrigue to the awe-inspiring Pont du Gard, the tallest and best preserved Roman aqueduct in the world. Then trade stone arches for vine rows as you stroll through Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where Popes once summered and winemakers still craft some of France's most prestigious vintages. With loop hikes, wine tastings and time to relax in charming towns, this tour blends Roman history, Provençal culture and gourmet indulgence, perfect for travellers who want to walk, taste and connect with the land.
Your tour starts in Uzès, where the first Dukes of France reigned. Uzès is easy to reach by bus from Avignon or Nimes. A private Taxi can also be arranged with a supplement if preferred. Uzès is a very charming town, with a centre that harbours a wealth of beautiful and imposing monuments, including the Duke's Castle. You can explore the Town Squares and shaded cafés, while the wide open Place aux Herbes Square is one of Provence's finest, framed by stone arcades sheltering boutiques and restaurants. The cobbled streets in town are lined with regal 17th and 18th Century stone homes.
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After breakfast, you will leave the centre of Uzès and within minutes the tarmac gives way to forested paths, through the scented bay trees. An easy, gradual climb through a tightly encased and shaded hollow leads up to a typical garrigue vegetation of low lying shrubs and aromatic herbs. You will encounter centuries old dry stone huts called capitelles, built without an ounce of mortar but have withstood the test of time. At the top of a grassy hill, you can enjoy far reaching views towards the Cévennes Mountains to the west and of the Town of Uzès itself. Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, there will be a short transfer to Collias before you start your walk. Today, you will be following the GR6 walking route, mostly on quiet country lanes, following the course of the Gardon River downstream. You will climb above the Gardon to encounter some remains of the 2000 year old aqueduct, before almost stumbling upon the Pont du Gard Bridge itself. Soaring 50 metres above the Gardon, the aqueduct was the tallest of its kind, built during the Roman Empire and today remains the best conserved. After crossing the Gardon, you leave the roads behind and climb steadily through the garrigue vegetation. A short but steep downhill takes you to Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard. A private transfer will then take you to the famous wine village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, one of France's most prestigious wine villages, where you settle in for 2 nights. Grapes have been grown here for 850 years. The Popes brought the vines to this area in the 14th Century and thanks to the amazing growing conditions many world renown and prized vintages have been produced. Meals: Breakfast
Châteauneuf-du-Pape literally means 'New Castle of the Pope'. This village was chosen as the Summer Residence of the Popes of Avignon, complete with a Castle built atop the hill, today only a set of ruins remain from which the views extend far into the horizon. It was the Popes who brought the vines here in the 14th Century, making wines that have been famous for centuries. A splendid loop walk stays within the heart of the Châteauneuf appellation, strolling on farming tracks in between the parcels of vines of the Vaudieu, Nalys and Solitude wineries, which lead from one estate to the next. The itinerary takes you to 3 widely known wine estates, Vaudieu, Nalys and Solitude, all centuries old, all happy to share their savoir faire with you during a wine tasting. The reds are deep and heavily spiced, while the surprising whites have notes of almond, spice and honeysuckle. Enjoy some free time in the lovely Châteauneuf-du-Pape Village, to wander from one wine shop to the next all the way to the Castle or enjoy a half day optional wine tour with a local wine expert. The wine specialist will unveil all the secrets of these vines, taking you on a tour and leading you through a wine tasting session. You will learn the concepts of terroir and appellation while perfecting your wine tasting technique. PLEASE NOTE: The Vaudieu, Nalys and Solitude wineries are closed on Sunday (as most of the wine estate). The Mont Redon is open on Sunday for tasting (the cellar visit is however not possible on Sunday). Therefore, if your trip starts with the first walk on Sunday we recommend you to do the Mont Redon walk on Sunday and the Vaudieu, Nalys and Solitude on Monday. Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred back to Avignon. Upon arrival in Avignon your tour will end. From here make your individual transfers for your onward journey. Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (wi)
