From Vienne to Avignon, the steep slopes lining the Rhône provide the legendary vintages of the Côtes du Rhône. Further south, the sunny wines of Provence take over.
This route through the heart of the two wine-producing areas offers a unique opportunity to discover some of the wonders of this region of south-eastern France.
A century before Christ, the wine of Vienne was already much appreciated at the tables of Rome! This Roman town, 34 km south of Lyon, is the starting point for a tour of the Côtes du Rhône. Having visited the Roman theatre, leave this town of artistic heritage for Ampuis, a village in the heart of the Côtes Rôties, whose excellent wine needs no introduction. Further south, Condrieu has its own equally famous vintage, and the village provides a wide panorama over the river. Following the Rhône, you will pass not far from Malleval, a superb mediaeval village perched on a hill and the gateway to the Pilat regional nature park, perfect for hiking. Downstream, Saint-Désirat has a fascinating distilling museum, where you can find out all the secrets of home-made brandies. To sample a good Saint-Joseph, stop off in Sarras - or if you prefer a Hermitage, its vines cover the Tain l?Hermitage hill. Cross to the opposite bank to visit Tournon. This is the starting point for the "Mastrou", an authentic steam train dating back to 1900, which crosses the steep, wild landscapes to Lamastre. After this natural interlude, continue to Châteauneuf-sur-Isère, location of the Vineum. In hollowed galleries deep underground, the famous Paul Jaboulet house age their wines at a constant temperature. A chance for an extensive tasting of some great Côtes du Rhône wines in an unusual setting.
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After Valence, the Drôme Provençale begins. The direction now is towards Nyons, the capital, where an olive museum, old mills and a traditional atmosphere await you. From here, move on to Vaison-la-Romaine, a listed Town of Art, which has preserved many vestiges of ancient times, including its impressive mediaeval castle, and is considered to be France's largest archaeological site. To the south are three famous vineyards lying close together, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaume-de-Venise, the latter responsible for a delicious dessert wine. Next turn towards Avignon, the city of Popes, with its well-preserved mediaeval walls and an extraordinary palace. If you are interested in the ancient world, take a detour to the north to visit the Roman amphitheatre in Orange, and then to the west to climb on the Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO world heritage site. Don't forget to stop in Nîmes, a town shaped by Roman, classical and contemporary architecture. Between the two sites, you will pass near Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which produces one of the best Côtes du Rhône vintages.
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Now head for Aix en Provence. Here the fruity wines of sunny Provence take over, including rosés that are famous all over the world! Coteaux d?Aix, Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois? the vineyards are vast and the wines are very varied. The town of Aix is sure to seduce you, with its beautiful old houses and squares shaded with plane trees. Nearby is Sainte-Victoire mountain, beloved by Cézanne, to whom the Aix area is paying a lively tribute this year. Continuing to the east, you will take in the abbey of Saint-Maximin, nestling in the Sainte-Baume massif, followed by the Celle and Thoronet abbeys, three jewels of mediaeval religious art. Between the latter two stretch the wine estates around the village of Brignoles. In a landscape of green hills, you will then arrive in Arcs-sur-Argens with its Maison des Vins de Provence, where you can make the acquaintance of the various Côtes de Provence wines. Arriving in Fréjus, another listed Town of Art, breathe in the sea air and visit the impressive cathedral and the Roman amphitheatre. Lovers of the sea can follow the coastal route towards Marseilles, enjoying the maritime landscapes and stopping in Bandol and Cassis to taste their famous and delicious wines, lulled by the song of the cicadas.
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