It's a great escape through the "vineyards of the sun". The hills along the southern part of the Rhone Valley are divided into distinct appellations and grape varieties with character. The winegrowers here continue to reinvent themselves, turning the Mistral wind into an ally. Their meticulous labor on each plot has been rewarded with AOCs such as the Duché-d'uzès. In summer, Avignon features the products from these estates at its beautiful Estivales du Rhône festival.
This route was created by Alain Gousse, Sommelier of the Oustau de Baumanière
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Restaurant and hotel in town. Taking inspiration from the world of perfume, and drawing on the aromatic composition of each ingredient, to create sauces of astonishing complexity; awakening childhood memories by marrying orange blossom with carrot to enhance its flavor; or constructing a dessert like a monochrome painting: Anne-Sophie Pic's approach to cuisine is a sensitive and evocative one. Enriched by her travels and personal encounters and conveying emotions she wants to share, this celebrated chef’s dishes are rich storytelling creations. In unison, the hotel is a refined destination, contemporary yet warm, and surrounded by delightful Mediterranean gardens where you can swim surrounded by olive trees and roses.
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M. Chapoutier, biodynamic vines (Tain-l'Hermitage)
M. Chapoutier was founded more than two centuries ago and now is known around the world for its wine production and trade. In recent decades, the company has acquired and developed vineyards in France’s Rhône Valley and Roussillon, as well as in Australia, Spain, and Portugal. Today, M. Chapoutier nurtures...
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On the route
Domaine de Durban, in Beaumes-de-Venise
The site, itself, is spectacular. The estate is perched up on the slopes above the village, and commands magnificent vistas of the jagged Dentelles de Montmirail, the vineyards, the wooded hills... And best of all, the Leydier family, who have managed the estate since the 1960s, produce what is, in my...
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The science of wine at the Wine University in Suze-la-Rousse
When you arrive at this prestigious Wine University, housed in the superb 12th century castle of Suze-la-Rousse, you will receive a professional introduction to oenology, the science of wine. Which varieties work well together, how wine is produced, sensory analysis, tasting…, within this inner sanctuary...
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Côtes du Rhône vineyards, from Sainte-Cécile to Gigondas
You will explore a picturesque itinerary of tiny roads which stretch for a mere 20 km and wind through a terroir of hills and plains that are home to the finest AOC ‘villages’ labels of Côtes du Rhône. At Cairanne, you can enjoy a leisurely sensory trail through the wine cellars, an introduction to the...
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Domaine de Durban, in Beaumes-de-Venise
The site, itself, is spectacular. The estate is perched up on the slopes above the village, and commands magnificent vistas of the jagged Dentelles de Montmirail, the vineyards, the wooded hills... And best of all, the Leydier family, who have managed the estate since the 1960s, produce what is, in my...
Read Moreless
The science of wine at the Wine University in Suze-la-Rousse
When you arrive at this prestigious Wine University, housed in the superb 12th century castle of Suze-la-Rousse, you will receive a professional introduction to oenology, the science of wine. Which varieties work well together, how wine is produced, sensory analysis, tasting…, within this inner sanctuary...
Hotel and restaurant in the country. This beautiful stone farmhouse, so typical of the Provençal landscape, is located on the Luberon hills between the famous villages of Gordes and Roussillon. The Phébus & Spa–Villa des Anges hotel occupies a historic site whose origins date back to the Knights of the Order of Malta. From the light-colored walls to the ocher of the tiles, the changing hues of the pines and olive trees and the blue of the panoramic swimming pool, a true symphony of colors welcomes guests into the soft light of Provence. In the gourmet restaurant of this family-owned property, Chef Xavier Mathieu prepares regional produce–including vegetables cultivated on site–which diners can enjoy at the Table du Jardinier. This exclusive dining spot, located directly in the kitchen garden, is the ideal spot to sample specialties like vegetable pesto, basil and garlic soup. A similar sense of authenticity can be found in the spa, where treatments and massages use essential oils from the surrounding lavender fields.
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Hotel and restaurant in the country. Overlooking a picture-postcard landscape, Le Mas des Herbes Blanches redefines Provençal elegance with a contemporary attitude. This tranquil haven offers 360-degree panoramic views of the Luberon Valley–this is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself and nature, combining relaxation, well-being and gentle strolls with gourmet delights.
Behind its stone façades, the hotel boasts bright interiors where natural materials juxtapose with modern design. Its calming rooms and suites open directly onto nature, while some villas feature private pools–a rarity in the region. Le Table du Mas restaurant celebrates the flavors of the terroir through finessed cuisine, complemented by local wines. For a moment of absolute relaxation, the Jocadae Spa by CODAGE invites you to experience its indoor pool and relaxation space. After a rejuvenating break, explore the hilltop villages of Gordes, Bonnieux and Roussillon, visit the Cistercian Abbey of Sénanque, or take in the scents of the lavender trail.
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Bonnieux is yet another famous Luberon village, whose reputation is built on its wineries, the oldest in the Vaucluse. Its wine growers have amassed a veritable expertise over a period of more than 90 years. They will offer you their very best wines to taste, wines that have been produced under the Provençal...
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The village of Gordes and Sénanque Abbey
Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages in France, and its rock-coloured houses built into the limestone rock face, overlook the gentle Luberon landscape. I find the typical atmosphere of its castle and its tiny winding streets or ‘calades’ totally irresistible. Next door, the village of Les Bories...
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Bonnieux Wineries
Bonnieux is yet another famous Luberon village, whose reputation is built on its wineries, the oldest in the Vaucluse. Its wine growers have amassed a veritable expertise over a period of more than 90 years. They will offer you their very best wines to taste, wines that have been produced under the Provençal...
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The village of Gordes and Sénanque Abbey
Gordes is one of the most beautiful villages in France, and its rock-coloured houses built into the limestone rock face, overlook the gentle Luberon landscape. I find the typical atmosphere of its castle and its tiny winding streets or ‘calades’ totally irresistible. Next door, the village of Les Bories...
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On the route
The antique shops of Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
This is a small Provençal town, near Avignon, crossed by the river Sorgue. Its tiny bridges, maze of winding streets and antique water wheels give it the romantic old-world charm of the time when it was populated by weavers and dyers. Nowadays, it is known for its arts and crafts and boasts dozens of...
Hotel and restaurant in a village. Le Prieuré in Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, tucked away in the mediaeval village, with its cottage garden and its trailing wisteria, emanates a rare charm. Jean-André and Geneviève Charial, who also own two properties in Les Baux-de-Provence, say that this former convent epitomises silence and relaxation. In the different rooms and suites contemporary style meets ancient tradition. The menu also pays tribute to the region, with dishes such as duck foie gras with Gariguette strawberries from Nîmes and pot-roasted Costières wood pigeon with fresh sage. Le Prieuré’s mouth-watering cuisine is served in surroundings which bring all the senses to life.
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Barbentane, an authentic Provençal village, is off the beaten track, and is set back from the Rhône, several kilometres from Avignon. Behind the fortified gates of Porte Calendale and Porte de Séquier, there is a maze of little streets with splendid town houses including the Maison des Chevaliers, with...
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The Old Town and the Palais des Papes
Avignon is known throughout the world for having been the seat of the Papacy between 1309 and 1376, and is proud of its impressive Palais des Papes, the Popes’ residence and Catholic power base for almost a century. It is surrounded by churches, chapels, convents and town houses, sheltered within the...
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Barbentane and its Château
Barbentane, an authentic Provençal village, is off the beaten track, and is set back from the Rhône, several kilometres from Avignon. Behind the fortified gates of Porte Calendale and Porte de Séquier, there is a maze of little streets with splendid town houses including the Maison des Chevaliers, with...
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The Old Town and the Palais des Papes
Avignon is known throughout the world for having been the seat of the Papacy between 1309 and 1376, and is proud of its impressive Palais des Papes, the Popes’ residence and Catholic power base for almost a century. It is surrounded by churches, chapels, convents and town houses, sheltered within the...
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On the route
Châteauneuf-du-Pape and its wineries
Wine from Châteauneuf-du-Pape is considered to be the supreme Côtes du Rhône wine, and its reputation stretches from the USA to Japan, and it leaves a firm impression on those who taste it. The winegrowers have taken the former papal lands to the north of Avignon with their attractive fortress, and worked...
Hotel and restaurant in a village. This 300-year-old house, tucked away in an alley of the majestic city of Uzès, was once the home of the Chambon de La Tour family. Now a historic monument, it has recovered all of its former glory. Behind its imposing façade, a monumental 17th-century staircase and hidden passage lead to guest rooms featuring contemporary decor and picturesque views over the roofs of the old town. The spa is nestled under Romanesque arches and draws its inspiration from ancient traditions of health and well-being. At La Table d’Uzès, Michelin-starred chef Christophe Ducros serves Provençal market cuisine, which can be enjoyed on the patio during summer.
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The Pont du Gard, a ‘Grand Site de France’, is a marvel of Roman architecture. The bridge was built in the 1st century over the river Gard. With its 142 m long arcades standing 49 m above the surface of the river, it is the most spectacular section of an aqueduct that took water from Uzès to Nîmes. It...
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Saint-Maximin winery
The wine growers of the commune of Bourdic, who have worked together as a cooperative since 1928, approached their colleagues in Saint-Maximin, a neighbouring village in Castillon-du-Gard, to pool their expertise in wine growing. Thus, they set up the small ‘Collines du Bourdic’ winery inside the ancient...
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The Pont du Gard
The Pont du Gard, a ‘Grand Site de France’, is a marvel of Roman architecture. The bridge was built in the 1st century over the river Gard. With its 142 m long arcades standing 49 m above the surface of the river, it is the most spectacular section of an aqueduct that took water from Uzès to Nîmes. It...
Read Moreless
Saint-Maximin winery
The wine growers of the commune of Bourdic, who have worked together as a cooperative since 1928, approached their colleagues in Saint-Maximin, a neighbouring village in Castillon-du-Gard, to pool their expertise in wine growing. Thus, they set up the small ‘Collines du Bourdic’ winery inside the ancient...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
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To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
Between Drôme and Vaucluse, a rive flows amidst the vineyards
This route was created by Alain Gousse, Sommelier of the Oustau de Baumanière
"Welcome to Provence, that land of wellbeing and AOC wines! I designed this Wine Route to give the best possible introduction to these terroirs, which stretch from the rolling hills of Rochegude, in the Drôme, to the harsh, dry slopes of Castillon-du-Gard. The sheer mention of these vineyards has superlatives tripping off the tongue. The rich wines of Côtes-du-Rhône, Gigondas, Rasteau and Baumes-de-Venise (subtle fortified wines…), the delicate blends of Luberon wine, powerful Châteauneuf-du-Pape, fruity Tavel rosé wines… – they cannot fail to appeal to the senses! And you cannot help but fall in love with the region."
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