Active outings through the Vaucluse vineyards, in the heart of Provence
From the Enclave des Papes to the Luberon, from the Ventoux Regional Natural Park to the Monts de Vaucluse, you will quickly be seduced by these vineyard landscapes to discover a unique history, a unique know-how, special flavours... under the Provence sun.
So, follow us to the Vaucluse region! We will give you all the keys to combine "outdoor activities" and "wine pleasure"!
On the trail of the history of the vine
Wine culture over the centuries
When you hear that the vineyards of the Vaucluse are among the oldest in France, it makes you curious!
We could go back a long way, to the time of the Greeks and Romans, 600 years before Christ... But it was mainly in the Middle Ages (14th century), under the impetus of the popes, that the wine industry took off. Moreover, the only AOC vineyard within the city limits of France (the Clos de la Vigne du Palais des Papes), planted ten years ago, is in Avignon. And at that time too, travellers were welcomed from monastery to monastery with a good wine.
A rich terroir of various appellations and grape varieties
Hiking shoes on the feet for some, bike or mountain bike in hand for others, everyone is excited to see the vast expanses of vineyards.
On the way, you quickly understand why the land of the Vaucluse is so conducive to wine growing. Sunshine all year round, sandy and pebbled soils, limestone massifs or gently sloping hillsides, protected by the Mistral wind... In short, ideal conditions to produce the divine nectar!
While some of you are climbing the Massif d'Uchaux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, others are pedalling along the small country roads between the Monts de Vaucluse and the Luberon. When it's time for a break in one of the many cellars of the Vaucluse, the winegrowers explain the different appellations (AOC) and the variety of grape varieties (Grenache, Syrah...) often blended to give the wine its balance.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise... These few vintages of the Rhône Valley vineyards, mainly red, surprise in the mouth by their power and their character. The Ventoux wines, found between Malaucène and Apt, are not lacking in aroma and freshness, while the Luberon wines are fruity and greedy.
Explore the great vineyards of the Vaucluse
Video: ProvenceGuide - Vaucluse Provence Attractivité
Fill up on activities through the vineyards of the Vaucluse
After a good little tasting to awaken our sense of smell and our palate, we set off again on the paths and roads of the Vaucluse. A real playground for epicureans, lovers of outdoor sports activities!
All year round, the work of the vine and wine does not stop between pruning, disbudding, lifting and harvesting. The vineyards pass before our eyes and in this month of September, we can see the winegrowers working between the rows of vines. The harvest of the new vintage is in full swing, our noses are tingling, and this is not to our displeasure!
From the majestic Dentelles de Montmirail to the plains of the Luberon, the last steps and pedal strokes announce the end of this beautiful day in the Vaucluse. And believe us, there is no shortage of wine-tourism walks in the department! We give you some suggestions here.
Multiplying winegrowing experiences
The programme for this second day in the Vaucluse is as promising as the first. And to end this Provencal weekend in style, experiences as varied as they are original await us.
A bike ride in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards for the gourmets, a game of riddles on the aromas of the wines between friends, an electrically assisted mountain bike ride with an unobstructed view of the Mont Ventoux (the Giant of Provence, the "Mont Chauve" for those who know it well)... but also cultural or horseback rides, initiations to the terroir or even food and wine workshops. There is something for everyone!
On our side, it is accompanied by a wine grower that we are going to explore the vineyards of the Vaucluse in a gyropod around Vaison-la-Romaine. Sensations guaranteed!
Small dishes and great wines in Vaucluse
All these walks have given us an appetite! At lunchtime or dinnertime, we are quick to try the local specialities accompanied by good wines.
The lamb stew à l'avignonnaise (navarin in Avignon) goes perfectly with an excellent red wine from the Côtes du Rhône or a Ventoux. The grand aïoli, a Provençal speciality, is best served with a rosé wine, while trout à la vauclusienne is best served with white wine.
What to treat your taste buds after having taken full eyes!