Marseille: Avignon and Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting Tour

Key Points

• Explore Avignon’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Pope’s Palace and Pont d’Avignon are key highlights.
• Enjoy wine tastings in Chateauneuf du Pape: Experience the renowned red wines of the Rhône Valley.
• Visit a prestigious vineyard: The tour includes a stop at a notable Côtes du Rhône vineyard for wine sampling.
• Indulge in local cuisine: Lunch is at Les Halles indoor market, offering a variety of local produce and delicacies.
• Small group experience: Limited to 8 participants, with guide-led insights in both English and French.
• Flexible options: Full-day or half-day tours available, with pick-up from Marseille or meeting points.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Avignon’s UNESCO Sites and Old Town

This tour begins in Marseille with a focus on visiting Avignon, a city famed for its medieval architecture and history. The Palais des Papes, one of the largest gothic structures in France, serves as the tour’s first major stop. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once home to the popes during medieval times, offering breathtaking views of its imposing architecture and grand halls.

After exploring the palace, the journey continues to the Pont d’Avignon, a medieval bridge that still crosses the Rhone River. Known for its picturesque setting and historical significance, the Pont d’Avignon is an iconic symbol of the city. Walking through Avignon’s charming old town, visitors can appreciate its narrow alleys, medieval buildings, and lively atmosphere. The guide provides insights into the city’s medieval past and architectural highlights.

Local Market Lunch at Les Halles

Following the sightseeing, the tour includes a stop at Les Halles, a vibrant indoor market renowned for its local produce, meats, cheeses, and fresh ingredients. This setting provides a perfect backdrop for a lunch break, where visitors can enjoy a variety of local foods. While the tour does not include food or drinks, the market offers a chance to sample regional specialties or purchase ingredients to enjoy later.

The indoor market features a vertical garden and numerous stalls, making it an excellent spot for relaxed browsing and sampling. The guide can recommend nearby cafes or restaurants if a sit-down meal is preferred before continuing the day’s activities.

Wine Tasting at the Chateauneuf du Pape Vineyard

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Chateauneuf du Pape vineyard, a name synonymous with high-quality French red wine. Here, visitors experience a sensory journey through the vineyard’s wine museum and tasting rooms. The landscape around the vineyard features hills and sprawling vineyards, providing scenic views of the Provençal countryside.

Traveling through the southern part of the Rhône Valley, the group visits several Côtes du Rhône AOPs, including possible stops at Gigondas, Cairanne, Rasteau, and Vacqueyras. These areas are known for their red wines, with a history dating back to Roman times. The tour emphasizes the region’s long-standing tradition of wine production and the unique terroir influencing each sip.

Logistics, Transport, and Group Size

This full-day tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, with options for full-day or half-day experiences. The tour begins with pick-up from your accommodation or designated meeting points in Marseille, with transportation included. The group is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a comfortable, intimate experience led by a friendly guide who speaks both English and French.

The transportation is arranged for smooth travel between sites, with a focus on relaxed pacing. The tour is ideal for those seeking a small group experience with personalized insights into the region’s history, architecture, and wine culture.

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Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Detail

The Palais des Papes stands as a monumental gothic building, showcasing the grandeur of medieval ecclesiastical architecture. As one of the largest gothic palaces in France, it offers a glimpse into the power and influence of the papacy during the Middle Ages.

The Pont d’Avignon provides a picturesque view of the Rhone River and the city. Its centuries-old stonework tells stories of trade, pilgrimage, and medieval engineering. Though only part of the original bridge remains, it remains a popular photo spot and a symbol of Avignon’s enduring history.

Scenic Drive Through the Rhone Valley

Traveling from Avignon to the Chateauneuf du Pape vineyard, the tour offers views of rolling hills, vineyards, and Provençal landscapes. This scenic route highlights the natural beauty and viticultural richness of the Côtes du Rhône region. The drive itself becomes an integral part of the experience, providing ample opportunities for photos and appreciating the landscape.

The area’s winemaking tradition dates back to Roman times, and the terrain’s unique qualities contribute to the distinct flavor profiles of the local wines. The terrain features hills and vineyards that provide ideal conditions for grape growing.

The Wine Museum Experience

At the vineyard, visitors can explore the wine museum, which details the history and production techniques of the region’s wines. The wine tastings include multiple samples, with some possibly incurring additional charges. The guide helps explain the different wine styles, the influence of terroir, and the aging process, making it an educational as well as sensory experience.

Flexibility and Additional Options

The tour offers optionally, to include food and drinks at local restaurants or cafes after the market visit, although these are not part of the standard package. The pay later option allows for flexible booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, making it easy to plan without stress.

The Sum Up: A Well-Rounded Day in Provence

The Marseille: Avignon and Côtes du Rhône Wine Tasting Tour offers a balanced combination of historic exploration, local cuisine, and wine tasting in one package. The inclusion of UNESCO sites, along with visits to a prestigious vineyard, makes this tour particularly appealing for those interested in culture, architecture, and wine.

This experience suits small groups seeking an intimate, guided day trip that combines sightseeing with tasting and learning. The scenery along the route and the quality of the wines make this a memorable way to enjoy the south of France.

While food and entrance fees are not included, the tour provides a rundown of the region’s heritage and wine traditions. It offers a relaxed pace, with friendly guides who share their knowledge throughout the day, making it suitable for both casual visitors and wine enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts 6 to 8 hours, depending on the selected option and pace.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, but the tour stops at Les Halles for a market visit, where you can purchase local produce or enjoy nearby cafes.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transport is included, with pick-up options from your accommodation or designated meeting points in Marseille.

What language does the guide speak?
The guide speaks both English and French, ensuring clear communication for all participants.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key highlights include Avignon’s UNESCO sites, the Chateauneuf du Pape vineyard, and the scenic Rhone Valley landscapes.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
The tour involves walking through old town streets and vineyards, so comfortable shoes are recommended, but no strenuous activity is required.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance tickets to sites like the Pope’s Palace or Pont d’Avignon are not included and must be purchased separately if desired.

How many people are in each group?
The experience is limited to 8 participants, creating an intimate setting for personalized insights.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins with pick-up from your Marseille accommodation or a designated meeting point, as arranged during booking.

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