Avignon, Chateauneuf-du-Pape & l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
«Pope’s wine, palace and The Venice of the comtat»
The city rises right from the Rhône-bank on a limestone rock, with its ramparts protecting the city of Popes from the Provencal wind Mistral, Avignon is a must for people visited Provence.
This old city which used to be the Popes’ capital, has many impressive monuments and buildings; the most famous are the Popes’ Palace, The Cathedral des Doms, SaintBenezet Bridge, remnants of the city’s turbulent past.
Avignon houses the most famous theater festival in France, this event gathers an international crowd and the town turns as a fantastic citylarge stage in the open within the ramparts and so for several weeks in
summertime.
Overlooking the Rhone Valley north of Avignon stands the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, founded in the 11th century it used to be the Pope’s summer residence and his vineyards. Since 1923 it has been granted the « Appelation d’Origine Contrôlée » a certification as well
deserved as its fame.
Not far from there, l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue or the « Provençal petite Venise » stands with known for its antique dealers its canals dotted withn bridges and old water wheels . They are the living remains of when the city used to be an important place of hand cloth weavers, dyers, tanners, hand paper makers.
Avignon tours : your route around Avignon
9:00 pm – You will be welcome at the place you’ll stay by your English speaking driver-guide there the last details of your route will be set.
Departure for Avignon where you will visit the Cathedral and the Rocher des Doms with its roof garden overlooking the Rhone river and the ramparts and of course the Palace of the Popes, the most impressive Gothic building in the world. Then trolling about the old neighborhood around the Horloge clocksquare.
Then « Sur le pont d’Avignon » as the song goes, here you are on the bridge named after a shepherd the song doesn’t mention, Saint-Benezet Bridge.
We will set off for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, first let enjoy the vista from the Castel’s ruins, on the top of the village over the Rhone valley and the vineyards.
Then you will head for one of the oldest wine domaine of with the coveted name. A visit of the place followed by a wine tasting of one of the most prestigious crus Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
On the way back, we will stop in L’isle-sur-la-Sorgue to discover the city under the plane-tree with cicadas humming, along the canals, and why not get hold of ‘the gem’ in one of the many antique dealers, souvenir of this one-of-itskind day and journey on the Provence roads.
Around 6:00 pm – Back to your accommodation.
Discover our provence wine tours.
Must be seen
The Palace of the Pope’s
Construction was started in 1335 and completed in less than twenty years under the leadership of two builder popes, Benedict XII and his successor Clement VI. The Palace stands as the mighty symbol of the Church’s influence throughout the western Christian world of the 14th century. It is the biggest Gothic palace in Europe. It takes up to two hours to visit the entire place. Then visit of the of the Rocher des Doms and the Cathedral named after, located next to the Palace and overlooking The Rhone river.
La Bouteillerie (Palace of the Pope’s)
This old artillery room is now converted into a wine bar just behind the Palace of the Popes. Since 1999 La Bouteillerie has been a friendly place where sommeliers have given information and advice, it is dedicated to wine tasting of the Rhone valley crus . There you can buy wine at wineries’ price.
Avignon Wine tours
Bon appetit ! Restaurants in Avignon
La Mirande (Avignon)
Gastronomic restaurant (1 star Michelin) this place is also a hotel located right behind the Pope’s palace, in the former house of a Cardinal. The decor is elegant in an 18th century Provencal style, refined with antique furniture and art objects . Pleasant shaded terrace.
L’Essentiel (Avignon)
Offering a generous cuisine with regional South French and Italien flavors and sunny accents. A charming patio and slick modern decor.
La Garbure (Chateauneuf-du-Pape)
Located in the heart of the village with a very pleasant terrace. Regional menus and an in season cuisine offering local traditional products.
La Prevote (Isle-sur-la-Sorgue)
Former 16th century monastery offering a gastronomic menu based on fresh products from the local market to be tasted in the courtyard among flowers with a nice view over a branch of the Sorgue River.
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