Top 5 Wine Walks

Puyloubier Wine Walk in the Bouches-du-Rhône

Perched on a rocky spur at a height of 400 metres on the southern slopes of Sainte-Victoire mountain, the village of Puyloubier is graced with magnificent viewpoints. This haven of tranquillity steeped in vast expanses of woodland and grey-blue mountains is planted with 2,470 acres of vines, forming the largest winegrowing terroir in the Bouches-du-Rhône area. Hop onto the Sentier Vigneron de Puyloubier starting out from the wine cooperative – the walk features a 5 km short loop and longer 13 km hike. During the walk, you’ll learn all about the winegrowers’ tasks through the seasons, while revelling in pretty glimpses of Puyloubier and the Vallée de l’Arc against the backdrop of Sainte-Victoire mountain. Don’t forget to take a pic! Along the way, you’ll notice a wild blackthorn hedge – its fruit is used to produce a delicious local liqueur. Dotted with downy oaks, maples, elms and olive trees, the trail runs alongside the Foreign Legion vineyards and promises gorgeous scenery galore. Make the most of your excursion to visit the Foreign Legion museum and savour a drink or lunch at a local eatery. Last but not least, wind up your tour with a well-earned glass of rosé at the cooperative.

Château Pesquié Walk in the heart of Ventoux

Nestling at the foot of Mont-Ventoux, to the South-East of the Rhône Valley, Château Pesquié has been producing refreshing, delicate wines typical of this exceptional terroir for an impressive three generations. The Sentier de Château Pesquié promises a full immersion in the vines, with fascinating insights into the soil and grapes of this family-run vineyard. On the programme: thirteen stages dotted with superb panoramic vistas over Mont Ventoux, the village and estate. Savour a country-style picnic showcasing local produce in the Château grounds, in the welcome shade of veteran plane trees – a gourmet treat courtesy of Château Pesquié.

Pierrevert Wine Walk in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

It’s time to head to Pierrevert, the winegrowing capital of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence area. This gorgeous Provencal village is bedecked with charming old ramparts and the ruins of an ancient mill. AOC wines thrive here on a small terroir spanning 1,037 acres. The Sentier Vigneron de Pierrevert – a peaceful wine walk spanning 4.5 km – departs from the Petra Viridis wine cooperative and offers fabulous insights into local grape varieties, how the vines are worked and the various wines produced. The walk’s chic burgundy signposts, crafted in wrought iron and decorated with bunches of grapes, add a seductive finishing touch to this enchanting excursion – a real must for wine buffs. Stop off at Chapelle Saint-Patrice amid the vines to admire the soothing surrounding scenery. Wine tasting at the Cave Coopérative des Vignerons de Pierrevert awaits you at the end of the walk – a great opportunity to meet with the local wine experts, always delighted to welcome visitors keen to learn more about their art.

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Une publication partagée par Notre belle France (@nos_belles_regions)

Discovery Trail, Côtes du Rhône Gardoise

Petit village du Gard typique de la Provence occitane, Lirac possède l’un des crus les plus méridionaux de la Vallée du Rhône. Son magnifique vignoble en terrasses et en coteaux implanté sur les plateaux calcaires du Gard, fascine les curieux et les connaisseurs qui ont le sentiment de voyager en Toscane. Depuis les dernières terrasses de Lirac, le sentier serpente dans la garrigue odorante où les petites parcelles de vignes se nichent au creux des reliefs calcaires. Parcourez le vignoble en faisant connaissance avec le village et le site de la Sainte Baume. Rendez-vous au caveau des vignerons pour commencer l’expédition. Au programme, six haltes d’interprétation, parmi elles, le terroir et les exploitations viticoles, le Château de Ségriès, la garrigue et l’Ermitage de la Sainte Baume. La randonnée est adaptée à tous les niveaux, elle dure 2h20 et parcourt 6,8 km. Pour vous accompagner, munissez-vous du Cartoguide Les Côtes du Rhône Gardoises (en vente dans les Offices de tourisme).

Typical of western Provence, the little village of Lirac in the Gard area grows one of the Rhône Valley’s southernmost wines. Its magnificent terroir panning out in terraces on the Gard’s chalky slopes offers curiosity-seekers and wine aficionados alike a genuine taste of Tuscany. Starting out from the lowest terraces of Lirac, the Balade Pedestre Dans Les Vignes discovery trail snakes its way through sweet-scented garrigue dotted with vine plots tucked away in the limestone relief, and encompasses the village and Sainte-Baume hill range. The expedition starts at the Caveau des Vignerons wine cooperative. On the programme: six informative stop-offs, including the local terroir and vineyards, Château de Ségriès, the garrigue and Sainte-Baume hermitage and grotto. The walk is suitable for all levels, lasts 2 hours 20 minutes and spans 6.8 km. Grab a copy of the Côtes du Rhône Gardoises guide to accompany you (on sale at local tourist offices).

Balade Dans les Vignes in Figuière, Var area

Nestling between hills swathed in vines, the town of La Londe-les-Maures gazes out over the islands of Porquerolles and Port-Cros. This gorgeous walk in the vines of Figuière features two options – 6 or 12 kilometres. And although at first sight you might opt for the shorter one, the trail is so beautiful you won’t want it to end! Roam the local terroir with your road book in hand, offering compelling insights into Domaine de Figuière, Côtes de Provence wines, and organic winegrowing and winemaking techniques. The cherry on the cake ? A picnic with local goodies in the vines for the perfect pairing of taste and terroir. What’s more, you can enjoy savouring some Domaine de Figuière wines in the tasting room after your adventure…

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Une publication partagée par La Londe les Maures (@villedelalondelesmaures)