Le clos de la vigne du Pape - Photo credit: Olivier Tresson - Avignon Tourisme
©

Le clos de la vigne du Pape - Photo credit: Olivier Tresson - Avignon Tourisme

|

Olivier Tresson

In the heart of the vineyards: the Côtes du Rhône and wine tourism

  1. Home
  2. Avignon with 1000 faces
  3. In the heart of the vineyards: the Côtes du Rhône and wine tourism

On the outskirts of Avignon, the vineyards of the Rhône Valley offer a wonderful opportunity for wine and local produce enthusiasts to explore. From Châteauneuf-du-Pape to Tavel, from Lirac to Gigondas, meet the winegrowers, step inside the estates, sample the local appellations or explore the vineyard landscapes on an excursion. In Avignon itself, wine bars, cellars and wine tourism venues allow you to discover the Côtes du Rhône without leaving the City of the Popes.

On the wine route

From Avignon, it’s just a few kilometres to some of the Rhône Valley’s most renowned vineyards. Follow the Côtes du Rhône tourist routes, from Avignon to Vienne, south of Lyon, and from Vaison-la-Romaine to the Pont du Gard, passing through the unmissable Châteauneuf-du-Pape, to discover our terroirs and our vibrant wines.

Visit a vineyard and meet the winegrowers

Visit the vineyards around Avignon, meet the winegrowers and get an insight into their craft. Cellar tours, walks through the vineyards, wine tastings or meetings with the producers: choose your own way to discover the wines of the Rhône Valley.

The Palace Square

On thePlace du Palais des Papes, theCarré du Palaisis an iconic venue in Avignon, entirely dedicated to Rhône Valley wines, gastronomy and wine tourism. With itsÉcole des Vins du Rhône, its100% Rhône wine tourism bar, its impressive cellar, its exceptional lounges and terraces, and its events throughout the year, it caters to visitors passing through Avignon, as well as conference delegates and the local public.

Carré du Palais cellar. Credit: Carine Meriaux
©

Carré du Palais cellar. Credit: Carine Meriaux

|

Carine Meriaux

At 16,395 Md
©

At 16,395 Md

|

Carine Meriaux

At 16,396 Md
©

At 16,396 Md

|

Thomas O'Brien

Did you know?

Vineyards have been part of Avignon’s history since the time of the popes. Having settled in the region during the Middle Ages, the popes contributed to the development of wine-growing in the Rhône Valley. Today, Avignon remains closely linked to this wine-growing heritage and to the appellations that have made the region’s reputation.

The Clos de la Vigne du Palais des Papes is one of the few AOC vineyards situated in the heart of a city, on the slopes of the Rocher des Doms. From this exceptional site, the vineyards offer a remarkable view of the Rhône and Avignon’s historic centre.

Le clos de la vigne du Pape - Photo credit: Olivier Tresson - Avignon Tourisme
©

Le clos de la vigne du Pape - Photo credit: Olivier Tresson - Avignon Tourisme

|

Olivier Tresson

Clos de la vigne du Pape
©

Clos de la vigne du Pape

|

Olivier Tresson

Clos de la vigne du Pape
©

Clos de la vigne du Pape

|

Philippe Bar

Wine tasting

Discover our selection of wine bars and top spots where you can sample wines from the Rhône Valley, share a glass and soak up the atmosphere of Avignon’s nightlife

Wine-themed events

Wine tastings, social gatherings, the harvest festival, wine-related events and get-togethers centred on the Côtes du Rhône: discover the highlights that showcase the region’s wines and expertise throughout the year.

A drink in the gardens

Every Thursday in August, come and (re)discover the region’s wines, served by the winegrowers themselves, in the enchanting setting of the Papal Gardens, at the foot of the Palais des Papes.

The Harvest Festival

The Côtes du Rhône Harvest Festival is the event marking the start of the grape harvest in the Rhône Valley; it is the main wine-related, cultural and festive event, held on the last Saturday in August.

The Rhône Summer Festival

Every year in June, Avignon – the capital of the Côtes du Rhône – comes alive with the Estivales du Rhône. These are evenings of fascinating encounters between culture, heritage and gastronomy, hosted by local winegrowers.

The Côtes du Rhône Live

Every year, the Côtes du Rhône Live event brings together winemakers, wine merchants, restaurateurs and the general public in the heart of the City of the Popes. On the programme: wine tastings, fine dining and music!