High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2016 High Point Holidays Walking Holidays Brochure 2017 | Page 26

Côtes du Rhône Wine Trail
Independent Walking

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ur Côtes du Rhône Wine Trail explores the eastern side of the
Rhône Valley from the Baronnies Regional Park in the north,
to the slopes of the impressive rock spires of Dentelles de Montmirail in the south, passing by the foothills of Mont Ventoux. You
have the choice between a 5-day or 8-day walk taking in some of
the most beautiful landscapes in the region as well as the best
known of the Côtes du Rhône wines such as Beaumes de Venise
and Vinsobres. You’ll also explore plenty of beautiful historic
villages and hamlets along the way, many of which are sheltering
under rocky towers or perched atop ridges, crowned by impressive castles. The wonderful hill-top village of Grignan is your
starting point for the longer version of the holiday, whilst Vaison
la Romain is where the short break holiday begins where you can
explore its famous Roman remains. Both holidays then circumnavigate the wonderful hills and rocky ridges of Dentelles de
Montmirail.

Walks: day-by-day
Day 1: Arrival – Transfer to Grignan and explore (8-day walking holiday)
Day 2: Rousset-les-Vignes - Venterol

♦ Dramatic walks around the rocky spires of

Transfer to Rousset-les Vignes and explore this pretty historic village. Traverse slopes
between steep forested hills and vine covered slopes where the sandstone has been eroded into strange hills and deep ravines. Reach your beautiful guest house located on a
vineyard on a historic fortified farm. Wine tasting. 14km +340m

♦ Sleepy historic villages perched in dramatic

Day 3: Venterol - Visan
Walk through vineyards of the famous Vinsobres Cru with great views towards the Mont
Ventoux. Night at a lovely guest house near Visan. Cote du Rhone Village. 19km +300m

Day 4: Visan - Vaison-la-Romaine
Head south crossing the Aygues Valley before passing through the pretty historic villages
of Buisson and Villedieu. Climb onto a ridge for great panoramic views before descending
to the wonderful town of Vaison la Romain with its Roman remains. 19km, +250m
Extra night possible in Vaison la Romaine

Day 5: Vaison-la-Romaine - Malaucène
This is day 2 (walk 1) of the 5-day holiday (day 1 transfer to Vaison la Romaine)
Head into the hills towards the famous Montmirail rock fins. You’ll pass through enclosed
vine-covered valleys & reach the wonderful perched village of Crestet. Cross Pas de Loup
pass & descend to the historic village of Malaucène below Mont Ventoux. 20km, +460m

Dentelles de Montmirail
settings

♦ A favourable climate - 300 days of sunshine
per year

♦ Visiting the wonderful historic villages of

Grignan, Vaison-la-Romaine and Beaumes
de Venise

♦ Great local cuisine and wines in beautiful
guest houses & hotels

Day 6: Malaucène - Lafare
Head back into the hills passing terraced orchards & the stunning Abbey of St Madeleine
before reaching Barroux, a pretty limestone village with its castle on top of the hill. You’ll
then explore the wonderful hamlet of La Roque Alric sheltering at the base of a rocky
tower before descending to Larafe in a vine covered valley. 15km, +330m

At a Glance
GUIDED / INDEPENDENT

Day 7: Lafare - Beaumes-de-Venise
Partial rest day possible by heading directly to Beaumes. Otherwise you can take a lovely
circular trail via a series of panoramic ridges and the perched hamlet of Suzette with great
views of the Montmirail rock spires. Descend to the historic village of Beaumes-de-Venise
and its celebrated Cote du Rhône wines. Up to 15km, +130m or +500m

Day 8: Beaumes-de-Venise - Gigondas
After an easy walk through vines above the village of Beaumes you’ll traverse back & forth
around the valleys under the towering fins of Montmirail through a pleasant mixture of
vines and forest. You’ll then descend to the picturesque historic village of Gigondas, home
of one of the 17 Cote du Rhône Crus. Short walk to your wonderful hotel. 15km, +290m

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