9 Wine & Tourist Trails

In the north of this wine region the “Saffron” trail” follows the Rhône river until it reaches the Ardèche Gorges. This is where the “Coral” trail takes over to lead you past its grottos and gorges. Then the “Sepia”, “Mauve”, “Emerald” and “Indigo” trails take you into southern Drôme for a rendezvous with history and nature. Next comes the area around the the “Dentelles de Montmirail” (a range of sharp limestone peaks), where you can discover the wines and its perched villages. Continue along the “Purple” trail which saw the birth of Côte du Rhône wines, and finish up along the “Azure” trail and Avignon, the capital of this wine region.

The “Safran” Trail (Saffron)

A century ago the wine of Vienne was highly reputed in the restaurants of Rome ! As it burrowed out the Rhône corridor the river fashioned the features of the local vineyards. The hills here are steep and tortuous and the vines are a spectacular sight perched on these sheer slopes. One has to take the longest way round in order to see such unusual landscapes...

The “Corail” Trail (Coral)

Such picturesque sites following the Coral Trail until it sees the river Ardèche flow into the Rhône. This is the last mooring for canoes and the beginning of the wild Vivarais countryside. It’s a land of grottos, gorges, small dry-stone dwellings and the village of Bourg Saint Andeol that will beguile visitors in search of authenticity. The Côtes du Rhône wines thrive on these high hillsides - some memorable tastings await the wine enthusiast.

The « Emeraude » Trail (Emerald)

This route will take you to the Cèze Valley. You are on the right bank of the Rhône river where the Côtes du Rhône Villages of Chuslan, Laudun and Saint Gervais proudly expose their soil to the sun. Here the ‘garrigue’ countryside flatters the vines and in an undying and secret ritual transmits the fragrances of thyme, rosemary and savoury. Soak up this peaceful atmosphere whilst wending your way around the Chartreuse de Valbonne, the Gicon chateau, or the numerous hamlets of Sabran...

The « Poupre » Trail (Purple)

In the XVII century the consuls of Roquemaure certified the barrels of wine from the region by marking on them in red the letters “CDR”, “Côtes du Rhône”. They were the forerunners in giving producers a certificate of origin before the wine was exported abroad. It is on this particular trail that you will come across two of the most prestigious vintage wines, namely, Lirac, and Tavel the best rosé wine in France.

The « Mauve » Trail

Close your eyes and let your senses guide you ! You are in the land of lavender, olive trees, and oaks where truffles grow. A land that lies in the foothills of Venaisson and the Dauphiné where you will discover some impressionistic landscapes dotted with splendid mansions. Witnesses of a rich past are the numerous chateaux that line this trail, like in Suze la Rousse where the property, formerly owned by the Princes of Orange, is now the University of Wine to which students worldwide flock to each year.

The « Indigo » Trail

The “Indigo” trail is an invitation to an incredible journey back in time ! You are in the town of Orange during the grandeur of the Roman Empire : pass under the Arc de Triomphe and the town just opens up before you. See the splendour of the antique theatre which is a fine match to that of Vaison la Romaine. On the other hand, it’s the Middle Ages that are the main feature in Bollène, and don’t leave there till you visited the ‘Barry’ cave dwellings ! On this trail you will discover three of the sixteen Côtes du Rhône “Villages” wines : Cairanne, Rasteau and Roaix. You are in store for some wonderful surprises !

The « Turquoise » Trail

How pretty these villages are, crowned with their bell towers made of wrought iron, so designed to allow the gusty Mistral winds to blow straight through ! Gigondas, dominated by its vestiges, Séguret classified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” and Beaumes de Venise with its superb Notre Dame chapel. Here the Côtes du Rhône wines are at their very best for the enjoyment of all wine lovers. You are in the heart of the “Comptadine Provence” with its narrow lanes, shaded squares and quaint fountains.

The « Sépia » Trail

This trail travels through a very strange French administrative curiosity. The territory of 4 communes that are part of the Vaucluse is in fact enclosed in the Drôme ! See the rows of vineyards bordered with rose bushes, lavender and broom, which give this landscape a charm beyond compare. Côtes du Rhône wines abound here starting with the popular Côtes du Rhône Villages brands : Visan and Valréas.

The « Azure » Trail

In the XIV century Avignon became the centre of Christianity. All along this trail you will come across numerous buildings that reflect the papal misdemeanours during this era. The imposing Palace of the Popes, the famous Saint Bénézet bridge (Pont d’Avignon), the beautifully conserved ramparts, as well as a great many churches and chapels all of which are architectural gems. Today Avignon is the “Capital of the Côtes du Rhône wine growing region. It is also host each year to the celebrated International Theatre Festival.

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