Exploring the Southern France in Avignon

Reviewed by: Maison de la France - India Rating:

Southern France offers to its inhabitants and visitors a great amount of attractions and things to do to have a great time in this wonderful region of this wonderful european country, thanks to its variety of tourism options, from classic tours to golf tours, well-being tours or wine and gastronomy tours.

Being worldwide famous for its first quality wine, a tour throughout these lands can be a marvellous experience for everyone who is really interested in understanding and appreciate better the different wines that France offers, their production and trade process, meeting local famous wineries and producers.

The perfect itinerary to explore the Southern France, is the one suggested by the “Maison de France” which match cultural, natural and wine tasting moments.

Touring from Vienne to Avignon gives travellers the opportunity to walk across the southern France, to admire the wonderful and historical landmarks, famous since the roman times, for its delicious wine, and with several roman ruins such as the Roman Theatre.

Further South, travellers pass trough Condrieu, where they visit the ancient village, then following the Rhone arrive at Malleval, a medieval village nestled in an hill, where tourists will be stunned by the unforgettable views and panoramas and enjoy the Pilat regional nature park, perfect for hiking.

On the other side of the river, tourists can continue their natural interlude, before reaching the Châteauneuf-sur-Isère location of the Vineum. Once there, tourists visit the deep galleries where this prestigious wine is preserved from ages at constant temperature, and get the opportunity to taste Côtes du Rhône wines in a very particular and unusual context.

Reaching Nyons tourists visit an ancient mill, and an olive museum, all immerged in a traditional atmosphere.

Continuing to South, travellers pass trough Vaison-la-Romaine, where are placed a great amount of important historical sites and Towns of Art, probably the largest French archaeological site.

Following the South directions there are three Vineyards lying close together, Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Beaume-de-Venise, the latter famous for its delicious dessert wine.

A guided tour to Avignon is strongly advised and suggested, where tourists appreciate well preserved medieval palaces and walls, and most of all Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO world heritage site.

While reaching Nymes, where the roman architecture still characterized the city, you visit Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which produces one of the best Côtes du Rhône vintages.

In Aix en Provence the vineyards such as Coteaux d’ Aix, Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois are vast and the wines are very varied, and thanks to its wonderful countryside, this area seduces every tourist, with its beautiful old houses and squares shaded with plane trees.

In the Arcs-sur-Argens with its Maison des Vins de Provence, tourists and visitors can purchase their preferred Côtes de Provence wines.

Then, if they still want to keep going with their southern France tour, cannot miss a visit to Frejus, with its majestic cathedral and Roman theatre, or in case they are sea lover, following the coastal route to Marseille, stopping in Bandol and Cassis to taste their famous and delicious wines.

Category: Guides