Book online - full day tour
Pont du Gard, Roman history & Villeneuve Les Avignon, médiévale cité, La Chartreuse, Fort St André and the fine wine of Châteauneuf du Pape
Tour summary
This is an exceptional unique tour captures the essence of Provence from the Romans to the medieval times begining with a visit to Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct built in the 1st century which at the time was the world's tallest bridge. It brought water to the 20,000 inhabitants of the ancient city of Nîmes. From here we make our way to the delightful small town of Villeneuve Les Avignon which sits across the River Rhône offering exceptional views across the Valley to the city of Avignon. It is here that the famous bridge Pont St Bénezet once ended at the Tour Philippe le Bel, a 13th century dungeon tower. A guided walking tour with a visit to La Chartreuse, a medieval monastery founded by Pope Innocent VI in the 1300's, housing one of the biggest charter houses in France. A harmonious series of open and enclosed garden spaces & architectural styles. One church, three cloisters, 40 monks' cells, gardens & a chapel with 14th century frescoes painted by Matteo Giovannetti. This is also an ideal setting for a light lunch as the town offers a variety of traditional eateries, before heading towards the wine growing region to the north and the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, ending the day with a relaxing visit to one of the best vineyards of the region, a wine tasting and a stop at a local artisanal chocolate maker. History, culture, tradition, fine wine and chocolate.
Tour itinerary
We will arrive to collect you from your hotel, chambre d'hôte, villa or apartment.
We leave by car arriving first to Pont du Gard, visit to visit the Roman bridge. Drive back and stop in Villeneuve Les Avignon, walking tour via Fort St André through the village to La Chartreuse. Leisurely visit to the site with a stop for lunch at leisure before heading north towards the village of Châteauneuf du Pape.
Short stop in the village with a visit to a winemaker to learn about the Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines and their close connection with the Pope's in Avignon during the 14th century. We include a visit to the cellars, followed by a tasting of some of the finest wines of this unique appellation. On the way back time for some shopping at a local artisanal chocolate maker. From Châteauneuf-du-Pape return to your hotel or villa.
Tour schedule
The total duration of the tour is 8 hours, assuming pick-up in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon or Marseille. There is a scheduled break for lunch, price not included.
What's included
Pick-up & drop-off at your hotel in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon or Marseille. If you're staying elsewhere we can coordinate a pick-up from your address. (There may be a supplement payable)
Travel & admission to all of the sites and destinations proposed with dedicated guide/driver & return to your hotel address. Air-conditioned SUV vehicle with phone chargers & bottled water throughout the day. Refreshments, snacks & lunch not included.
Language: English or French
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