Chateauneuf-du-Pape: Day Trips and Tours from Avignon

The territory around Avignon isn’t only famous for its fabled beauty and as an erstwhile residence of popes, but also as a wonderful wine region.

One of the most legendary wines from this region hails from the vineyards that surround a storied castle — and the location is ideal to explore during a day trip to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Avignon.

A day trip to these rolling hills may incorporate everything from papal history to wine-tasting tours and visits to locations of famous paintings — leaving visitors with an unforgettable jaunt into the Provençale countryside.

Here's all you need to know about Chateauneuf-du-Pape, one of the most exciting day trips from Avignon.

How to get to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Avignon?

Chateauneuf-du-Pape, meaning the “Pope’s New Castle” is a world-famous wine region in Provence, France.

From Avignon to Chateauneuf-du-Pape by car

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is just around the corner from Avignon, making it easy to explore this countryside.

From Avignon take the D907 heading north along the banks of the Rhône River. In Sorgues, change onto the D17 and remain on it until you reach the Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine region.

The entire journey is roughly 20 kilometers long and will take about 20 minutes to complete.

From Avignon to Chateauneuf-du-Pape by bus

Given the close proximity of Avignon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape, it’s fairly easy to travel between the two destinations with public transport. While being less expensive, this option will take much longer.

From Gare d'Avignon Station, board the TER service to Sorgues. Once you arrive in the town, take the 922 bus to Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The entire journey will take just under 1 hour to complete.

Guided tour to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Avignon

A guided tour to Chateauneuf-du-Pape is an ideal way to explore this famous region, as well as the various must-see locations nearby. All of the logistics for your day out will be taken care of, and you’ll have access to a knowledgeable guide throughout.

Some of the wine-tasting tours in Chateauneuf-du-Pape are also accompanied by a qualified sommelier — adding unequaled value to your day out.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your day out in the Provençale countryside will depart from a pre-determined location in Avignon’s historic center. Here you’ll meet your guide and your fellow tour members and go over a brief itinerary of your day out. The size of the tour group and the type of vehicle and guide will all depend on the trip that you’ve chosen.

Usually, your first stop is the wineries of Chateauneuf-du-Pape where you’ll walk the vineyards, learning about every step that goes into a bottle of wine. Here, you’ll also discover how treason and deceit in Rome gave birth to one of the world’s most vaunted wine regions. Depending on the type of tour, you’ll settle down for a delicious lunch prepared in the traditional Provençale manner, before heading into the countryside.

This region of France has long been celebrated for its beauty and you’ll explore this facet in-depth, as you head to Saint-Remy-de-Provence and Arles. These towns have been immortalized through the genius of Vincent Van Gogh with masterpieces like Starry Night and Van Gogh’s Bedroom painted here.  

What kinds of tours are available to go to Chateauneuf-du-Pape?

There are several tours to the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region, making it easy to find an excursion that suits your needs. Whilst not all tours to this region are wine tours, almost all trips to Chateauneuf-du-Pape will include a visit to a vineyard.

Half-day wine tour to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Avignon

A half-day excursion to the vineyards of Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the perfect option for travelers who have limited time and money to spend. While this tour may only include the basics, it still offers an amazing exploration of the region as well as its must-see attractions.

Start with an exploration of the now ruinous site that was once the summer palace of the Papacy, before heading to a nearby vineyard. Learn about the different types of grapes grown here and how they combine to create a distinctive end product during a winery tour. Finally, you’ll experience the celebrated tincture yourself during wine tastings at two different wineries.  

Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Provence full-day tour from Avignon

This excursion into Avignon’s countryside aims to explore two of its most famous exports — the wine from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vincent van Gogh’s masterpieces from Arles and Saint-Remy-de-Provence, and the monastery of St. Paul de Mausole.

After exploring the locations that lead to some of Van Gogh’s most famous masterpieces, you’ll explore an artwork of a different kind — the wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy two wine tastings at different vineyards before heading back to Avignon.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape full day wine tour from Avignon with lunch

This small-group wine-tasting tour is perfect for a group of friends or a family, as it's limited to eight people. There’s also an option for a private tour, making it the ideal romantic getaway for couples looking to experience this part of Provence.

Following a hotel pickup, you’ll head out into the countryside, stopping at vineyards along the way. The first of these is the vine-covered fields of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, with the vineyards of Gigondas and Vacqueyras following in quick succession. During your vinicultural wanderings, you’ll stop for a delicious two-course meal, before ending the day with a walking tour in Avignon.

Sommelier led Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine tour from Avignon

If you really want to get the best out of your visit to this famous wine region, look no further than this tour. Your guide will be a fully qualified sommelier, well-versed in the secrets of the vine and eager to share their knowledge with you.

This wine tour presents one of the most in-depth explorations of the wine region, with every stop perfectly chosen to highlight different qualities — ranging from terroir and cultivars to the gradient of the slopes of the vineyards. The tour is perfect for new and experienced wine lovers alike, with your guide's passion illuminating the multi-faceted world of wine appreciation.

How much does a day trip to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Avignon cost?

Day trips to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Avignon tend to cost anywhere from €90 to €170 per person, depending on the duration of the trip.

A half-day wine tour to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Avignon will cost €90 per person, making it the least expensive way of exploring this famous wine region. The trip is limited to eight people, but you’ll travel to the starting point on your own.

A Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Provence full-day tour from Avignon will cost €150 per person with a maximum of eight people. This tour covers the largest distance and includes visits to other Provençale towns, as well as the famous vineyards.

A Chateauneuf-du-Pape full-day wine tour from Avignon with lunch will cost €170 per person with the outing limited to eight persons. An upgrade to a private excursion is available and lunch as well as transport to and from your hotel in Avignon is covered.

A sommelier-led Chateauneuf-du-Pape wine tour will cost €175 per person with a limit of seven people per trip. Most of the fee goes into covering the expertise of the tour guide and the traveling costs.

What will you see and do?

Wine tasting tour

Wine is central to this region of Provence and no visit to these beautiful hills is complete without a wine-tasting tour. Other culinary experiences like food tours and cooking classes are also available — leaving travelers well-sated after a day out in Avignon’s countryside.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Today, Chateauneuf-du-Pape has an illustrious reputation amongst wine drinkers across the globe, but this was not always the case.

When Pope Clement VI moved the center of Christendom to Provence he decided to reinvigorate the local viticulture — himself being a lover of the wines of Bordeaux, where he served as Archbishop before becoming Bishop of Rome.

Subsequent popes added to the blossoming local wine industry and it soon became a well-established wine region. Whether this is because of the quality of the wine produced, or because people wanted to taste the “Wine of the Popes” is still debated. In truth, the only way to be certain is to visit the region yourself and sample some of the legendary wines.

When is the best time to visit Chateauneuf-du-Pape?

The best time to visit Chateauneuf-du-Pape is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, you'll experience mild and pleasant weather. These are also particularly good times for wine tastings.

Are there any tours to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from other cities in France?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in France:

• Day trips to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Marseille
• Day trips to Chateauneuf-du-Pape from Aix-en-Provence

What other day trips can you do from Avignon?

• Luberon day tour from Avignon
• Lavender Fields day tour from Avignon
• Pont du Gard day tour from Avignon
• Nimes day tour from Avignon
• Uzes day tour from Avignon

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you're planning to tour vineyards. The terrain can be uneven, and you'll be on your feet for extended periods.
• Winemakers and cellar staff appreciate visitors who show genuine interest. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the wines, the terroir, or the wine-making process.
• Beyond the wineries, the village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape has a rich history. Visit the ruins of the old papal castle, which offers panoramic views of the Rhône Valley.