Rhone Valley Region
Thanks to an extraordinary climate and fertile soil along the Rhône River, the vineyards of the Rhône Valley region produce some of the finest wines in the world. Stretching from the Camargue in the south to Lyon in the north, the Rhône Valley boasts over 1,000 vineyards intermingled with villages, lavender fields, and olive groves.
The Basics
Get a true taste of Rhône Valley wine country with a guided wine-tasting tour. Choose between private or small-group tours and set off into the countryside to learn about the region’s diverse wines, traditional winemaking techniques, and rich cultural history.
You’ll sample crisp roses and rich reds while taking in views of the picturesque Provençal landscape. If you’re interested in the history of the region, choose a tour that also includes a visit to one of the historical hilltop villages of Provence such as Sault or Roussillon.
Things to Know Before You Go
The Rhône Valley is a must-visit region for wine enthusiasts and history buffs.
Wear comfortable walking shoes; vineyard paths may be cobbled and uneven.
Bring a small notebook for taking wine-tasting notes.
If you plan to enjoy many tastings, book a tour that includes transportation for carefree travel.
How to Get There
The Rhône Valley is situated in the south of France along both sides of the Rhône River. Most wine-tasting tours of the valley set out from Avignon or Marseille and include round-trip transportation from your accommodations. Taking the French regional train is a great way to travel from town to town while enjoying views of vineyards and the stunning countryside.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Rhône Valley is a lovely destination year-round. The peak tourist season runs from June through September, both in terms of prices and crowds, and picks up again during the holiday season. Lavender blooms from late June through the beginning of August, depending on rainfall, but often peaks in the middle of July. WIth spring flowers in bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices, April and May are among the best times to visit.
Famous Wines of the Rhône Valley
The Rhône is divided into two distinctly different subregions, the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône, each with its own unique geography, climate, and grape varieties. The northern subregion only produces red wines from the syrah grape and several whites from marsanne, roussanne, and viognier, including famous appellations such as Crozes-Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie, and Condrieu. The southern region produces a variety of red, white, and rosé wines by Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas, Tavel, and more.
- Orange
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Senanque Abbey (Abbaye Notre-Dame de Sénanque)
- Roussillon
- Tavel
- St. Benezet Bridge (Pont d'Avignon)
- Palace of the Popes (Palais des Papes)
- Rocher des Doms
- Avignon Cathedral (Cathedrale Notre-Dame des Doms)
- Little Palace Museum (Musée du Petit Palais)
- Rhône River
- Les Halles Market
- Lavender Museum (Musee de la Lavande)
- Uzes
- Pont du Gard