Avignon: Pont du Gard, Orange Roman Theatre & Châteauneuf Wine

Summary

Roman ruins wine tasting and old stones in sunlit Provence

You’ll walk under Pont du Gard’s arches with wild thyme in the air, hear your footsteps echo inside Orange’s Roman Theatre, and taste local wines in Châteauneuf du Pape vineyards. With a local guide leading the way and all entry fees included, expect moments that stick with you long after you’re back in Avignon.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Avignon when the guide — Jean, with his soft accent and that battered straw hat — handed out cold water bottles and pointed out the olive trees blurring past. The minivan was quiet at first, everyone a bit shy, but the mood shifted as soon as we caught our first glimpse of Pont du Gard. It’s just there, suddenly massive over the river. I could smell wet stone and wild herbs in the air (someone said thyme?) while Jean explained how Romans built it all without mortar. I kept running my fingers along the ancient grooves — honestly, it made me feel tiny in time.

Orange was next, maybe half an hour away? The Roman Theatre is bigger than I expected — you can hear your own footsteps echoing on those old stones. There was a school group practicing lines from a play (in French), their voices bouncing around like birds. Jean told us about gladiators and emperors but also which café does the best tarte tropézienne nearby (I forgot to try it — next time). The sun hit everything golden; I squinted a lot but didn’t really mind.

Châteauneuf du Pape came last, which felt right somehow. The vineyard had this dusty warmth to it, and our host poured three wines while telling stories about mistral winds and stubborn vines. I tried to pronounce “Châteauneuf” properly; Li laughed at my attempt (I probably deserved it). The wine was earthy, sharp at first sip, then softer — not sure I have the words for it but I liked it more than I thought I would. We lingered longer than planned, nobody rushing back to Avignon just yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Pont du Gard and Orange Roman sites

• Depart from Avignon
• Visit Pont du Gard aqueduct
• Explore Roman Theatre in Orange
• Wine tasting in Châteauneuf du Pape
• Return to Avignon

Top questions

How long does this tour from Avignon take?

This is a half-day tour departing from Avignon.

Is wine tasting included on this day trip?

Yes, wine tasting is included at Châteauneuf du Pape.

Are entry fees for Pont du Gard and Orange Theatre covered?

Admission to both Pont du Gard and Roman Theatre in Orange are included.

Is pickup from my hotel available?

The tour includes transport by air-conditioned minivan but does not specify hotel pickup.

Can children join this tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

Is this suitable for travelers with strollers or prams?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

What’s the minimum age for wine tasting?

The minimum drinking age is 18 years old.

What’s included

Your day includes admission to both Pont du Gard and Orange’s Roman Theatre, bottled water to keep you cool under the Provençal sun, guided transport by minivan with a friendly driver-guide throughout, plus a generous wine tasting session at Châteauneuf du Pape before heading back to Avignon together.