Provence: Chateauneuf du Pape Wine & Luberon Day Trip

Summary

Chateauneuf du Pape wines and ochre villages from Avignon

You’ll sip local wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape with a small group and guide, then wind through Luberon’s stone villages and ochre-colored Roussillon. Expect honest flavors, quiet moments between stops, and time to wander at your own pace—plus all transport is sorted so you can just relax into Provence’s rhythm.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always pictured Provence as just lavender fields, but standing in Châteauneuf-du-Pape that morning, I realized it’s more about the way the air smells — kind of earthy and sweet, with a hint of grape must. Our guide, Camille, handed me a glass at the first winery and said something about “terroir” (I nodded like I understood). The wine was rich but not heavy, and I tried to pick out flavors like she suggested. Honestly, I mostly tasted sunshine and dust. We laughed when I admitted it.

The drive through the Luberon after lunch felt almost too pretty — olive trees flickering past, stone villages perched on hillsides. Camille pointed out Gordes in the distance; she said her grandmother used to walk there for market days. There was a photo stop somewhere near Roussillon where everyone got quiet for a second, just watching how the red cliffs glowed against the sky. It’s funny how you remember those silences more than any fact from a tour.

Roussillon itself smelled faintly of clay and coffee from some café nearby. We wandered through narrow lanes stained orange and pink from the ochre dust (my shoes still haven’t recovered). I tried to order an espresso in French — didn’t quite nail it, but the barista grinned anyway. The afternoon sun made everything feel slow and golden. On the ride back to Avignon, someone dozed off; I watched vineyards blur by and thought about how places can surprise you if you let them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and Luberon villages tour

• Travel through Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards
• Enjoy two wine tastings
• Drive through Luberon villages
• Photo stop in Luberon
• Free time in Roussillon village
• Photo stop and free time at panorama viewpoint
• Return to Avignon

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Avignon to Chateauneuf du Pape & Luberon?

The tour lasts around 10 hours including all stops.

Are wine tastings included on this Provence day trip?

Yes, two wine tastings are included at different wineries in Chateauneuf du Pape.

Does this tour include free time in Roussillon?

Yes, you'll have free time to explore Roussillon village on your own.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No lunch is included; you’ll have free time to find your own meal.

What villages do we visit in Luberon?

You’ll see Gordes and Roussillon; Ménerbes is no longer included after April 2023.

Is hotel pickup available for this Provence wine tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Avignon city center.

Are children allowed on this tour?

This tour does not allow children under 4 years old.

Is this private or a group tour?

This is a small group tour with other travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes travel by air-conditioned minivan with a knowledgeable driver-guide throughout Provence, two guided wine tastings in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (all tasting fees covered), plus plenty of time for photos and exploring villages like Gordes and Roussillon before returning to Avignon in the evening.