Explore the eastern side of the Rhône Valley on a loop trail around the Dentelles de Montmirail hills of Provence. Cotes du Rhone.
Accommodation & Meals
Small guest house accommodation in beautiful historic properties, many with swimming pools in rural peaceful locations
When to Travel
Our self-guided walking holiday in the Cote du Rhone region is available from April to June inclusive and in September and October. We do not run this holiday in the height of the summer due to the high temperatures and the difficulty in securing our top choice accommodation. Because much of the vegetation is evergreen the landscape remains relatively colourful the whole year round. The vines start to sprout from April onwards. Ideal walking temperatures are experienced up to mid-June, after which it can become very hot. Average day time temperatures are 18°C for mid April and 23°C for mid-May. By Mid June temperatures have reached 27°C on average in the afternoon whilst September highs average 25°C. These temperatures are for low altitude locations such as Vaison-la-Romaine and temperatures in the hills will be slightly less. April can still be fresh with morning temperatures averaging 8°C. The region is very sunny with Nyons registering over 300 sunny days per year. It is also relatively dry compared with the rest of France with June being the driest of the months during the first half of the year. September and October are the two wettest months of the year, although the rainfall totals are still low for that period of the year compared to much of France. This autumn rain tends to fall in short, stormy periods. Mistral winds are more common during the transition periods of April/May and September.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
This walking holiday partly follows GR (Grande Randonnee) long distance trails which are well way-marked with red and white markings. There are also a number of signposts along the trails. The walking follows clear paths for its entire duration. On other ocassions the walks follow local trails waymarked in yellow, whilst some sections have no or little markings. Our walking notes are very detailed (more information here) and include intermediate distances for sections of the trail. They also include information about the sites which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply official walking maps produced by IGN at a scale of 1:25,000. Your trail is highlighted on the maps.
Luggage Transfers
On this walking holiday your main luggage is transferred between guest houses so you only have to carry a day rucksack with picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. On this holiday your main luggage is transported mostly by a a local taxi company. The odd transfer is carried out by your guest house hosts. Please limit the weight of your bags to 20kg. We generally use hotels and small guest houses in historic buidlings and some of the rooms are accessible only by stairs.
Travel Info
Pick up and drop off in Avignon. Taxi transfers included in the holiday price
Train
TGV trains run from Paris and Lyon to Avignon. During the main holiday season TGV trains run direct from London to Avignon.
Flights
The closest airport to your walking holiday is Avignon. There are regular flights from a number of UK airports as well as French airports. Flybe has services which run at certain periods of the year from Exeter, Southampton, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds.
There are a number of car hire firms at the airport including Avis, Europcar and Hertz.
Note: Please check concerning the availability of a holiday before booking any flights. If you need further information or would like to discuss any aspect of your travel arrangements, please contact us, we’re here to help you.
We would be happy to book travel arrangements to France on your behalf for this self guided walking holiday.
Self Drive
Channel ferry crossings from Dover are provided by a number of operators including P&O Ferries, Eurotunnel and DFDS Seaways.
Once in France, the journey from Calais to Vaison la Romaine takes about 11 hours (excluding long breaks).
Tolls amount to about 50 euros each way.
Non secured parking is available in Vaison la Romain. Please inform us of this at the time of booking so when can provide you with directions to the first guest house. A short transfer would be provided at the end of your walking holiday to collect your car.
Further Information & Advice
For useful advice about independent walking and preparing for your sell
Extra Nights
Extra nights are possible at any of the stopovers. We would recommend an extra night in Vaison-la-Romainee at the start of the walking holiday to explore this historic village in more detail, with its castle, cathedral and cloisters as well as its Roman remains including an amphitheatre.
City Breaks
Arles and Avignon: We can book extra nights in Avignon as well as in the nearby historic town of Arles as part of your holiday package. Your walking holiday starts and finishes with a a transfer from and to Avignon. Avignon is one of the prettiest cities in Provence, which includes famous sites such as the Palais des Papes and the Pont d’Avignon. Avignon is famous as the city to which the Popes fled when leaving the corruption of Rome in the 14th century. The palace they built, ‘Le Palais des Papes,’ or the palace of popes, is the world’s largest Gothic edifice. The Ramparts themselves were erected to keep the plague and invaders out during the middle ages, when Avignon belonged to the papacy and not the French crown. Avignon is also famous for the Saint Benezet bridge which spans part of the Rhone River and is known the world over due to a nursery rhyme. We use 3 or 4 star hotels.
We can extend the trip to include a stay in Arles. Take in the atmosphere of this lively Provence town surrounded by city walls on the banks of the Rhone River. There are numerous museums to visit. It was Van Gogh’s home for a year when he produced about 300 of his celebrated paintings.
Tailor-made Trips
Here are a few examples of our tailor-made trips which can be adapted and combined with this holiday holiday. Whatever your interests, please get in touch.
French Panorama: The Best of France Train Trip
Embark on an authentic French rail adventure under our expert guidance! This journey offers a comprehensive glimpse into France’s diverse and vibrant regions, catering to anyone eager to immerse themselves in its rich culture and savour its delights. It’s an experience designed to captivate all your senses, blending active discovery and historical exploration—a perfect recipe tailored to pique the interests of every traveller.
French Valley of the Gastronomy Tour
Explore the ‘Vallée de la Gastronomie’ from Epicurean Paris to Delectable Marseille in the South of France. Experience the sights, sounds, and refined flavours of the capital before setting off to Burgundy, a mustard-infused and wine-centric region. Roam south through Lyon, Beaujolais, and into Provence where you’ll be touring top vineyards and enjoying its diverse and delicious farm-to-table refined cuisine. Spend a full 12 days captivated by sublime scenery and delighting in the best food and wine of Southern France.
French Rendez-vous Between Culture and Nature
Designed for couples, friends, and families seeking cultural exploration and natural beauty, this trip offers an ideal blend. Starting in Paris, a city brimming with hidden treasures, the journey continues through Lyon’s culinary wonders. Then, a stop in Annecy, the ‘Pearl of the French Alps,’ precedes the breathtaking landscapes of Chamonix. Balancing urban discovery with serene nature, the itinerary caters to all tastes, concluding with the vineyards of Provence and the allure of the French Riviera.
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