Châteauneuf du Pape

This town is renowned for its particularly fine vines that derive their quality from the composition of the soil, mixed with limestone left millions of years ago by the Rhone.

Due to the sweetness of this soil, the town became the country residence of the popes.

Things to do

• Castle: unfortunately only a few ruins remain, but there is a splendid view of the Rhone and Luberon from there.
• Fête de la Véraison: in the first week of August, the town comes alive with a beautiful Provencal festival complete with horse jousting, a medieval market under cone-shaped tents and lots of good local wine.
• Free tastings: there are about 20 wine shops where you can sample local wines or at the wine museum.
• Courthézon: a short walk from Châteauneuf is a small village that has preserved almost all of its medieval ramparts. Very evocative!