Avignon's history, local culture & the wines of Châteauneuf du Pape private tour

Avignon once centre of the Catholic world, today a magnificent urban landscape, overlooking the river Rhône & the Saint Bénezet Bridge - the famous Pont d’Avignon. Start with a visit to the Palais then a visit to the unique fresh food market - Les Halles to sample Provençal life before a short drive to the wine country of Châteauneuf du Pape; at the heart of a region full of history, culture & joie de vivre. A unique village where at it's summit the vestiges of the ruined château – wall, tower & lower hall built by the popes in the 14th century as a summer residence to escape the city heat of Avignon. It was the popes who planted the town's first vineyards. In the afternoon visit two different vineyards - first a winemaker with 8ha vineyard based exclusively on the appellation & second a 43ha family estate owned by five generations of wine-producers. Introducing you to the iconic wines established in 1880's where tradition is enhanced by modernism & excellence, with wine tasting too.