Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
visit the impressive Roman Theater in Orange (described earlier), follow my self-guided
drivingtourofCôtesduRhônevillagesandwineries,orpedaltonearbytownsforabreath
of fresh air. The vineyards' centerpiece, the Dentelles de Montmirail mountains, are laced
with a variety of trails ideal for hikers.
To explore this area, allow two nights for a good start. Drivers should head for the
hills.ThosewithoutwheelsfindthatVaisonlaRomaineorOrangemaketheonlypractical
home bases (or, maybe better, consider a minivan tour for this area).
Getting Around the Côtes du Rhône
By Car:
Pick up Michelin maps #332 or #527 to navigate your way around the Côtes
du Rhône. (Landmarks like the Dentelles de Montmirail and Mont Ventoux make it easy
connect the Côtes du Rhône with the scenic
Luberon
, you can do it via Mont Ventoux
between mid-April and mid-November—check with the TI beforehand to make sure the
summit is open (follow signs to
Malaucène,
then to
Mont Ventoux
, allowing 2 hours to
Roussillon). This route is one of the most spectacular in Provence. If continuing north to-
By Bus:
Lieutaud buses run to Vaison la Romaine from Orange and Avignon (5/day,
45 minutes from Orange, 1.5 hours from Avignon) and connect several wine villages with
Vaison la Romaine and Nyons to the north. (From Avignon, you can save time by taking
the 15-minute train to Orange, then connecting by bus to Vaison la Romaine.) Another
bus line runs from Vaison la Romaine to Carpentras, serving Crestet (below Le Crestet),
Malaucène, and Le Barroux (3/day Mon-Sat, none on Sun, tel. 04 90 36 09 90,
www.cars-
lieutaud.fr/provence/en/regular-lines
). Both routes provide scenic rides through this area.
By Train:
Trains get you as far as Orange (from Avignon: 15/day, 15 minutes).
By Minivan Tour:
Various all-day minivan excursions leave from Avignon. For a
wine-focused tour, I recommend several individuals who can expertly guide you through
the region. For all tours to this area, see “Tours of Provence” on
here
.
