Avignon, Capital of the Côtes du Rhône
Designated European Capital of Culture in 2000, Avignon is also famous for its festival of performing arts, which attracts thousands of visitors every year and receives widespread media attention both at home and abroad.
And while this puts it in the limelight for a few weeks in summer, Avignon is no less vibrant the rest of the year – especially when it comes to wine. The city was declared capital of the Côtes du Rhône in 1996, when Inter Rhône chose Hôtel de Rochegude as its headquarters, and has long had close ties to vine, wine and vineyards. Here are three creative ways to get to know the capital of the Côtes du Rhône.
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Visit Rocher des Doms
Reach for the sky! Climb to the top of Rocher des Doms facing Villeneuve-lez-Avignon, for breathtaking views across the region including the papal vineyards. These were originally planted near Malaucène, at the foot of Mont Ventoux, in the 14th century, but then extended to within the walls of Avignon. The Vinea Vespalis (episcopal vine) soon gained quite a reputation, as did the vines in the Grands Jardins district between the walls of the mediaeval ramparts.
Today, the gardens of Rocher des Doms are a gathering place for the Compagnons des Côtes du Rhône and a place to host their annual Ban de Vendange (commencement of harvest) celebrations – an event as popular as it is symbolic.
Sail along the Rhône
Since local production couldn’t quite meet the needs of the popes and their court, successive pontiffs had wines delivered by river from other regions. Thanks to the Rhône and its location, they enjoyed not only wines made in the immediate vicinity, but also those from the south of France. And you too can savour the grandeur of the river – with a delicious lunch or dinner cruise along the Rhône.
Discover authentic Provençale cuisine served with a selection of local wines, and admire stunning views of the area, this time from the eponymous river itself. An unforgettable experience to share with friends and loved ones.
Celebrate the vineyards and the art of winemaking
From Lyon to the shores of the Mediterranean, from Montpellier to Marseille, Avignon is where Provençal culture meets its continental counterpart. In this papal city, cuisine is inspired by a highly diverse range of terroirs, all with their own distinctive personalities. The resulting wine/food pairings are both subtle and delicious.
The city’s packed programme of events can lead to so many dekightful encounters – with Côtes du Rhône wine producers, négociants, restaurateurs and wine-lovers alike. In autumn, Millévin, Avignon’s wine festival, celebrates the arrival of the new vintage, and the Wine School creates that vital link between the public and the Côtes du Rhône appellations.
Be sure not to miss the Côtes du Rhône Wine Bar, the ideal spot for a refreshing glass of wine. It’s open during the Avignon festival, serving a selection of Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône Village wines, complete with live music. It's the place to be in July!
Sur le Pont d'Avignon, l'on y danse, l'on y danse...
