Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a wine village in the Vaucluse department of Provence, about 18 km north of Avignon and named for the papal summer residence built in the 14th century during the Avignon papacy. The village sits among vineyards that produce the appellation's red and white wines, and a day here is built around views, tasting and a long lunch. By car the trip takes about 25 minutes via the D907, and village parking is free. A Zou bus from the Avignon bus station also serves the village in about 40 minutes for roughly EUR 2-3 (~$2.50-3.50), but departures are few, so the timetable at zou.maregionsud.fr should be confirmed, and anyone planning to taste should avoid driving. A sensible morning starts at the ruined papal castle at the top of the village, which offers a wide view over the Rhône valley and vineyards; the walk up from Place de la Fontaine is short. The remainder of the morning suits a stroll through the lanes and a first cellar visit. Many estates in and around the village offer tastings, some free and some charged, and larger producers generally welcome walk-ins while smaller domaines often prefer an appointment. Lunch is the central event, and restaurants and cafés around Place de la Fontaine serve regional dishes to pair with the local wines. The afternoon can include a second or third tasting, or a walk among the vines on the surrounding lanes. The tourist office near the centre can provide a list of cellars and opening times. The best season runs from April to October, with September's harvest bringing activity to the vineyards, while winter visits are quieter and some cellars reduce hours. Prices for a tasting and a bottle vary by estate and vintage. The return to Avignon takes under half an hour, so a late-afternoon departure is simple if a designated driver or the bus is arranged.