Rhône Valley: activity guide
That precise moment when the sky clears and the air begins to smell of garrigue marks your entry into a world apart, that of the Rhône valley. The Rhone corridor is an invitation to slow down and take in the soul of a land shaped by its river. For your vacations, choosing a campsite in the Vaucluse becomes the starting point for a unique immersion between vineyards and ancient cities. Get ready for unforgettable discoveries during your stay at our La Simioune campsite, located at the gateway to Provence.
Rhône Valley: summary of activities and discoveries
- Wine tourism from north to south of the valley: Syrah, Viognier, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.
- Discover our historic heritage: Théâtre Antique and Arc de Triomphe in Orange, Palais des Papes and Pont Saint-Bénézet in Avignon.
- Nature activities: cycling on the ViaRhôna, panoramic hiking, climbing in the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Wine tourism: a sensory voyage through the Rhône Valley
You can’t stay in this region without discovering the wines of the Rhône Valley. Here, the journey follows the rhythm of the river, between vineyards to the north and sunny plains to the south.
North of the Rhône Valley: the kingdom of Syrah and granite
As we head north, just an hour from our campsite in the Rhône valley, the terrain becomes more rugged. This is the domain of vineyards clinging to steep slopes.
- Right bank: discover the Saint-Joseph and Château-Grillet appellations. Here, manual labor is king to sublimate Syrah and the rare Viognier grape. Our recommendation: stop off at Domaine Coursodon for the precision of its Saint-Joseph wines.
- Left bank: theHermitage hill dominates the river, while the Crozes-Hermitage plain gives birth to more gourmet, fruity wines. Our recommendation: the Cave de Tain is a superb introduction to the diversity of these crus.
- The local nugget: don’t miss Saint-Péray, a veritable bubble of chalky freshness producing white wines of rare finesse. Our recommendation: Domaine Alain Voge ‘s cuvées are a must!
In the southern Rhône valley: sun-drenched nectars and a gentle way of life
As soon as you cross the Donzère gorge, the Mediterranean climate takes over.
- The giants of the South: in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, walk on the famous “galets roulés” (rolled pebbles) that return heat to the vines overnight. Our recommendation: Domaine de la Charbonnière welcomes you for an educational tasting in the heart of the vineyard.
- Sweetness and villages: at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail, savor Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise, a sweet secret ideal for the end of summer days. Our recommendation: the Domaine des Bernardins is the historic guardian of this savoir-faire.
- The Côtes du Rhône Villages spirit: push open the door of a small restaurant to discover the hospitality of our winemakers. Our recommendation: Domaine de l’Amandine in Séguret combines exceptional wines with a view of one of France’s most beautiful villages.
Heritage and history: tourism in the Rhône valley
Tourism in the Rhône Valley is a plunge into two millennia of history in the heart of France.
Orange and the nostalgia of the Nationale 7
In Orange, just 30 km away, experience an impressive face-to-face encounter with history. Discover the best-preserved ancient theater in Europe and theArc de Triomphe. For a panoramic view, climb the Colline Saint-Eutrope, which dominates the city.
And to visit this town in the Rhône valley, leave the freeway behind and take the legendary Nationale 7! Between plane trees and ancient milestones, this is the historic vacation route that takes you straight to the sunny south of France.
Avignon: city of the Popes and UNESCO jewel
Avignon, 50 km from the campsite, boasts 4 km of medieval ramparts. Visit the Palais des Papes, the largest Gothic palace in the world, before testing the acoustics of the Pont Saint-Bénézet.
For a truly memorable experience, take the free river shuttle toBarthelasse Island. It guarantees the finest panoramic view of Avignon’s historic skyline.
Finally, stroll down Rue des Teinturiers to capture the authentic soul of Provence, between paddlewheels and shady terraces.
Nature activities in the Rhône Valley
Looking for something to do during your stay in the Rhône Valley? The area is home to a wide variety of grandiose spaces.
- Cycling: take the ViaRhôna along the Rhône for a family outing through the heart of the Valley’s vineyards, orchards and picturesque villages. Bike rental is easy at our campsite, thanks to our partnership with Bike Service 26.
- Hiking: take advantage of the region’s climate to hike in the rugged landscape of Beaumes-de-Venise, 33 km from our accommodation. The trails there promise unique panoramas of the Rhône valley.
- Climbing: the limestone walls of the Dentelles de Montmirail, 43 km from the campsite, are a world-famous playground for climbers of all levels.
The Rhône Valley is a journey that leaves a lasting impression. From north to south, the diversity of heritage and landscapes makes our region a land of exception. Don’t be in a hurry during your stay! Enjoy the Rhône drop by drop, like a grand cru. If you’d like to experience the region at first hand, book your pitch or accommodation at La Simioune campsite in Bollène! We look forward to welcoming you to Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur.
