#uniquedestinations
One of the best-known French wine labels takes its name from an unassuming village on a small hill near Avignon in Provence (France), Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The village lies just 3 km from the River Rhone and 12 km from Avignon. Almost all the cultivable land is planted with grapevines. The village is famous for the production of red wine classified as “Chateauneuf-du-Pape Appellation d’origine controlee”. It was officially recognised and bestowed with its own appellation in 1929. This appellation means that the wine production in Chateauneuf du Pape is subject to strict controls. These controls ensure that all the vineyards of the region produce an extremely fine wine.
The Pope’s new castle
Chateauneuf du Pape translates to “The Pope’s new castle”, and its history is firmly related to papal history. In 1308, Pope Clement V relocated the papacy to the town of Avignon. Clement V and the subsequent Avignon Popes were great lovers of Burgundy wines, and so the Avignon Papacy promoted viniculture in the area around Avignon and close to the banks of the River Rhone. During the papacy of John XXII, the wines of this area came to be known as “Vin du Pape”, and also the famous castle, Chateau des Papes, was built at the top of the hill in 1317.
The castle, which is today the village’s symbol, began as a defensive settlement. At the same time it was used as a summer residence for the Pope. After the departure of the popes from Avignon and their return to Rome, the castle was used by the archbishop of Avignon. In the 16th century most of it was burnt down during the Wars of Religion and was abandoned. Nowadays from its ruins there is a superb view of Avignon, the River Rhone and the vineyards of the region.
A walk in the village
From the castle you can walk down the stone staircases in order to visit this picturesque village. In its colourful, narrow and peaceful streets, you will see many well-preserved traditional houses, small squares and fountains. An impressive fountain, La Grande Fontaine, is located at the centre of the village and dates back to the 17th century. During your walk you will come across three well-preserved churches: the Chapel St Pierre du Luxembourg, the Chapel St Theodoric and the Roman church of Notre Dame de ‘l’Assomption. Also, just 500 metres from the village’s centre, you could visit the small but quite informative Musée de Vin (Avenue Saint-Pierre de Luxembourg). The museum traces the history and current state of the local viniculture. (For more information and hours, visit the official site).
Wine tasting and Provencal cuisine
During your walk around the village you will find a number of wine-tasting cellars from the various local domains. The cellars are all different from each other. Some are luxurious, and others are extremely simple. Some are on the ground floor of a village house, while for others you have to follow a narrow passageway or step down to a basement.
Apart from the cellars the village is also famous for its restaurants, where you could taste excellent Provencal cuisine and drink the local wines. Le Pistou (15 rue Joseph Ducos) has excellent dishes (you must try the cock cooked with local herbs) and a wonderful small yard at the back. La Maisouneta (B02 place Jean Moulin) is a relatively small restaurant with tasty local dishes. Finally, La Mere Germaine (3 rue Commandant Lemaitre), one of the oldest and well known restaurants of the village, which still retains the quality of its cuisine.
Regardless if you are a wine lover, this is a place you must visit if you are travelling in Provence. It is a wonderful, well-preserved and peaceful village. Take a walk in its narrow streets and taste some of the best wines in the world. This village is the definition of Southern France culture and tradition.