C057-CO the Dentelles de Montmirail

No walks from end of June  to mid September due to maximum fire risks

The Dentelles of Montmirail (laces) are the first overhangs of the Alps in the Rhone Valley. These hills of low altitude (from 500 to 735 meters) are covered with a Mediterranean vegetation, aromatic plants, Holm oaks and Alep pines and are dominated by a limestone crest finely carved by erosion, creating genuine laces of white stone which illuminate the Provence of the Popes. The first vineyards were planted by the Romans and produce vintage wines, which were already appreciated at the pontifical court. On the way, you will cross small villages hanging from or joined to rock faces, favorite play-grounds of many amateur mountain-climbers. With magical scenery, the perfumes of the Midi, the southern sun, this is a tour not to be missed!

Itinerary

6 days 

Day 1 – Arrival at VAISON LA ROMAINE. This city, dating back several thousands of years, holds numerous vestiges. The city, or rather cities, stretches out over both banks of the river Ouveze. On the left bank, the medieval city was built on ancient Celtic ruins. On the right bank, the modern town hides all traces of the Roman city it once was. The only architectural evidence remaining is the Roman Bridge. It stands as the one and only link between the two banks, resistant still to the churning rise and fall of the rushing river below. Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel in the medieval town

Day 2 – VAISON-LA-ROMAINE – MALAUCENE (20 km –: 300 meters). Leaving Vaison-la-Romaine, you will pass through the medieval city and its fortified castle before reaching the old village of Crestet. Once through the door of the fortified wall, you will find you have slipped back through time and arrived in the Middle-Ages ! You will see around you the Feudal castle, 12th century church, and cobblestone streets embellished with vaulted passages. You will continue your journey to the white limestone crests that rise up from the forest in sharp contrast to the blue sky. You will walk on to Le Pas du Loup, a narrow passage through the Dentelles, before descending into the village of Malaucene, just opposite Mont Ventoux – Lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel, a former silkworm breeding farm

Day 3 – MALAUCENE – LE BARROUX (18 km – height gain: 500m). Spend the morning visiting this large village, encircled by stream and trees. Admire the 14th century fortified church and the old neighborhoods, created by a maze of narrow, picturesque streets. Once you leave, you will sink into the heart of the Massif des Dentelles. You will come upon the La Chaine pass and will discover the St Amand Cirque before crossing the village of Suzette, famous for is apricots and its Roman church. From here, a panorama of the area stretches attractively before you. You will pass through orchards, vineyards and forests of olive trees, finally reaching Le Barroux village. Transfer by taxi to the hotel located between Gigondas and Vacqueyras.
Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel at Gigondas

Day 4 – LE BARROUX – GIGONDAS (20 km – height gain: 400m). Back by taxi to Le Barroux in the morning. You will spend the morning visiting the small village of Le Barroux, and sitting in the shadow of its huge Renaissance castle. Then you will take off again through the Massif, discovering the picturesque villages of Roque-Alric, perched on a rocky summit and Lafare, built next to La Salette stream. You will make your way up to Le Grand Montmirail and Les Dentelles Sarrazines (climbing site), passing the St Christophe Chapel along route. Finally, you will reach the Col du Cayron ( Cayron pass ), the remains of the Sarrasine Tower and Les Florets just above Gigondas, where your hotel is located – Dinner, lodging and breakfast in the same hotel

Day 5 – GIGONDAS – SEGURET (16 km – height gain: 300m). You will walk down to Gigondas, seeing the Saint Come and Saint Damien Chapel along the way, and will visit the village. Leaning on the hill’s flank, and encircled by a medieval wall, it is famous for having on the greatest Côtes du Rhône red wines. You will make you way through the forest and vineyards to the village of Sablet, built on a rounded hillock. Walking through its concentric streets, you will reach the church that overlooks the village and then, turning your back on the plain, you’ll walk towards Seguret, an old Provençal village that stretches up to the first slopes of Montmirail. You will step into this medieval village through one of the doors of the fortified wall. Walking through the narrow, cobblestone streets, you will discover the wash house, embellished with arcades, the fountain, the belfry, a few small chapels and the Roman church. Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a 3-star hotel housed in a winery

Day 6 – SEGURET. The tour ends after breakfast. Transfer by taxi to Vaison la Romaine.

7 days

Day 1 – Arrival at VAISON-LA-ROMAINE,
Dinner, lodging and breakfast in a 3-star

Day 2 – Tour of VAISON LA ROMAINE – the city boasts some archaeological sites and buildings not to be missed: the Gallo-roman sites of Puymin and La Villasse, the theatre, the interesting archaeological museum, the N.D. de Nazareth and its cloister, the very beautiful St Quenin chapel on the right bank of the Ouvéze river. You will walk across the Roman Bridge to go and discover the medieval city with paved lanes, smalls squares and beautiful fountains. Then you continue your stroll ascending to the chateau, a military fortress rather than a seigniorial dwelling. Lodging and breakfast in the same hotel

Day 3 – VAISON-LA-ROMAINE – MALAUCENE …
…..

Day 7 – SEGURET. Tour ends after breakfast.

Season

From March to middle of November but it’s better to avoid walking this area in summer time. The Dentelles Mountains are closed some days due to maximum risks of fire.

What’s included?

• C05706-CO 5 nights’ accommodation in 3-star hotels with 5 breakfasts and 4 gourmet dinners
• C05707-CO 6 nights’ accommodation in 3-star hotels 6 breakfasts and 4 gourmet dinners
• A set of maps (1/25 000 scale) with the route marked on and detailed route notes describing the trail.
• Taxi transfer from Séguret to Vaison
• A daily itinerary together with information about facilities and places of interest along the trail.
• Emergency assistance.

Visa fees – transportation fees to and from the walk area – Insurance (strongly recommended on all trips) – Transfers except those mentioned above – Drinks – Additional meals – Entrance fees – Spending of personal nature e.g. laundry, souvenirs, phone calls…are not included

Getting there and away

By car: Drive along A7 motorway to Orange (exit Orange Sud)and continue on D977 road to Vaison-la-Romaine
Where to park: toll car park in Vaison
By train: Arrival at Avignon TGV station or Orange rail station and link by bus or taxi to Vaison-la-Romaine.
Bus from Vaison to Orange or Avignon or taxi from Seguret to Avignon (at your expense )

Walk difficulty

Grade 3 – walks of between 5 and 6 hours a day with ascents up to a total of 500 m. Some hiking experience is advisable. A reasonable level of fitness and some stamina are required for these walks.