Pont du Gard - Orange - Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Avignon

Route: Montpellier - Pont du Gard - Orange - Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Avignon - Montpellier
Duration: 10 h
The first stop of our tour will be atnear Pont du Gard which has 40 centuries of history, the Pont du Gard has held pride of place as the highest aqueduct in the Roman times and is one of the wonders of the ancient world: a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Built around the year 50 AD, the Pont du Gard is a true testiment to Roman engineering. It peaks at over 48 m and crosses the river over a length of 275 meters.The second place of our tour will be the "City of Princes" which is home to two UNESCO World Monument : the Roman Theatre and the Triumphal Arch.The Roman Theatre of Orange is the world's best preserved ancien theatre. It is the only theatre in Europe to have preserved its stage wall. Due to the acoustics and the structure, 9000 spectactors could and can still attend performances. Orange has lovely streets, many little squares, cafés shaded by sycamore trees and many restaurants that cook traditional provencal meals. The city of Princes has retained all the charm of a provencal town. The next stop will be at Châteauneuf-du-Pape which literally translates to "The Pope's new castle" and, indeed, the history of this appellation is firmly entwined with papal history. The city developed as early as the Gallo-Roman period, like most of the surrounding region, but became a worldwide notoriety in the fourteenth century when it became a holiday resort for the papacy. It is Jean XXII that allows Châteauneuf-du-Pape to diversify, bringing with him especially bankers, but especially winemakers who will therefore make the success of the city. Extremely regulated, Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC wine is produced from around fifteen grape varieties known all over the world. Our last place in the tour will be at city Avignon wich was city of the Popes from 1309 to 1376, the historic heart of Avignon is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Protected by its ramparts, the old town has preserved magnificent reminders of its past. Built in the 14th century, the Popes' palace is an essential place to visit while you are there. This fortress was the residence of the popes in the 14th century and is a magnificent Gothic palace split into two parts: the Old Palace and the New Palace. The Doms rock, which is the very origin of the city, is a pleasant hilltop garden offering a beautiful view of the River Rhone and especially of the Saint-Bénezet bridge, better known as the Pont d'Avignon.After we will return to Montpellier.
Price: per person