Get ready to experience the thrill of the Pays d'Aix-en-Provence, during a wine tourism getaway where every step holds many surprises.
Immerse yourself in the world of its vineyards, unleash your creativity during a blending workshop, and admire works of art installed amidst the vines. Finally, always keep an eye on the majestic Sainte-Victoire mountain, Cézanne's eternal muse, which will watch over your adventure along the way.
2 days
Duration
80 km
Itinerary
5
Vineyards
Step 1
Aix-en-Provence
Strolling through the historic center
The first rays of sunshine welcome you to Aix, the historic capital of Provence. From your very first steps on the famous Cours Mirabeau, You are immediately immersed in the elegant atmosphere of this city of art and history. Admire the colorful facades of the private mansions and the numerous fountains that dot the historic center. Of course, a gourmet break is a must; head to Roy René to taste the famous calissons of Aix, a tradition dating back to the 17th century.
To explore the city in an original way, follow the route «"Following in Cézanne's footsteps"», This route, marked by bronze studs in the ground bearing a "C", leads you through the places that shaped the life of the famous painter. Continue your walk to the Lauves studio, where Cézanne painted some of his most celebrated works. The untouched interior immerses you in the master's creative world, bathed in a unique light.
Just 20 minutes north, the’Hostellerie des Vins de Rognes An original discovery of the region awaits you, in the heart of the Coteaux d'Aix-en-Provence. Starting from the cooperative winery, the magic continues on the Winegrowers' Trail, A sensory and educational walk through the vineyards. This trail allows you to explore the vineyard while learning about grape varieties, cultivation techniques, and the region's winemaking history. Informative panels along the path offer a true immersion into the world of wine. Located on a plateau at almost 400 meters altitude, this exceptional geological area gives Rognes a unique winemaking character, and offers hikers a spectacular display of diverse flora and fauna.
Of course, before or after the walk, don't miss the tasting of the winery's iconic vintages, such as the Château Trévaresse, superb hillside terroir dating from the 19th century, or the 1924 vintage, a tribute to the founders of the cooperative.
The adventure continues about fifteen kilometers further on, at Castle Paradise, For a truly unique experience: create your own blend! For two hours, you'll step into the shoes of a real cellar master. The estate's oenologist will introduce you to the secrets of blending, this subtle art that gives birth to the great wines of Provence. Before you, a selection of single-varietal wines awaits: Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon… It's up to you to find the perfect balance in this exercise in style. You'll leave with your creation, labeled, a unique souvenir of your getaway in Provence.
End your visit by exploring the vineyard trail of the estate, freely accessible during the season. A lovely panoramic view of the Sainte-Victoire mountain awaits you, while the vineyards unfold on the northeastern limestone foothills of the Trevaresse range, and further down on the terraces of the Durance river. You can also opt for a tasting of the iconic vintages from the château, including their rosé “Terre des Anges”, a medal-winning wine of great freshness with aromas of red fruits and citrus.
Bistronomic dinner & overnight stay in the vineyards
In the evening, it's at the restaurant of Domaine Terre de Mistral, Every Friday and Saturday, you can enjoy refined bistronomic cuisine prepared by chef Baptiste Donat, paired with one of the 16 wines produced on the estate. On the pleasant terrace overlooking the vineyards, nestled in lush greenery at the foot of the southern slope of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, time seems to stand still. On certain evenings, to extend the estate's warm atmosphere, events such as musical evenings or art openings are organized as the sun sets.
To end this day, spend the night at the MiP House. Devils' Domain, A traditional stone bastide, tastefully renovated throughout. This estate offers comfortable rooms with vineyard views, immersing you in an authentic Provençal atmosphere. Outside, the garden and magnificent swimming pool invite relaxation. Guillaume and Virginie, the owners and winemakers, will warmly welcome you and gladly share their passion for winemaking.
Picnic in the countryside facing the Sainte-Victoire mountain
The following day at lunchtime, order a gourmet picnic basket at Château Gassier, another iconic wine region.
Prepared by the team, it will be filled with Provençal delicacies such as tapenade, anchovy paste, local cheeses, fine charcuterie, and fresh bread, not forgetting a bottle of their rosé “Le Pas du Moine,” a fresh and elegant wine that will perfectly complement lunch. Settle into this 5-star outdoor space, at the foot of the majestic Sainte-Victoire mountain, and let yourself be immersed in the bucolic beauty of the surrounding nature.
For one last foray into the world of Provence wines, the Saint-Ser Estate opens the doors to its vineyard garden, featuring 19 grape varieties, as well as an olive grove with 13 different varieties. A veritable natural gallery to explore on an educational trail full of discoveries, followed by a tasting of biodynamic wines from the appellation. Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire.
Before leaving, be sure not to miss taking the D17, the only road in France classified as a Historical Monument. Today called Cezanne Road, There, you will see the iconic landscapes that shaped Impressionist painting. Stretching for approximately 20 km between Aix-en-Provence and Le Tholonet, it offers... spectacular views across the entire Provençal countryside, ...and constitutes an exceptional heritage in itself. Stop at the villages you pass through and breathe in the thyme and rosemary that perfume the air. Each stop along this historic route allows you to immerse yourself in landscapes imbued with serenity. This final leg in the Pays d'Aix-en-Provence, a legendary land and the cradle of unique wines, beautifully concludes these two decidedly epicurean days…
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