Do you dream of nature, vineyards and rosé wines? Immediate boarding for Green Provence, from Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume to Correns, for a 6-stage wine tourism getaway.
Discover sublime estates where you will hear the story of the Provence vineyards, and let yourself be surprised at the turn of a butterfly garden, a thousand-year-old abbey and a swim in natural pools…
2 days
Duration
63 km
Itinerary
3
Vineyards
Step 1
Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume
Visit to the basilica & descent into the crypt
The day begins in Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume, where the morning sun already caresses the stone of the majestic Gothic basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene. From the moment you enter, you can't help but be struck by the imposing nave, whose vaults rise proudly towards the sky. Inside, the stained-glass windows filter in a soft and soothing light. Take the time to explore the small, often overlooked side chapels, which are brimming with artistic treasures.
But it is in the crypt that the basilica houses its greatest treasure: the reliquary of Mary Magdalene He rests there in an atmosphere steeped in mystery and spirituality. After Jerusalem and Rome, Saint-Maximin is considered the third most important tomb in Christendom!
It's time to savor the first wines of the trip, so we head to Château de l'Escarelle, located 15 minutes away. Upon arrival, the intoxicating scent of lavender and rosemary mingles with that of the vines. In this remarkable 1200-hectare setting, a tour of the estate reveals perfectly aligned rows of vines., promise of divine nectars to come.
For 1 hour and 30 minutes, an introduction to tasting This allows you to appreciate a selection of organic wines from the Coteaux Varois en Provence appellation in one of the most modern wineries in Provence. The winemaker explains the specific characteristics of the clay-limestone soil that gives the wines their distinctive minerality. Grape varieties such as Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, in particular, produce rosés of remarkable freshness.
Another surprise awaits you on the estate: a fascinating butterfly garden of 2300 m2, developed by the owner in collaboration with the LPO (League for the Protection of Birds), with the aim of raising awareness about biodiversity conservation. To accompany this stroll, educational panels describe the 95 species of butterflies that can be seen fluttering here and there, among the multicolored flowers, in An aerial show that makes the visit absolutely magical!
For lunch, a reservation is made at the Hostellerie de l'Abbaye, Alain Ducasse's gastronomic restaurant, about 6 km away. Under the vaulted ceilings of the gourmet restaurant run by chef Nicolas Pierantoni, Each plate reveals a work of art.. The flavors of Provence explode in the mouth in a contemporary interpretation. Of course, the wine list gives pride of place to the best local wines, allowing you to continue this oenological exploration of Green Provence. A wonderful taste memory…
Take advantage of being in La Celle to visit its abbey, a jewel of medieval Romanesque art with its restored cloister, remarkable furnishings, and exhibition of archaeological excavations carried out by the department. After this immersion in heritage, continue towards the Wine House of the Var Hills in Provence nearby. An expert welcomes visitors, introduces them to wines from the Coteaux Varois en Provence appellation, and offers valuable advice on food and wine pairings. Some take the opportunity to leave with a few bottles, delighted to be able to relive the magic of Provence once they've returned.
Visit to the estate & overnight stay in a bed and breakfast
The second wine estate on this route is nestled in the heart of picturesque landscapes of Cotignac, 20 km further on. Established at Château Nestuby since 1949, the Roubaud family welcomes you and passionately recounts the history of this place, particularly its supposedly magical spring that irrigates the château's land and is said to give an inimitable flavor to the wines produced here. Be sure to taste the "Source Or" cuvée, the estate's signature wine, during your cellar tour. You will also learn that the estate practices a sustainable viticulture that respects the soil and biodiversity, thus aligning with the region's general trend towards more sustainable practices.
The tastings have whetted our appetites; it's time to head off to dinner nearby, at the table of... Secret Garden, in the coolness of a lush garden, ideal for doing justice to the Provençal cuisine. Chef Benoit Witz, passionate about seasonal cuisine, offers a unique menu that changes daily. To end the evening, retire to one of the rooms at Château Nestuby, with breathtaking views of the vineyards in the early morning.
This second day of exploring the Green Provence and Verdon continues in the pretty little streets of the village of Cotignac which you glimpsed the day before. Artisans display their creations there: pottery in ochre hues, textiles with traditional Provençal motifs, handcrafted soaps scented with lavender, and clay jewelry. To truly appreciate the village in all its splendor, you must see it from above, thanks to a visit to its famous Rock, an impressive tufa cliff. At the top, it offers a breathtaking panorama on the tiled roofs, the vineyards and the surrounding hills.
It is then highly recommended to walk towards the Our Lady of Graces sanctuary, Nearby. This high-perched pilgrimage site is a true haven of peace and spirituality. Admire its church surrounded by greenery, and take the time to savor the moment. If this climb has whetted your appetite, head to the Clos des Vignes Enjoy a delicious lunch on the terrace. The menu, created using fresh, seasonal produce, will delight you once again!
Stay in Cotignac to discover this family estate that combines organic farming, biodynamic practices, and traditional expertise. From vine to glass, the organic wines of Château Carpe Diem embody...’an authentic approach in perfect harmony with nature.
Within their tasting room, book a personalized tour during which you can stroll through the vineyards, explore the barrel cellar and the winemaking facilities, before tasting the entire Carpe Diem range. The team will be delighted to tell you the whole story of this terroir and share with you... his philosophy and his commitment for biodynamic farming methods.
The getaway ends in style in Correns, France's first organic village. Here, nature reigns supreme, both on the plate and in the landscapes. A walk in the Vallon Sourn will immerse the visitor in unspoiled nature, between limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Along a winding path, only the song of cicadas and the murmur of the river can be heard. At the end, natural pools invite you to swim for a final moment of welcome relaxation, before getting back in the car, your head filled with wonderful memories !
A weekend around Salon-de-Provence
A weekend in the heart of the Var
A weekend in Dracénie Provence Verdon
A weekend in the Aix-en-Provence region
A weekend in the “Vineyards of Provence & the Mediterranean”
A weekend in the Esterel region