Rhone Valley
wine tasting tours and winery visits

The Rhône Valley is usually divided into two distinct regions - the Northern Rhône and the Southern Rhône. However, what unites north and south in this diverse and fascinating land is stunning landscapes, rich winemaking heritage and fascinating history. Until the beginning of the 14th century, the Rhône was considered the border between France and the Holy Roman Empire, and the influence of the Romans is still very clear in the culture and traditions of the present day Rhône. In fact, history is in abundance here everywhere you turn.

The Rhône River itself was a hugely significant inland shipping route until the invention of the rail system; Lyon, the third largest city in France, is a fabulous showcase of Renaissance architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. This lovely city is also famous for its former life as the silk printing capital of Europe, as well as being a world-renowned destination for foodies, said to have the highest number of cafés per head in the whole of Europe. Lyon and Rhône's cuisine is simple, delicious and authentic, inspired by culinary ancient traditions and refined in the present day by modern French cooking techniques.

The wines of the Rhône are famous on a global scale, and at one time were considered some of the very best in the world. Today, both the Northern and Southern Rhône are renowned for their consistently high-quality wines, with names such as Hermitage, Côte-Rôtie and Crozes-Hermitage in the Northern region and Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the South sought after the world over. However, there is so much more to see and do here than simply wander the vineyards (although this is of course one of the highlights of any trip to the Rhône Valley!) The list of things to see in the Rhône is endless, in fact. Visit the Nyons appellation to taste some of the best olive oil in France; wander the beautiful Pont du Gard and a Roman coliseum in Nîmes, or get absorbed in the Palais de Papes at Avignon (one of the largest and most important Gothic buildings in all Europe) . If you are driving then you must take a trip down the legendary Route National Seven - the French equivalent of the USA's Route 66! 

The Rhône Valley is one of the most exciting and varied regions in all of France - whether you are a lover of wine and food, an outdoor adventurer, a history addict or simply want to kick back and relax with a glass of delicious red wine and some beautiful views, the Rhône has something for you.