Away from the coastal regions of the French Riviera, Southern France has many more treats in store.

The small commune Chateauneuf du Pape may be in the province of Provence, but it still belongs to the Rhone Valley wine district.

A half or whole-day excursion to this scenic village may be enough to explore the beauty and taste some great wines.

Chateauneuf du Pape is known as the summer residence for the Popes in Avignon.

Avignon was the seat of the popes between the years 1309 – 1377.

It may be hard to imagine this now, but back in those days, the ‘Avignon Popes’ had a great love for wine, drinking large quantities and helping promote the local wines to others.

The Chateauneuf du Pape wine is terrific and a bit expensive.

If you’re interested in buying some of the local Chateauneuf du Pape wines, this is the best place to do so.

Prices can be double and up to three times more expensive at home (especially in Scandinavia), so you’ll save on any bottles you purchase here.

Chateauneuf du Pape is all about Wine

One of my favourite pastimes in Chateauneuf du Pape is to wander along the numerous wines’ quaint streets and taste samples.

You’ll find wine merchants around almost every corner, and because it’s all about the wine here, this is an excellent place for wine lovers!