Chateauneuf du Pape – Beautiful and one of the best wine villages in France

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 locale may be enough to explore the beauty and to taste some great wines.

Chateauneuf du Pape is known as the summer residence for the Popes in Avignon, and was the seat of popes in the 1300’s.

It may be hard to imagine this now, but back in those days the ‘Avignon Popes’ had a great love for wine, not only drinking large quantities themselves, but helping to promote the local wines to others.

The Chateauneuf du Pape wine is wonderful, and of course quite 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 quaint streets and taste samples of the numerous wines.

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

Yes, here I am tasting some wine, but be careful how much you taste if you go into a private wine shop or basement.

Some merchants will try to sell the most expensive wine (of course) and they can become very bitter if you leave without buying anything.