Day 6 - The Pont du Gard and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine tasting
This morning we spend time viewing a remarkable and beautiful
piece of Roman engineering: the Pont du Gard. Constructed in the
first century AD and one of France's most recognised landmarks,
this three-tiered bridge was part of the aqueduct used to transport
water on a 30-mile journey from springs to the important Roman city
of Nîmes. Standing 160ft over the gentle Gardon river, a tributary
of the Rhône, the Pont du Gard and its limestone arches are
UNESCO-listed due in part to the exceptional state of preservation.
As one of the greatest remaining structures of the Roman Empire, it
is considered an architectural and artistic masterpiece and, at
nearly 2,000 years old, people are still permitted to walk across
it.
The water that fed the Pont du Gard came from springs near to
Uzès, and it is on to this gorgeous medieval town we move.
Dominated by a château the town is also protected by its three
towers, including the 11th-century Tour Fenestrelle. The style of
this campanile tower attached to the Cathédrale Saint-Théodorit
d'Uzès has led many people to compare it to a smaller version of
the Leaning Tower of Pisa. In fact, the town is known as the
'French Tuscany'. With a feel of genuine authenticity to the
characterful and clean streets of Uzès' charming centre surrounded
by graceful stone buildings, we have two hours to wander
independently and may opt to enjoy a spot of lunch in a square
scattered with plane trees.
This afternoon is a highlight of the holiday as we get to learn
more about one of the most celebrated wines in the world. Attending
a cellier, we enjoy a presentation and tasting of
Châteauneuf-du-Pape. After hearing about the wine's incredible
heritage and the importance of the Rhône to the region's terroir,
we are then treated to a tasting of three varieties of delicious
Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine.
We return to Avignon in good time to head out for a three-course
dinner together at a local restaurant.
Includes