Festival weekend planner
Ban des Vendanges — a 3-day weekend in Rhône Valley
September. Avignon, France. 60 min from the airport.
The weekend, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Avignon
Land at Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.
- Day 2
Ban des Vendanges
Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Pace yourself across the tastings and break for a long lunch mid-afternoon.
- Day 3
Wine country day in Rhône Valley
Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch before heading home.
Where to stay
- Hotels in Avignon
Live availability around the festival dates. Festival hotels book out 6+ months ahead, so check early.
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One winery worth a detour
Château Rayas
WTG pickNo signage, no marketing, and intentionally limited access — yet the wines trade at Burgundy Grand Cru prices. The antithesis of every other Châteauneuf estate.
- Address
- Route de Courthézon, 84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France
- Appointment
- required
- Tasting price
- By invitation only
- Website
- Visit
Where to eat
Daniel et Denise
€€Authentic Lyon bouchon for classic Lyonnaise charcuterie and offal dishes
Must try: Quenelles de brochet
More dining picks in Rhône Valley →Practical
- Nearest airport
- Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
- Festival site
- Visit official site
Insider tip
Book the grand dinner ticket months ahead—the barrel tastings in the Palais cellars before the outdoor feast are where you'll taste unreleased 2024 Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape from small family domaines. The ceremony itself is ceremonial; the real value is in the producer access during the meal.
Want a longer trip than the festival weekend?
The milestone-trip planner builds a 3–10 day Rhône Valley itinerary with accommodation, tours, and pacing options.
Plan a Rhône Valley trip →