Ban des Vendanges — a 3-day weekend in Rhône Valley

The weekend, day by day

1. 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.

2. Day 2

   Ban des Vendanges

   Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. 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.

3. Day 3

   Wine country day in Rhône Valley

   Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch at one of the regional addresses below before heading home.

Where to stay

Three angles for the festival window. Festival hotels book out 6+ months in advance — apartments are the contingency when the main shortlist is sold out.

• Hotels in Avignon

  Live inventory around the festival window — 2 adults, all star ratings.

• 4–5 star options near Avignon

  Higher-end shortlist when you want the milestone weekend treatment.

• Apartments in Avignon

  Self-catering option — useful when festival hotels sell out 6+ months ahead.

Booking.com links — we may earn a commission. We never recommend hotels we wouldn't use ourselves.

One winery worth a detour

Where to eat

Practical

Nearest airport

Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Mid-range daily budget

~€190/day for two

Festival site

Visit official site