Gigondas

A fairly easy walk of around two hours with spectacular views.

Start at the Mairie in the heart of the village and take the small road to the right, the Chemin des Dentelles, which climbs out of the village. After about 500 metres, leave the tarred road for a concrete road to the left signposted Les Dentelles and still called the Chemin des Dentelles de Montmirail. For much of the walk, follow the blue markers as per the signpost and not the yellow and red ones.

The concrete road is steep but easy underfoot; there is one junction with a post and blue indicator. After about 900 metres leave the road and take a small, rough track to the left. There is a faint blue mark on a stone at the foot of this track and further blue marks for reassurance as you climb it. This path opens out on to a level dirt road with the picnic area of the Rocher du Midi to your left and the stairs to the Belvedere viewpoint “table d’orientation”. There is no more climbing on this walk so it is worth doing this last climb up and down for the panoramic views.

Back at the picnic area follow the dirt road to the left as it gently descends for a kilometre to the Col de Cayron. Ignore the yellow and red crosses on the tree to your left at the beginning and, unless you want a particularly challenging extension to the walk, the blue marked track to The Dentelles to your right. At the Col continue to descend on the road to your left signposted Village de Gigondas.

Wind down past the Domaine des Florets (dégustation) and after about one kilometre you cross a small bridge at a turn. Immediately on your left is a path, the Chemin de Font Sane, signposted for Gigondas. Follow this down into the centre of the village.