Châteauneuf du Pape

Châteauneuf du Pape (New Castle of the Pope) is named for the Pope’s summer retreat but is now a ruin. In 1308, Pope Clement V, former Archbishop of Bordeaux, relocated the papacy to the city of Avignon. It is a beautiful hill top town where we had a wonderful meal at Le Verger des Papes. Today the town is famous for its blend of 8 different grapes, with Grenache being the prominent grape, which is well controlled to produce “big” wines.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Châteauneuf du Pape. Castle ruin.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Châteauneuf du Pape.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Châteauneuf du Pape.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Interior of the church.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Interior of the church.
Châteauneuf du Pape
This was a very nice church, but I can't remember the name of it.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Interior of the church.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Châteauneuf du Pape. Main square.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Working our way up to the castle.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Sign pointing us toward Le Verger des Papes, the restaurant where we had lunch.
Châteauneuf du Pape
View from the Le Verger des Papes where we enjoyed lunch. The main course was bull tail, which was actually quite good.
Châteauneuf du Pape
The "new" castle of the Popes, the Châteauneuf du Pape.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Le Verger des Papes.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Le Verger des Papes. Rhone river in the background.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Châteauneuf du Pape. Coming down from the castle.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Châteauneuf du Pape. Walking the streets.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Le Verger des Papes.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Châteauneuf du Pape. Walking the streets.
Châteauneuf du Pape
On our way to Vaison la Romain.
Châteauneuf du Pape
Châteauneuf du Pape. Walking the streets.