Route
You start near Narbonne and explore the wine regions of Corbières, Minervois and the Bassin de Thau. You then drive towards Spain with a stop in Rivesaltes and end in the Empordà region in Catalonia, with excursions to Peralada and the surrounding vineyards.
Pace
A relaxed rhythm with two bases. You stay three nights in France and three nights in Spain. Day trips alternate with wine tastings and time to unwind at the estate.
Highlights
Wine tastings in Corbières and Minervois, oysters in the Bassin de Thau and Muscat in Rivesaltes. In Spain, you discover the castle of Peralada, cycle through vineyards and enjoy local wines and gastronomy.
Accommodation
Two characterful wine estates: a vast estate in southern France and an elegant estate in Empordà with a Wine Spa, both set among the vineyards.
Profile
For those who enjoy travelling with a good glass of wine always within reach. You explore both France and Spain, taste local specialities and stay several nights in each place to fully unwind.
Day 1: Departure to Narbonne
Today your wine adventure begins, you will set sail for Narbonne where you will stay for 3 nights on a 1,000-hectare wine estate nearby. Located between land and sea in the middle of the vineyards, where wine was grown by monks as early as the Middle Ages. The setting for an unforgettable holiday.
Day 2: From vine to wine... Route des Corbières and the Minervois
You start the day with a visit to France's oldest Roman city, Narbonne. Stroll along the Canal de la Robin, discover Saint-Jus-et-Saint-Pasteur cathedral, sample all the goodies at Les Halles de Narbonne. Then drive on to Lézignan-Corbières, a town with a rich wine-growing past. This is the perfect opportunity to taste its wines at a local winery. Your last stop is in Minerve, one of the 'Plus Beaux Villages de France'. The Romans planted the first vines here so they have been producing hearty and fruity wines here for centuries. Stroll through the cobbled streets where houses with old stone facades seem to tell a thousand secrets. Through the impressive natural scenery with olive and vineyards, chestnut trees and small rivers, you will drive back to your hotel where you will end the day with a visit and tasting in the wine cellar.
Day 3: Oyster therapy in the wine region of Pays de Thau
Your day starts at the medieval famous Fonserannes locks. You then continue to the Bassin de Thau where oysters and shellfish have been farmed since ancient times. Between Bouzigues and Marseillan, oyster parks stretch out like small well-kept water gardens. Here you will visit one of the oyster farms where you will taste some wines from the Pays de Thau. You will drive back through centuries-old fishing ports, where coloured boats and nets hang out to dry in the sun, to Marseillan for a visit to the last winery producing French vermouth.
Day 4: From French wines to Spanish bubbles
On your way to Spain, you will make a stop in Rivesaltes, known for its sweet dessert wine Muscat de Rivesaltes. You'll trade France for a stay in the heart of Spain's Empordà wine region. It is a region full of contrasts, where the Pyrenees meet the Mediterranean. Once you have arrived at your hotel, relax in the evening at the Wine Spa.
Day 5: Discover the secrets of Peralada
You will stay near the hotel today and learn the secrets of Perelada wine. You'll get a tour of the winery and then get to taste their different wines. After a delicious lunch, you will dive into the history of the estate. Through a guided tour, you will discover the castle, gardens and wine museum. The tour ends in the monastery cellar, where the famous Gran Claustro wine is still produced. You will end your day with a culinary dinner served with matching wines.
Day 6: E-bike tour along wineries of the DO Empordà
Empordà is an area whose wine tradition dates back hundreds of years and you will discover it by bike today. Hop on an electric bike for a laid-back ride that takes you through the surrounding vineyards. If you wish, you can also explore some medieval villages during the bike ride.
Day 7: Return home
Unfortunately, your wine journey comes to an end today. Time to head back home. Would you like to extend your trip for a few more days? We’d be happy to help you plan it.
Frequently asked questions about this wine trip
Do you need a rental car for this trip?
Yes. The wine estates, villages and oyster farms are spread across the region. A car allows you to travel easily between the different stops.
What is the best time to travel?
April to October is ideal. In summer you enjoy long days and lively terraces, while spring and autumn are quieter and perfect for wine tasting.
What makes this region special for wine lovers?
You combine two distinct wine cultures in one trip. In France you taste bold wines from Corbières and Minervois, while in Spain you discover Empordà wines and cava, each in a different setting.
How active is this trip?
The pace is relaxed. You make short drives, visit wineries and can optionally take an e-bike tour through the vineyards.
Why book with Caractère?
- Best price guarantee
- Caractère extras
- Just one phone call or email away from our enthusiastic travel experts
- Pay safely
- No extra or hidden fees
