Wine Getaway around Arles: Routes, Fine Dining and Local Secrets
At the gateway to the Camargue, where the Rhône River splits and where the light has inspired the greatest painters, lies a well-kept secret: the richness and diversity of its wine-growing terroir. Within a 30-kilometer radius of Arles , you are at the crossroads of fascinating worlds: the limestone peaks of the Alpilles, the rounded pebbles of the Costières de Nîmes, and the wild vines planted directly in the sands of the Camargue.
Here is our exclusive guide for an unforgettable wine tourism trip, combining tastings of character, postcard landscapes and gourmet meals.
🍇 Our Selection: The Best Wines and Estates to Discover
1. The Costières de Nîmes: The Southern Rhône Valley (Right Bank)
Located west of Arles, this appellation offers characterful wines that draw their strength from soils covered with large rolled pebbles (the "gress"), storing the heat of the day to release it at night.
Characterful Red & Rosé wines: Structured, marked by notes of ripe red fruit, spices and black pepper.
The must-visit estate: Château de Mourgues du Grès (Beaucaire - 20 km from Arles). François and Anne Collard produce organic and biodynamic wines of incredible minerality and finesse. Their "Galets Rouges" cuvée is a marvel of deliciousness.
The biodynamic alternative: Château de Tuileries or Domaine de Scandogaran (Saint-Gilles - 18 km), for southern expressions full of freshness.
2. Camargue Wines: The "Sand and Salt" Spirit (South)
A complete change of scenery. Here, the vines grow with their roots in the sand, swept by sea spray. This is the realm of the IGP Sable de Camargue and IGP Terre de Camargue wines.
Gris and Gris de Gris: These are the kings of the Camargue. Extremely pale, salmon-colored rosés, characterized by a beautiful vivacity, a roundness on the palate and a unique saline finish.
The must-visit estate: Mas de Valériole (Arles / Gageron - 15 km from Arles). Managed by the Michel family, this estate nestled in the heart of the Camargue Natural Park offers absolutely delicious organic white, red and rosé wines.
The historic estate: Château de Beaujeu (Arles - 10 km). A historic Camargue setting to discover the region's traditional grape varieties.
3. The Alpilles and Les Baux-de-Provence: The strength of limestone (Left Bank)
Powerful Reds: Château Estoublon (Fontvieille - 12 km) and the legendary Domaine de Trévallon (Saint-Étienne-du-Grès - 25 km). Full-bodied wines with notes of garrigue and spices.
Anthology Whites: Domaine Hauvette (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence - 25 km). Exclusive biodynamic white wines of vibrant purity.
🚗 Two Route Ideas Starting from Arles
Depending on your preferences, choose your side of the Rhône for the day.
Option A: The "Costières and Camargue" Loop (Local Produce & Wild Nature)
Arles ➔ Saint-Gilles (Abbatiale) ➔ Beaucaire (Mourgues du Grès) ➔ Gageron (Mas de Valériole) ➔ Retour Arles
Morning: Head west towards Saint-Gilles and Beaucaire. Stop at the Château de Mourgues du Grès for a walk among the vines and pebbles, followed by a tasting.
Lunch: Le Mazet du Midi (on the road to the Camargue) or a fine restaurant in Saint-Gilles such as Cours et Quais , to enjoy fresh market produce.
Afternoon: Descend back into the heart of the Camargue. Cross landscapes of rice paddies and salt marshes to reach Mas de Valériole . Leave with their famous rosé gris, the perfect companion for your future aperitifs.
Option B: The "Alpilles Classic" Loop (White Rocks & Olive Trees)
Arles ➔ Fontvieille (Château Estoublon) ➔ Les Baux-de-Provence ➔ Saint-Rémy (Domaine Hauvette) ➔ Retour Arles
Morning: Majestic visit to the Château Estoublon in Fontvieille, then on to the hilltop village of Les Baux-de-Provence.
Lunch: L'Estagnol (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence). Authentic regional cuisine, a superb shaded terrace and an incredible local wine list.
Afternoon: Tasting of exceptional white and red wines at Dominique Hauvette or visit to the cathedral-like cellar of Château Romanin .
🏡 The Secret to a Successful Stay: Settle into Arles
After a day spent exploring the vineyards, crossing from one department to another by crossing the Rhône and exchanging with passionate winemakers, the sweetest comfort is not having to get back on the road.
Settling into the heart of Arles' historic center is undoubtedly the best option for wine lovers. By staying at La Maison de Thaïs , you'll not only enjoy a peaceful and ideally located haven, but also the perfect base for exploring the region. Whether you decide to head south to the sandy beaches of the Camargue, west to the pebbles of the Mediterranean, or east to the rocky Alpilles mountains, everything is within twenty minutes.
In the evening, after dining in one of the many trendy bistros of the ancient city, all you have to do is uncork one of the bottles you carefully acquired during the day. Enjoying it in the quiet, intimate setting of the house, enveloped by the Roman and cultural atmosphere of Arles, is the perfect ending to a truly epicurean day.
📝 Address book in summary
Stage / Type | Name of the establishment | Distance from Arles | Distinctive Sign |
Domaine (Costières) | Mourgues du Grès Castle | 20 km | Rolled pebbles, organic wines of great finesse |
Domain (Camargue) | Valériole Farm | 15 km | The heart of the Camargue, organic wines from the land and sea |
Domaine (Alpilles) | Estoublon Castle | 12 km | Exceptional wines & a magnificent estate |
Domaine (Alpilles) | Trévallon Estate | 25 km | The iconic and timeless bottle |
Restaurant | L'Estagnol (Saint-Rémy) | 24 km | Shaded terrace and superb wine list |
Accommodation | City center | The ideal setting for exploring all these regions |
Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous for your health; consume in moderation.
Photo: Emmanuel Perrin
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