Skip to main content

Rasteau

A small hilltop village famous for its wine

featured in Towns & Villages Updated

The home of AOC Rasteau wines, the village of Rasteau is tiny and can be covered quite easily in an hour's walk.

The village centre is quite small with a central square, lined with plane trees. There is a 17th century church, Notre Dame des Vignerons, in the old part of the village which has been lovingly restored by members of the local parish.

You can enjoy nice views over the surrounding countryside, with views of Mont Ventoux, the French Alps and the Rhône Valley from the top of the village.

History & Culture in [locality]

Like many other hilltop villages in this part of Provence, Rasteau has seen occupation by the Romans, as well as the Carolingians, Goths and Saracens. The Knights Templar also arrived here in 1134.

Olive cultivation has taken place here since the 17th century, wine production since the 18th century, however it wasn't until 1925 that the first wine cooperative was born. The appelation AOC Côtes du Rhône was achieved in 1927 and AOC Rasteau sweet wine in 1944.

See our History Guide

Sights & Attractions in [locality]

Sights in Provence

See all Sights & Sites

Events in [locality]

Events here focus on the vineyards and wine tasting, check with the local tourist office for what's on and when.

Dining in [locality]

Restaurants in Provence

See all Restaurants

Things to do in [locality]

Cycling, mountain biking and hiking are popular in this area as are visits to the lavender fields and olive groves.

Several cycling routes criss-cross the area and they're mostly signposted so you don't get lost.

Take the GR4 hiking trail to some of the surrounding villages.

Things To Do in Provence

See all Activities & Trips

Nightlife in [locality]

Bars & Clubs in Provence

See all Bars & Clubs

Chalets in [locality]

Chalets in Provence

See all Chalets

Villas in [locality]

Villas in Provence

See all Villas

Holidays Rentals in [locality]

Holiday Rentals in Provence

See all Holiday Rentals

Hotels in [locality]

Hotels in Provence

See all Hotels

How to get to [locality]

Transfers for Provence

See all Airport Transfers

See our Getting Here Guide

Directions

Rasteau lies between Orange and Vaison la Romaine, around 15 minutes drive west of Vaison la Romaine.

Location

Map of the surrounding area

News

  • Splashworld Provence, Monteux
  • 24 Hours in Avignon in 2018
  • Unique Provence wedding venues for 2019
  • Top 6 luxury hotels in Avignon for 2019

Events

  • Fete de la Veraison, Chateauneuf du Pape
  • Les Soirees de la Citadelle, Saint Tropez
  • a stage with musicians
  • a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
  • a horse show in the arena at Arles provence
  • Cadenet Farmers Market in Provence