Travaillan between winegrowing and history

Travaillan offers several themes for a stay: historic buildings, winegrowing and outdoor activities. When planning, it is worth keeping the schedules of the various offerings in mind. The small producers’ market takes place weekly, the cellar tour requires a reservation, and the guided Solex tour is seasonal. There is also a cycling loop through the vineyards and other ways to get to know the town and its surroundings.

History among the castle, chapel and church

Historic Travaillan was located on the banks of the Aygues and included a castle and a chapel. The remains of the castle “Castis Trabelhani,” built in the early Middle Ages in Vieux Travaillan, include a gateway described as an old archway and a few sections of wall. The castle chapel dates from the 11th to 12th centuries and is dedicated to Saint Pons. The castle and chapel thus represent different periods in the town’s history. Access arrangements may vary; check them before visiting.

Another religious building is the present-day church of Travaillan. It was built in 1856 in the Neo-Romanesque style. This clearly distinguishes it in date from the much older castle chapel. Those interested in architectural history will therefore find both the remains of a medieval castle complex and a 19th-century church in the town.

Winegrowing, markets and local events

Winegrowing in Travaillan is classified as Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages and Plan de Dieu. The history of these designations also provides a timeline for local winegrowing: Travaillan and the Plan de Dieu terroir received the Côtes du Rhône Villages designation in 1983; the Plan de Dieu Villages designation has been in place since 2004. These different names help orient you as you learn about winegrowing in the commune.

A small producers’ market takes place every Tuesday morning at Place de la Mairie. If you would like to plan a visit to the market during your trip, check the current schedule in advance. Domaine Martin offers a cellar tour with wine tasting; a reservation is required. The market and cellar tour are two different ways to learn about local produce and winegrowing.

The Ban des Vendanges ceremony takes place each year in August or September. The timing depends on the ripeness of the vineyards and the weather; the ceremony marks the official start of the grape harvest. Events in Travaillan also include themed meals, pétanque competitions, games, entertainment, dances and music. Individual programme details may change.

Cycling routes and seasonal experiences

The cycling loop through the vineyards of the Plan de Dieu runs between the Aygues and the Ouvèze. It is 28 kilometres long, takes approximately three hours and is classified as easy. Distance, estimated duration and difficulty level each provide different guidance for planning. Check route conditions and signage before setting off.

A cycling tour through the Plan de Dieu vineyards passes through Travaillan. Parking is available along the D975 opposite the Bistrot de Pays and at Place de la Mairie opposite the post office. Check parking availability before setting off. These location details can help you identify a possible starting point without confusing the tour duration with the time needed to get there.

Another guided activity offered in Travaillan is a Solex tour, available for two hours, half a day or a full day. The offer is seasonal; confirm reservations and operating dates in advance. Unlike the cycling loop, which takes approximately three hours, the Solex tour offers several time options. You can take the duration of these two different activities into account when planning your day.

Introductory flights are also available locally: the Aéroclub du Plan de Dieu offers them from the airfield in Travaillan. The extensive vineyards can be explored, with a variety of fauna and flora to discover. As a separate note about nature, Travaillan is part of the L'Aygues Natura 2000 site, designated as Special Protection Area FR9301576.

If you would like to coordinate your travel dates with a market visit, cellar tour or guided excursion, check the relevant dates and reservation requirements before finalising your stay.

Discover more destinations: Caderousse, Entraigues-Sur-La-Sorgue, Merindol, Saint-Saturnin-Lès-Apt, Murs, Saint-Martin-De-La-Brasque, Pernes-Les-Fontaines, Caromb.

See the broader travel guide: Vaucluse.