Tavel

Tavel is a peaceful village in the Rhone valley, on the right bank of the river, in the Provençal Gard.
Vineyards dominate the landscape and have made Tavel famous. The wine made here is proudly celebrated as the "First Rosé wine of France."

Tavel is located halfway between Avignon and the Pont du Gard, near Uzes and Nimes.

The village is settled at the foot of a limestone plateau where only scrubland grows, overlooking the Rhone valley, with views stretching east to the "Dentelles de Montmirail" and Mont Ventoux.

Tavel retains its character of rural southern town, with limestone houses and vines covering shady arbours.

Around a corner stands a traditional washhouse and a beautiful fountain dating from the 17th century. The village streets lead into paths running between gardens bordered by dry stone walls.

The wine village comes alive with the seasonal rhythm of winegrowing.

Tavel Rosé wine

The wine of Tavel is now synonymous with rosé wine. Tavel’s winemakers have brought distinction to a type of wine sometimes regarded as second class. The rosé wine is nevertheless the first in history, it dominates the production until the 17th century when it was replaced by the red wine.

A great wine is primarily a terroir, and Tavel’s is exceptional. The vineyard is spread over three types of soil: pebbles brought by Rhone in Vallongue, sand and gravel of Olivet, poor soil and limestone Vestides. The combination of a great terroir, talent and tenacity of Tavel allows winemakers to produce a rosé wine of the highest quality.

Rosé wine is obtained by a shorter fermentation, the must is removed early to prevent tannins and colouring compounds from making the wine too dark.

Accommodation and information

Selection of bed and breakfast near Avignon amongst the guest houses of Provence

Town official website : www.mairiedetavel.fr

Website of Tavel wine syndicate : www.vin-tavel.com

Coming to Tavel

GPS coordinates N 44°00'43'' - E 4°42'02''

The town of Tavel is located in the east part of the department of Gard , in the Rhone Valley.

Location : altitude 106 metres, 1800 inhabitants, 3 miles from Saint-Laurent-des-Arbres, 7 miles from Villeneuve-les-Avignon, 9 miles from Avignon, 12 miles from Châteauneuf-du-Pape , 12 miles from Orange, 14 miles from Pont du Gard, 15 miles from Uzès