In Travaillan, winemaking and heritage sit alongside opportunities for active pursuits. The historic buildings tell the story of the settlement’s past; the market, winery and seasonal events offer further reasons to visit. When planning your trip, choose according to your interests: a look at the castle and chapel, a wine tasting or a ride through the vineyards each offers a different focus.
Castle, Chapel and Memorial
Historic Travaillan stood 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, include a gate 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. Today’s church in Travaillan provides a later historical landmark: built in 1856, it is in the Neo-Romanesque style.
Another chapter in the town’s history recalls the Second World War. The Mémorial de Travaillan – Stèle du Plan de Dieu commemorates five American US Air Force pilots who were shot down over the Plan de Dieu during the war. The annual commemoration is organized in turn by Camaret-sur-Aygues, Travaillan, Rasteau and Violès. Alongside the older buildings, this memorial is one of the diverse historical themes that shape Travaillan.
Winemaking, Market and Events
The wines of Travaillan are classified as CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne, CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne Villages and Plan de Dieu. The history of these designations can also be placed in context: in 1983, Travaillan and the Plan de Dieu terroir received the CĂ´tes du RhĂ´ne Villages designation; the Plan de Dieu Villages designation has existed since 2004. If you would like to learn about winemaking beyond its appellations, you can visit Domaine Martin for a cellar tour and wine tasting. Reservations are required.
Part of local life is the small producers’ market on the Place de la Mairie, held every Tuesday morning. Check the current date before you travel. The Ban des Vendanges ceremony marks the official start of the grape harvest and takes place annually in August or September; the exact date depends on the ripeness of the vineyards and the weather. Other events include themed meals, pétanque competitions, games, entertainment, dancing and music. Specific program details may change.
Cycling Routes and Other Activities
A circular cycling route through the vineyards of the Plan de Dieu between the Aygues and Ouvèze is 28 kilometers long, takes about three hours and is rated easy. Check route conditions and signage before setting off. A cycling tour through the Plan de Dieu vineyards passes through Travaillan. Parking is listed along the D975 opposite the Bistrot de Pays and at the Place de la Mairie opposite the post office; check availability before setting off.
Guided Solex tours are offered in three formats: two hours, half a day or a full day. This gives you a different choice of duration from the roughly three-hour cycling route. Solex tours are seasonal; confirm operating dates in advance and make a reservation. There is another way to experience the surroundings from Travaillan’s airfield: the Aéroclub du Plan de Dieu offers introductory flights there.
Landscape and Protected Surroundings
Travaillan is part of the L'Aygues Natura 2000 site, designated as Special Protection Area FR9301576. The extensive vineyards can be explored, with diverse fauna and flora to discover. Together with the various cycling and flight options, this offers a selection of activities with different durations and focuses. You can therefore organize your visit around the town’s history, winemaking and landscape, according to the themes that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Mirabeau, Vacqueyras, Savoillan, Gignac, Cucuron, La Bastide-Des-Jourdans, Roaix, BĂ©doin.
See the main travel guide: Vaucluse.
