Pic Saint-Loup: Full Day Wine and Olive Tour

If you’re planning to explore the South of France beyond its famous beaches and bustling cities, this Pic Saint-Loup: Full Day Wine and Olive Tour offers a beautifully curated taste of the region’s countryside, its wines, and its olive oils. With a carefully balanced itinerary that includes visits to two distinguished wineries and an olive farm, this experience promises an authentic glimpse into Languedoc’s culinary treasures.

What we love about this tour is its focus on quality experiences—from seeing traditional cellars to tasting exceptional wines and oils in picturesque settings. The opportunity to enjoy a French meal at a local inn, paired with scenic drives, adds extra layers of enjoyment.

A potential consideration is the tour’s price point of $995 for up to two guests, which might seem steep for some travelers, yet the inclusion of private transportation, guided visits, and tastings makes it a generally good value if you’re a wine enthusiast or seeking a personalized experience.

This tour suits couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a relaxed, immersive day exploring France’s countryside with expert guides who take care of logistics and insights. If authentic wine and olive oil tastings, stunning views, and a touch of regional culture are on your list, this experience could be just right.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience: Private transport, guided tours, and tastings at two wineries and an olive farm.
• Scenic journey: Gorgeous drives through Pic Saint-Loup’s landscapes, perfect for photography and soaking up regional beauty.
• Culinary delights: Tastings of wines and oils combined with a regional lunch, though the meal is not included in the price.
• Authentic insights: Guided visits offer a behind-the-scenes look at traditional winemaking and olive oil production.
• Flexible and private: Small group or private tour, ideal for personalized attention.
• Time-efficient: A well-structured 7-hour itinerary that balances sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing.

A Deep Dive into the Pic Saint-Loup Experience

The Perfect Introduction to South France’s Countryside

Starting from Montpellier, the tour kicks off with a convenient pickup—your guide will meet you at your accommodation, making the day as smooth as possible. The journey into the Pic Saint-Loup area is about 30 minutes, giving ample time to enjoy the scenic drive and get excited about what’s ahead.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on local, traditional producers. The first stop is a family-run olive farm where you’ll learn about olive oil production and taste a variety of oils. This is a distinctive experience that truly captures the regional essence—nothing beats tasting oils made from olives picked nearby, especially when paired with fresh bread or tapenade.

Visiting the Olive Farm: A Tasting of Simplicity and Flavor

The visit to the olive farm is one of the highlights, according to travelers like François, who noted “nice tasting of olive oil and wine,” and appreciated the authentic, uncomplicated experience. Here, you’ll gain insight into the process of olive oil making, and enjoy tasting different oils—perhaps discovering a new favorite to take home.

Exploring the First Winery: Tradition Meets Flavor

After the olive farm, the tour moves on to a traditional Languedoc winery. The guided visit includes a look into the cellar, where wine has been stored for generations, and a tasting of their range. The winery is described as having a “proper cellar,” and the visit is designed to showcase the craftsmanship behind their wines, which are well-regarded locally.

Travelers frequently describe the wine tastings as “complementary,” and note the wines are exceptional, with some even mentioning the variety—likely including reds and possibly rosés typical of the region. The guided aspect means you’ll learn about the terroir, grape varieties, and the winemaking process, enriching the tasting experience.

The Scenic Drive to Pic Saint-Loup

As you approach the iconic peak of Pic Saint-Loup, the landscape transforms into a sea of rolling vineyards, rugged hills, and charming stone villages. The scenic drive offers plenty of opportunities for photos, especially with the backdrop of the distinctive limestone peak.

While weather can impact the experience—some reviews mention less sunshine—the views remain captivating under any sky. This part of the tour underscores the region’s natural beauty, making for memorable snapshots and a genuine sense of place.

Lunch Break: French Cuisine in a Beautiful Setting

Midday is set aside for a delightful lunch at a local inn (not included in the tour price). Guests rave about the opportunity to enjoy seasonal, local ingredients in a picturesque setting, often near a lake or with views that complement the regional flavors. This stop offers a chance to relax, digest, and reflect on the morning’s tastings while enjoying a hearty French meal—though travelers should budget extra for this part.

The Final Winery Visit: An Impressive Collection of Wines

The afternoon features a visit to a second winery, just a short drive from the first. This estate is known for its distinctive wines and offers a guided tour followed by a generous tasting session lasting around 75 minutes. Travelers have praised their complementary tastings—a good sign of quality and confidence in their offerings.

The second estate provides a different style or approach, giving a broader taste of the Pic Saint-Loup’s wine diversity. It’s an ideal way to deepen your appreciation of the region’s viticulture, especially after discovering the nuances of the first winery.

Return Journey and Reflection

The drive back to Montpellier takes about 45 minutes, allowing you to unwind and chat about your favorite wines or the gorgeous scenery. Most guests finish the day around 4:30 PM, feeling relaxed but enriched by the experience.

Practicalities and Value

This tour’s pricing at $995 for up to two guests reflects its bespoke nature—private transportation, guided visits, tastings, and a well-structured itinerary. Compared to self-guided visits, the convenience and expert guidance offer significant value, especially for first-timers or those who want a curated experience.

It’s important to note that lunch is not included, so budget accordingly. The tour is ideal for wine lovers eager to learn about regional wines, or travelers wanting a relaxed day exploring scenic vineyards and tasting regional oils.

The small-group or private format means you won’t be one among dozens, encouraging an intimate and flexible experience. Guides are fluent in both English and French, ensuring smooth communication and insightful commentary throughout.

Authentic Touches and Insights

The experience is described as “well-organized,” with punctual departures and friendly guides. François’s review highlights the “nice tasting” and “correct” meal, suggesting a straightforward, enjoyable day without unnecessary fuss.

The visit to traditional producers—both winery and olive farm—ensures you get a sense of authentic regional practices, not just commercialized tours. It’s this genuine approach that elevates the experience for many travelers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates fine wines and regional foods, this tour offers a curated taste of the South of France. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers seeking a private experience that combines scenery, culture, and culinary delights.

Travelers interested in learning about winemaking and olive oil production will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s also suitable for those who want a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for photos and tasting.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more active, self-guided exploration, this may not be the best choice. Likewise, those seeking an extensive wine tour across many estates might prefer larger group options or different itineraries.

The Sum Up

This Pic Saint-Loup: Full Day Wine and Olive Tour delivers a thoughtfully crafted blend of scenic beauty, authentic regional tastings, and intimate guided visits. It’s ideal for travelers who want to experience the South of France’s renowned wines and oils in a relaxed, private setting, with enough time to savor each stop.

While the price may seem high, the personalized approach—and the chance to visit family-run producers—provides solid value for a memorable day. If your goal is to come away with a deeper appreciation of Pic Saint-Loup’s terroir, its traditional producers, and stunning landscapes, this tour ticks most boxes.

For those craving a genuine taste of the region, coupled with expert guidance and scenic drives, this experience warrants serious consideration.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes private transportation from and back to your Montpellier accommodation, making it easy to relax and enjoy the day without worrying about driving.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, from pickup in the morning to return around 4:30 PM, offering a relaxed pace with plenty of time for tastings and sightseeing.

Are the tours guided in English and French?
Yes, guides speak both languages fluently, ensuring clear communication and insightful commentary throughout the day.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but the tour stops at a highly recommended inn where you can enjoy local regional dishes; additional costs apply.

How many wineries and olive farms will I visit?
You will visit two wineries and an olive oil farm, with tastings at each location to give you a broad overview of the region’s produce.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your travel plans change unexpectedly.