Orange's location at the top of the southern Rhone valley makes it a useful base for day trips. Avignon, the papal city, is 30 minutes south by car or train. Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the most famous wine appellation of the Rhone, sits halfway between the two and is best explored by car with cellar-door tastings. The Mont Ventoux climbs steeply to the east — a 90-minute drive to the summit on a clear day.