French Wine Region Highlights and Itinerary Ideas
The full-bodied reds of Bordeaux, the tangy rosés of Provence, the crisp whites of Alsace. Recognized across the globe, France’s wine inventory is highly decorated. But to be fair, the term “French wine” is an oversimplification because each wine region bears unique flavor, terroir and character. Each wine region promises its own story and experience. With a country as geographically diverse as France, it’s hard to fit everything into one itinerary: museums, nature, gastronomy, wine, and much more. So, whether you’re wanting to add several wine-themed days to your trip or desiring a trip devoted to discovering the different wine regions, we’re here for you. We’re sharing an overview of France’s main wine regions with their specialities as well as itinerary ideas.
French Wine Region Highlights and Itinerary Ideas
Bordeaux Wine Region
Although it produces various wines, the Bordeaux wine region is synonymous with red. Bordeaux is an easy two-hour train ride from Paris and also has an international airport. Some of the major appellations in the region: Saint Émilion, Graves and Pomerol. Beyond appellations, there are five different Bordeaux wine classifications from the Crus Bourgeois du Médoc classification to the 1855 classification, per Vins de Bordeaux.
You could spend an entire weekend tasting different wines and touring the Cité du Vin museum in the city of Bordeaux. But the surrounding region, including the villages of Fronsac and Saint Émilion, is breathtaking.
Read our article delving into the Bordeaux wine region.
Full-Day Visit to Saint-Émilion and Pomerol
Escape from the city and spend the day in the tranquil countryside surrounding Bordeaux. Become an expert in the Saint-Émilion, Fronsac and Pomerol appellations as you marvel as its terroir. Visit a family-run domain, which produces a Saint-Émilion grand cru. Your private tour will also include tastings of both red and white wines. Santé !
Provence Wine Region
The sunny region of Provence allures particularly with its rosé wines. During your wine-inspired itinerary in Provence, you could easily start in Marseille or Aix-en-Provence. Both have high-speed TGV train stops and are close to the airport. Be sure to try a glass from the Côtes de Provence appellation. If you’re searching for the full Provence wine region experience, don’t overlook Château La Coste. This winery not only offers tastings and tours but also offers an outdoor sculpture park. French Side Travel can organize a private tour or even reserve a stay at one of its on-site luxury villas.
Craving more of the Provence wine region? Read our article on the ins and outs of wine produced in Provence.
Champagne Wine Region
There’s red, rosé and white. And then there’s pétillant, or bubbly. Although there’s a variety of sparkling wines, the crown belongs to the Champagne region known for its eponymous beverage. Tucked in the Champagne region, the town of Reims is under an hour from Paris by train. Unlike wine that dates back millennia, Champagne is a relatively new beverage and has been developed over the past few centuries. Some major champagne houses to know: Moët & Chandon, Taittinger and Veuve Clicquot.
Read our article on how to spend a dazzling weekend in the Champagne region.
Maison Ruinart Guided Visit
Wine isn’t just about the grapes inside but how it’s stored and treated. And on this private guided visit, you’ll discover the crayères. Nestled 100 feet below the ground, these chalk quarries store Maison Ruinart’s wine bottles. The quarries date back to the 400s but started to be used as wine cellars in the 18th century, per Maison Ruinart. Your private tour organized by French Side Travel will include a visit to the underground cellar, a 5-course meal and champagne tasting.
Burgundy Wine Region
In the Burgundy wine region, it’s simple. The two main grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, per Wine Folly. When in Bourgogne, sip on a glass of Chablis, a crisp white. Or perhaps a wine from the Côtes de Beaune appellation, which is well-known for its chardonnay, according to wine writer Hilarie Larson. Nestled in Burgundy, the town of Dijon isn’t even a two-hour train ride from Paris.
Looking for more activities for your trip to Burgundy? Read our article on our favorite tours in the region.
Bike Tour of the Côte de Nuits Wine Region
Discover the Côte de Nuits appellation not simply by tasting it but also by biking through its terroir. With this private bike tour, you’ll cruise through the bucolic villages and vineyards of Fixin and Gevrey Chambertin in Burgundy. Your tour will also include a visit to the 12th century castle and wine cellars of Clos de Vougeot.
Alsace Wine Region
Best known for its Christmas markets and hearty cuisine, Alsace has even more to offer. With most being white grapes, the Alsatian wine region has seven grape varieties, including Pinot Blanc and Muscat d’Alsace, per Pays de Ribeauvillé & Riquewihr. “The Alsace climate is distinct due to the alternation of hot days and chilly nights during the autumn, perfect conditions for slow and extended grape ripening,” according to Vins Alsace. Strasbourg is just two hours from Paris by high-speed train and also has its own airport.
We curated some of our favorite day trip ideas from Strasbourg.
Private Guide Wine Tour in Alsace
Unveil the wine culture of Alsace with a private winery tour. Visit a variety of family wineries and learn about the variety of grapes used in the region, from Riesling to Gewurztraminer. Your driver will take you through Eguisheim and Kaysersberg – two villages fit for a storybook. Nosh on a cozy Alsatian lunch and taste test a variety of local wines, including the renowned sparkling Crémant d’Alsace.
Loire Valley Region
It’s a proven fact that wine tastes better in a castle. Okay, maybe it’s not scientific, but just trust us. Your idyllic wine weekend in the Loire Valley will not only include sips of Vouvray and Chinon, but also with a backdrop of châteaux. From white to red, the Loire Valley produces a variety of wines but around two-thirds of its production are either white or rosé, according to a Vins de Loire press release.
Delve even deeper with our article on the Loire Valley wine region.
Full-Day Wine Tour of the Loire Valley
Immerse yourself in the Loire Valley wine culture with a private tour to a domain close to the Château de Chenonceau. Its unique twist? They ferment their wine in troglodyte cellars, or underground caves. Later, you’ll explore a winery near the Château Royal d’Amboise.
Where to Stay in France
Baumanière in Les Baux-de-Provence
Fall in love with the Provence wine region — and this five-star hotel. Dine at its Michelin-starred restaurant, or spend the afternoon taking a oenology class with a cellar visit and wine tastings.
Relais de Chambord in the Loire Valley
Craving a luxurious place to rest your head while you discover the Loire Valley wine region? The Relais de Chambord will wow you with its 13,000 acres and 55 rooms. This boutique hotel is steps from the renowned Château de Chambord.
So, no, there’s not one easy definition for French wine. Rather, each wine region has its own personality, based on its terroir, climate and culture. Which French wine region itinerary tempts you the most? Can’t decide? No worries, let our team help build the perfect trip and wine-themed activities adapted to your tastes. Contact one of our travel specialists today to start planning. You might also like: The Best of Beaujolais, Burgundy, and Champagne Vineyards or An Exclusive Escape to the Vineyards of Burgundy.