wine tour of france

THE 10 BEST France Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in france.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Provence Wine Tour - Small Group Tour from Nice

2. Full-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux

3. Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour

4. Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings, Reims and Winery from Paris

5. Saint Emilion Half-Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Winery Visit from Bordeaux

6. Montmartre Hill French Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour

7. Medoc or Saint Emilion Wine Tasting and Chateau from Bordeaux

8. Paris Ultimate Food Tour

9. Loire Valley Wine Half Day Tour in Vouvray

10. Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

11. The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do - 2 hours

12. Reims afternoon tour Champagne and family growers

13. Paris Seine River Champagne Tasting Cruise

14. Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains

15. Bordeaux Food and Wine Tour

16. Saint Emilion Wine Tour Half Day

17. Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice

18. Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting

19. Northern Rhône Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon

20. VIP Montmartre Walking Tour with Private Vineyard Wine Tasting

21. Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley

22. Côtes de Provence Small Group Day Trip with Winery Visits & Tastings from Nice

23. Saint-Emilion Afternoon Tour - 2 Wineries, tastings & delicacies

24. Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch

25. Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence

26. Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune

27. Provence Cru Wine Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon

28. St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch

29. Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting within Nice city borders

30. Champagne and Reims Tasting Day Trip from Paris

What travelers are saying.

• Meghan G 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wine Tour with Theo My friend and I booked this activity and it was the perfect getaway to the French countryside. Our tour guide Theo was wonderful, and his knowledge of wine/wine-tasting made it a delightfully rich experience. He encouraged us to dive in to what flavors and scents of each wine we had. From the types of grapes grown to the gothic-inspired wine cellars, we were able to see it all and Theo made sure to explain everything. The group size (8 people total) was also nice, making it a personal experience as well. The wines and wineries were amazing. And the lunch in the medieval town was cool too. Definitely would recommend! Read more Review of: Provence Wine Tour - Small Group Tour from Nice Written June 5, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

The Best Wine Tasting & Tours In France

Browse through the best selection of france wine tours.

HATT for Dreamers - Wine Tasting and Tour

HATT et SÖNER: A Champagne Odyssey of Taste and Tradition in Côte de Blancs, Champagne

Exploring Burgundian Grape Varieties | Maison L. Tramier & Fils

Explore Burgundy with a guided tasting and vineyard tour at Maison L. Tramier & Fils. Book now and let yourself be charmed by the richness and diversity of Burgundian wines

In the Heart of 1st Growths: Prestige Tasting | Maison L. Tramier & Fils

A Dip into Wine History

Oenological Dive in Mercurey

Have an Aesthetically pleasing Day as you also please your taste buds at Maison L. Tramier & Fils winery | Wine Tasting in Burgundy

Wine Tasting, Lunch in a Troglodytic Cave and Tour at Domaine de Rocheville

Have a memorable lunch paired with wines at Domaine de Rocheville winery restaurant

Wine Tasting and Tour at Domaine de Rocheville in Loire Valley

Enjoy a winery tour and organic wine tasting with 4 wines paired with local bouchées

Premium Wine Tasting Châteauneuf du Pape with Art | La Cave de Mathias

La Cave de Mathias is a Unique Place for Dream Tastings in Chateauneuf Du Pape, Rhone

Wine Tasting in Chablis at Domaine Céline & Frédéric Gueguen

A Tasting in Heart of Chablis

The Prestige Experience at Maison Brotte

Audio-Guided Visit and Tasting of 5 wines at the Brotte Wine Museum

The gourmet experience at Maison Brotte

Discovering the Authentic Taste of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape with Maison Brotte

The Discovery experience at Maison Brotte

Take an educational tour of the winery and wine museum and taste some wines

Rare and Atypical Champagne Tour and Tasting at Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire

Enjoy a Guided Tour and Pleasant Tasting at the Champagne Roger-Constant Lemaire in Vallée de la Marne Wine Region

France Wine Tours Offered by Local Guides

Discover France's wine scene together with knowledgeable local wine tour guides.

Provence - Mont Sainte Victoire intensive wine experience private tour

In search of Cézanne

Aix-en-Provence food markets, Château Beaupré & Château Bonisson vineyards private tour

Old Town Market, Wine & Art of the Châteaux Beaupré & Bonisson

Château de Beaupré, Château La Verrerie & Château Bonisson Intensive wine experience

Intensive Provence fine wine experience

The Wines of the Luberon - Château La Canorgue & La Verrerie & the Château de Lourmarin & Bastide du Laval private tour

Wines and Olive Oil Private Tour

Pont du Gard, Roman History, Villeneuve Les Avignon & the vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape private tour

Médiévale Cité, La Chartreuse, Fort St André and the Fine Wine of Châteauneuf du Pape

Avignon and the Vineyards of Châteauneuf du Pape

Where life is lived through its history & traditions and the Rhône valley wines

Medieval villages of Les Baux de Provence, Carrières de Lumière

Journey through Les Baux de Provence and Saint Rémy: ancient villages, art, and wine amidst stunning landscapes

Châteauneuf-du-Pape private tour an intensive fine wine experience

Intensive Vineyard & Fine Wine Experience

Wines and Chocolate Northern Rhone Valley - Full Day

The Pleasures of Wine and Chocolate

The Roman city of Vienne and Côte Rôtie - Half day

Amazing Wines to Try

Southern Burgundy - Full day

Yummy and Fruity Chardonnay tasting

Northern Rhône Valley: Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage, Cornas

Discover diverse soils and wines, from fruity Crozes-Hermitage to complex Hermitage, paired with gourmet food along the way

Best Cities to Visit in France

France Wine Map

How to reach wine tasting experiences in france.

Wine tasting tours in France are easily accessible by different means of transportation.

• Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the best option to reach wine tastings and tours in Champagne.
• Paris Orly (ORY) 
• Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)  takes you directly into the heart of the Bordeaux wine region.
• Marseille Airport (MRS) or Nice Airport (NCE) to reach wine tastings and tours in Provence
• Montpellier (MPL)  is where to land to reach the Languedoc – Roussillion wine region and South West France.
• Nantes Atlantique Airport (NTE) is your option to get close to wine tastings and tours in Loire Valley.
• Lyon Saint Éxupéry Airport (LYS) to get to wine tastings and tours in Rhône.
• A89  or  A62 to reach wine tastings and tours in Bordeaux.
• A6, A31  direction Dijon and then Lille or Nancy or A38 towards Besançon or Basel to get to heart of Burgundy.
• A6, A43, A47  or  A89 are all the motorways that lead to wine tastings and tours in Rhône.
• A8  is the best route to drive to discover Provence.
• Porto Vecchio

Looking for a more specific destination?

Design your perfect wine holiday in france.

Personalize your wine experiences with our team of experts

Dive into the heart of France's celebrated wine culture with a wine-tasting holiday tailored just for you. Explore the storied vineyards of Bordeaux, the picturesque estates of Burgundy, and beyond. Our personalized wine holidays offer exclusive access to private tastings with renowned sommeliers and visits to boutique wineries. Each tour is crafted to your preferences, ensuring a journey that's as enriching as it is enjoyable. Whether you're deepening your wine expertise or discovering new favorites, a wine holiday in France is the perfect blend of luxury and discovery. Ready to uncork the possibilities? Please fill out the form below to begin planning your adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions by our visitors, where to taste wine in france, what to wear at wine tastings in france, which is france's most famous wine, what is the most popular white wine in france, how much is a wine tasting in france, which french town is known for wine, what is the best wine area in france, what is the most expensive wine region in france, what travellers says about france wine tours.

Are you interested in reading more about France?

Are you interested in reading more about France? Read our France wine country guide section, or visit our selection of the very best France wineries that you can visit during your stay.

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Wine tasting Tours & Trips in France

Immerse yourself in culture as you sample the finest local wines on a tour of France. With 91 wine tasting adventures ranging from 3 days to 22 days, you'll hop from one winery to another clinking your glasses and sipping premium flavours.

91 Wine tasting tour packages in France with 36 reviews

• River Cruise
• Wine tasting

Brilliant Bordeaux (2024) (Bordeaux to Bordeaux, 2024)

• Self-Guided Cycling

Cotes Du Ventoux Cycling

Taste of Bordeaux 2024

The boat was very nice, with great staff, and interesting passengers. The meals were beautifully presented.

A cruise in Aquitaine : the great wines of Southern France (port-to-port cruise) (12 destinations)

A friendly and helpful staff, clean comfortable boat and good value food and drink.

• Sightseeing

Cycle Provence

Met some amazing people and enjoyed some beautiful views. The bikes were nice and sturdy.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• In-depth Cultural
• Food & Culinary
• Christmas & New Year

Cultural and Gourmet Tour in Provence

This trip is ideal if you want to admire the Provence region off the beaten track; its small villages, its gastronomy, its colors and its smells.

Loire Valley: Walks, Wine & Chateaux

Cruise through the Aquitaine Region from Bordeaux to Royan, along the Gironde Estuary and the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers (port-to-port cruise) (10 destinations)

Food and Wine in a French Chateau (4 Days)

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Contiki Chateau Big Weekender (3 Days)

Cycling Champagne and Burgundy

Great adventure! Safe and well organized! Great Hotels/meals and cultural experiences!

Brilliant Bordeaux (2025) (Bordeaux to Bordeaux, 2025)

Taste of Bordeaux (Wine Cruise) (Wine Cruise) 2025

• Coach / Bus

Jewels of Southwest France

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Medoc Vineyard Cycle

What people love about wine tasting tours in france.

I was happy with my cruise. The boat was very nice, with great staff, and interesting passengers. I thought we would be 'cruising' more, but there was a weather system that caused us to stay in one port longer than expected. The meals were beautifully presented. There was an abundance of wine served. The Cruise Manager, Melissa Hardouin, was excellent.

A cruise with a good combination of cruise and excursion time. A friendly and helpful staff, clean comfortable boat and good value food and drink.

Overall amazing experience! Met some amazing people and enjoyed some beautiful views. While it was the hottest time of the year, our team had a great support system to ensure everyone was well hydrated. The bikes were nice and sturdy, especially climbing up some of those monstrous hills and the paniers were very handy! I would recommend this trip to anyone looking to enjoy the countryside and south of France!

Top operators

"Mi esposo y Yo estuvimos muyyy bien los 8 días del tour en Suiza. Paula, nuestra guía, fue muy amable y dedicada al grupo, siempre ayudando y apoyando al grupo. Los destinos muy bonitos. algún hotel mejor ubicado que otro, pero en general , hoteles nuevos y muy limpios. Lo mejor la gente, todo el grupo era una piña, siempre puntual, y muy divertida. Nos llevamos una buena impresión de la organización y del tour, no los olvidaremos a cada uno.

Europamundo is an expert in:

"Everything went so smoothly! Even a little rain couldn't damped our experience. Our tour guides were phenomenal! Best of all was the Hotel Bassano and their staff, Friendly, clean, accommodating and the morning breakfast fresh and a great way to start our day in Paris!

Flag Travel Holidays is an expert in:

"Wonderful guided hikes, all different and amazing views. Tourradar really surpassed all my expectations. From a wonderful hotel - stayed at Richemond Hotel, in the centre of town to the amazing prepared lunches and restaurant dinners to our wonderful and knowledgeable guide Nichole. Thank you Nicole for your energy, patience, calmness, and expertise both up and down each mountain adventure. You made our trip a wonderful

Intrepid Travel is an expert in:

Regions in France

• Southern France (43)
• Aquitaine & Midi Pyrenees (17)
• Bordeaux & Dordogne (12)
• Northern France (9)
• Burgundy (7)

Travel Styles

• France Travel Guide | All You Need to Know
• Best 10 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)
• Best 7 Day France Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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• Our Destinations
• Barossa Valley
• Margaret River
• Mc Laren Vale
• Colchagua Valley
• London (Gin)
• ➤ Pessac - Léognan
• ➤ Saint-Emilion
• ➤ Sauternes
• Languedoc-Roussillon
• Loire Valley
• Normandy (Liqueur)
• ➤ Aix en Provence
• Rhône Valley
• South of France (Vermouth)
• Ireland (Whisky)
• Emilia-Romagna
• Turin (Vermouth)
• Trentino Alto Adige
• ➤ Maremma Toscana
• ➤ Montalcino
• ➤ Montepulciano
• Central Otago
• Hawke's Bay
• Marlborough
• Waiheke Island
• Douro Valley
• Puerto Rico (Rum)
• Highlands (Whisky)
• Franschhoek
• Stellenbosch
• Ribera Del Duero
• ➤ Napa Valley
• ➤ Sonoma Valley
• Kentucky (Bourbon)

• Luxury Holidays
• TOUR SUGGESTIONS
• Accommodation
• Restaurants
• Cruises & Trains
• Destination

Luxury France Wine Tours & Tastings

Wine Paths has selected the best wine tours in France to offer travelers like you a unique opportunity to step into the extraordinary world of French wine.

Discover the best of French wine with our luxury France wine tours and tastings. From the world-renowned vineyards of Bordeaux to the picturesque Loire Valley, a wine tour in France offers a unique blend of culture, history, and exceptional wine. Whether you prefer a walking tour through the charming villages or a guided tour of prestigious châteaux, our tours cater to all preferences and ensure a memorable experience.

Discover the charm of Vineyard France with a guided tour through the rolling hills and historic estates, where you can sample the finest wines amidst breathtaking scenery.

Combine Tours for private full and multi day packages

Our combine tours provide flexible options for private full-day and multi-day packages. These tailored experiences allow you to explore multiple wine regions, enjoy exclusive tastings, and stay in luxurious accommodations. Whether you're interested in a full day in the Rhône Valley or a multi-day exploration of the left bank of Bordeaux, our packages are designed to meet your needs.

Wine Tasting Tours in France

Full-day france tours.

Explore the beauty and diversity of French wine with our full-day France tours. Visit top wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings of the finest French wines. A typical day tour might include visits to the famed vineyards of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol or a tour and tasting session in the Côte de Beaune region.

Multiple Days France Tours

For a deeper dive into French wine culture, consider our multiple days France tours. These extended trips allow you to visit a variety of wine regions, from the Bordeaux wine estates to the rolling hills of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Enjoy guided tours of historic vineyards, stay in charming local accommodations, and savor meals at top local restaurants.

Food Tasting Tours in France

France isn't just about wine—it's a gastronomic paradise too.

Champagne: Indulge in Champagne's culinary delights like coq au vin de Champagne and tarte au maroilles , perfectly paired with the region's renowned bubbly.

Bordeaux: Savor Bordeaux's specialties such as entrecôte à la bordelaise and canelés , paired with the region's iconic red blends.

Burgundy: Enjoy classics like boeuf bourguignon and escargots de Bourgogne , perfectly matched with Burgundy's exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Rhône Valley: Delight in dishes like daube provençale and ratatouille , paired with the bold wines of the Rhône Valley.

Loire Valley: Experience the diverse flavors of the Loire Valley with rillettes de Tours and tarte Tatin , accompanied by crisp white wines and elegant reds.

Our food tasting tours in France offer a delightful journey through the country's culinary landscape, perfectly paired with its world-class wines.

Reiterating the importance of full-day tours, these experiences allow you to immerse yourself in a specific wine region, such as the Rhône Valley or the Loire Valley. Each tour includes visits to multiple wineries, tastings of several varieties of wine, and often a gourmet lunch at a local restaurant.

Historic Tours

Delve into the rich history of French wine with our historic tours. Visit ancient vineyards, learn about the heritage of French winemaking, and explore historic sites such as the Châteaux of the Loire Valley or the medieval town of Beaune in Burgundy.

Family Focused Tours

Our family-focused tours are designed to be enjoyable for all ages. These tours include activities for children, such as grape juice tastings and educational vineyard walks, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy a wine trip in France.Our Guide to France

Wineries to Visit in France

France is home to some of the world's most famous wineries. Must-visit wineries include:

• Château Issan ; Branaire-Ducru ; Kirwan ; Soutard  in Bordeaux
• Château de Pommard   in Burgundy
• Maison Ruinart in Champagne
• Château Esclans in Provence 

Best Accommodation Options in France

Stay in style with our recommended accommodations, ranging from luxurious châteaux to charming bed-and-breakfasts:

• Les Sources de Caudalie in Bordeaux
• La Bastide de Marie in Provence 
• Hôtel le Cep & Spa Marie de Bourgogne in Burgundy

Best Restaurants in France

Experience the best of French cuisine at these top restaurants:

• Ô Chateau  in Paris
• Le Bordeaux in Bordeaux 
• La Palmeraie in Provence 

Cruise and Train in France

Explore France in a unique way with our cruise and train tours. River cruises along the Seine or Rhône provide scenic views and stops at key wine regions. High-speed train travel, such as the TGV from Paris to Bordeaux , offers a quick and comfortable way to explore different areas.

More Information About France

Things to do in france.

Beyond wine tasting, France offers a wealth of activities:

• Visit the Notre-Dame de Reims , a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Explore the historic streets of Lyon , known for its cuisine and wine
• Take a walking tour of Paris , the city of lights and renowned wines

When is the Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit France for wine tours is during the harvest season in late September to October. This period offers vibrant vineyard landscapes and the chance to see winemaking in action. Spring and summer are also excellent times to visit, with warm weather and lush vineyards.

How Long to Stay

To fully appreciate a wine trip in France, plan to stay at least three to four days. This allows enough time for several winery visits, gourmet meals, and exploring the charming towns and countryside.

How To Get There

France is well-connected by air, train, and road. Major airports in Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux provide easy access. The TGV train network offers quick and comfortable travel between cities, such as the 45-minute journey from Paris to Reims.

The Various Wine Regions Of France

France's diverse wine regions each offer something unique:

• Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion and Pomerol Regions : Famous for its red blends, particularly from the left bank
• Burgundy : Known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, including Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune
• Rhône Valley : Home to Syrah and Grenache, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• Loire Valley : Renowned for its white wines, including Sancerre and Vouvray

A Look Into France

France's wine culture is steeped in history and tradition. From the influence of Benedictine monks in the Middle Ages to the modern-day classification of Cru Classé wines, French wine has a storied past that continues to shape its future.

You May Also be Interested in

For a truly personalized experience, consider booking a tailor-made tour. Local experts can craft itineraries that cater to your specific interests, ensuring an unforgettable visit.

Book a Tailor-Made Package with our Local Experts

Why book with wine paths .

Wine Paths offers curated tours designed by local experts, ensuring authentic and immersive experiences. With their in-depth knowledge and connections, you’ll gain access to exclusive tastings and behind-the-scenes tours not available to the general public. You just need to contact our team and give us your travel dates !

Suscribe to our Newsletter

Stay updated with the latest news, special offers, and travel tips by subscribing to our newsletter. Whether you're planning your first trip or your next visit, our insights will help you make the most of your French wine experience.

Embark on a journey through France, where each sip tells a story, and every visit creates lasting memories. Cheers to your next adventure in this vinous wonderland!Stay updated with the latest news, special offers, and travel tips by subscribing to our newsletter. Whether you're planning your first trip or your next visit, our insights will help you make the most of your French wine experience.

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We provide wine tasting weekends, vineyard experiences and romantic breaks. From a weekend in Bordeaux to a grand ten-day wine tour across the South of France – a French wine tasting holiday from SmoothRed is a memory that will last a lifetime.

Whether it’s the food, culture or iconic landscapes, France is the ultimate location for gourmet lovers. From the fairytale châteaux of the Loire Valley,  the illustrious wine estates of the Médoc or the lavender fields of Provence and the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, France has it all!

The tours featured on our website are intended to give you inspiration for what’s possible. We don’t do off-the-shelf here at SmoothRed. We specialise in bespoke wine travel.

Our France Wine Tour Destinations

Brittany and Normandy

Provence & Rhone Valley

Loire Valley

Languedoc-Roussillon

French Riviera

At SmoothRed, we are passionate about wine and providing our clients with luxury holidays and wine tours, as well as experiences across the most famous wine-growing regions in France.

France produces some of the finest wines and wine tasting in France is a lavish experience. Each of our tours will see you visit some of the most luxurious vineyards and wineries in the world. Discover new flavours at private wine tastings in Bordeaux, Rhône or Champagne whilst enjoying delicious gourmet cuisine in beautiful châteaux.

Why take a wine tour in France?

France is synonymous with many things, including romance and art, but for many, France is about sensational food and world-beating wines. There are many quantitative metrics that tell us France leads the way when it comes to wine:

• In 2017, France exported wine worth more than $10bn, 50% more than Italy who came in second
• France is rarely out of the top two in terms of global wine production
• The most expensive bottle of wine ever sold (a cool $558,000) was French

However, mere numbers cannot accurately portray the important role wine plays in French accomplishment, nor the significance of French wine to the rest of the world. Wine is a driving force in day-to-day French culture. In terms of the global outlook, few would disagree that France produces the best, most sought-after wines.

Many European nations, from Italy to England and Switzerland to Spain, produce great wines, but at the very top end, it’s hard to argue that one could better France’s top wines from Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Of course, this isn’t a competition and, in truth, it is impossible – not to mention rather pointless – to compare “French wine” and “Italian wine”. There is simply so much variety within the wines produced by both countries, not to mention other producing nations, in terms of grape varieties, terroir, style, price range and so on.

There is, indeed, so much variety even within France itself, in large part due to the country’s size. At more than 550,000 square kilometres, mainland France is larger than Italy and the UK combined and it is easily the biggest country in Western Europe.

The relatively cool climate and chalky, limestone soil of Champagne helps produce very different wine to the endless sun and warmth of the Languedoc-Roussillon region in the south. France boasts so much variety in terms of terroir, weather and topography that it is able to produce many different styles of wine, and indeed this is a large part of the appeal for many oenophiles.

The Key Wine Regions of France

You could spend months touring France and barely scratch the surface of its many treasures. There are well over 300 different Appellations d’Origine Protégée (AOP) wine areas within France but it is easier instead to consider the major regions.

The city of Bordeaux lies on the Garonne River and the region is situated in the west of France on the Atlantic. Bordeaux is most famous – from a wine perspective – for its big, powerful reds which are great food wines, although it also produces other styles, including probably the most famous sweet wine in the world, Sauternes .

Champagne is a much smaller region than Bordeaux and is situated about 100 miles east of Paris. The acidity and body of the wine that is a byword for celebration and luxury, make it a surprisingly good match with food, especially for those fortunate enough to stretch to a bottle of vintage Champagne. To see our Champagne tasting tours, click here .

Burgundy has a greater number of individual AOPs than any other region in the country and these span both red and white wines, making this a great option for a wine holiday in France. Best known for Pinot-Noir-based reds, it is certainly worth sampling the also fantastic white Burgundies, which often utilise Chardonnay grapes. Wines such as Chablis, Pouilly-Fuisse and Meursault are elegant, refined choices that showcase the versatility of Chardonnay.

Languedoc-Roussillon is the most southerly region in France and boarders Spain and the Mediterranean Sea. With well over 700,000 acres of vines, it is three times the size of Bordeaux in terms of the area of planted vines and it produces rich, ripe reds thanks to its over 300 days of sun each year.

Alsace is a region in east France near the Swiss and German borders and is one of the smaller French wine regions. The Alsace region produces almost exclusively white wines, although a small quantity of pale red and rosé is also made. Those looking for excellent value fizz will find Crémant d’Alsace a real treat, whilst the whites tend to be aromatic and subtly satisfying.

  The Loire Valley is around 170 miles in length, stretching down the central part of the river of the same name. Located in northern, central France, this wine region produces some of the greatest white wines around. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are fantastic ways for lovers of New World Sauvignon Blancs to glide across to French wine. Made from the same grape, these Loire Valley wines are less grassy but offer greater minerality, and they pair superbly with seafood.

Provence and the Rhône

Provence is on the south coast of France and includes Marseille and Toulon. Famed for its sun, lavender and unparalleled rosé wine, Provence is one of France’s most popular wine holiday destinations. Producing reds and whites too, the region has much to offer and that’s before we even consider the Rhône.

North of Provence, the Rhône is actually a large area. It produces Syrah- and Grenache-based reds of great richness that go brilliantly with food, such as the globally famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Wine has been grown here since 600 BC, and in more than 2500 years of winemaking, superb whites have been produced too, utilising Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne grapes.

How to plan a wine holiday in France

Choose which region you would like to visit, the wines that suit your palate, how you would like to travel and the type of accommodation that would suit you.

• You could unwind in a boutique hotel in Bordeaux or a private château in the Languedoc!
• Maybe you would prefer a  self-drive wine holiday, combining two regions, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux for example, or Burgundy and Champagne?
• Or a luxury Eurostar escape discovering the charm of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a magical French wine tour in the Rhône Valley.
• Do you prefer a Pinot Noir with silky tannins and complex favours from Burgundy, or the boldest and most tannic of Bordeaux   wines with Cabernet Sauvignons from the Médoc?

Speak to the team today to create your perfect wine tour around France!

Our Customers Rate Our France Tours

Our recent reviews.

SmoothRed planned a truly fabulous trip from Paris through Brittany to Normandy and back to Paris. Every part of the trip was wonderful and seamlessly executed. It was a trip of a lifetime! Without any hesitation or qualifications, we heartily recommend SmoothRed. They customized an extraordinary family trip.

Dorothy Weinstein

Very well organised trip to Tuscany, getting in 2 wine regions. Lovely hotel with amazing view. The best part was our guide Paula who ensured our wine tasting tours were with smaller wineries which have authenticity and care for the environment. Highly recommend SmoothRed!

Warren De Villiers

To Adam & the SmoothRed Team. Our recent trip to Bordeaux and the Medoc/St Emillion has been a wonderful trip & experience. One I would have no hesitation in saying is top class. I would certainly use SmoothRed & their travel associates in future wine tasting trips. The entire group…

SmoothRed did an outstanding job providing chauffeured driven wine tour through Bourgogne and the Rhone valley (France). The multiple vendors they used were all Courteous, Prompt, and very fluent in English. This 7 day trip went without problems. I would highly recommend SmoothRed.

We came to Bordeaux for part of our honeymoon and took the First Growth Bordeaux tour. SmoothRed worked with us to curate a trip based on our desires. The 8 Chateaux we visited, the 3 delicious lunches, and the hotel were wonderful, but what set the trip apart was our…

Tibita Kaneene

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THE 10 BEST France Wine Tasting Tours

Wine tasting tours in france.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Provence Wine Tour - Small Group Tour from Nice

2. Full-Day tour to Saint-Emilion and Medoc, from Bordeaux

3. Chateauneuf du Pape wine tour

4. Champagne Day Trip with 6 Tastings, Reims and Winery from Paris

5. Saint Emilion Half-Day Trip with Wine Tasting & Winery Visit from Bordeaux

6. Montmartre Hill French Gourmet Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour

7. Medoc or Saint Emilion Wine Tasting and Chateau from Bordeaux

8. Blissful Tours Paris Day and Night

9. Paris Ultimate Food Tour

10. Saint Emilion Day Trip with Sightseeing Tour & Wine Tastings from Bordeaux

11. The only Paris Wine Tasting experience you need to do - 2 hours

12. Reims afternoon tour Champagne and family growers

13. Paris Seine River Champagne Tasting Cruise

14. Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains

15. Bordeaux Food and Wine Tour

16. Saint Emilion Wine Tour Half Day

17. Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice

18. Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting

19. Northern Rhône Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon

20. Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley

21. Chocolate and Wine Pairing Experience in Châteauneuf-du-Pape

22. Côtes de Provence Small Group Day Trip with Winery Visits & Tastings from Nice

23. Saint-Emilion Afternoon Tour - 2 Wineries, tastings & delicacies

24. Saint-Emilion Electric Bike Day Tour with Wine Tastings & Lunch

25. Cotes de Provence Wine Tour from Aix-en-Provence

26. Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune

27. Provence Cru Wine Small-Group Half-Day Tour from Avignon

28. St-Emilion & Médoc Combine Day Tour including Wine Tastings and Lunch

29. Vineyard Tour with Wine Tasting within Nice city borders

30. Champagne and Reims Tasting Day Trip from Paris

What travellers are saying.

• Meghan G 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wine Tour with Theo My friend and I booked this activity and it was the perfect getaway to the French countryside. Our tour guide Theo was wonderful, and his knowledge of wine/wine-tasting made it a delightfully rich experience. He encouraged us to dive in to what flavors and scents of each wine we had. From the types of grapes grown to the gothic-inspired wine cellars, we were able to see it all and Theo made sure to explain everything. The group size (8 people total) was also nice, making it a personal experience as well. The wines and wineries were amazing. And the lunch in the medieval town was cool too. Definitely would recommend! Read more Review of: Provence Wine Tour - Small Group Tour from Nice Written 5 June 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• All our wine tours

Languedoc-Roussillon

Loire valley, rhone valley.

• Wine & Gastronomy
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Wine Tourism in France

As wine tourism specialist, Vinotrip takes you on a discovery of the French wine regions.

Travel artisans for the past 10 years, we craft tailor-made journeys according to your desires.

Responsible Wine Tourism

We work with and for carefully selected partners who are engaged in a local and sustainable economy.

Passion for Terroir

Oenological experiences focused on conviviality and encounters with the men and women who create wine.

Our destinations

Alsace , Beaujolais , Bordeaux , Burgundy , Catalonia , Champagne , Jura , Languedoc-Roussillon , Paris , Provence , Savoy , South-West , Loire Valley , Rhone Valley

Enjoy an original weekend to discover the France wine trails , meet winemakers and taste their wines!

Wine weekend to offer

Your dream is total immersion in the life of a vineyard, spend a few days with our winemakers who will convey to you the love of their soil..

Wine weekend in Sancerre

Epicureans, gastronomes, we have gone out of our way for you, discover the lifestyle of the loire valley..

Bordeaux wine break

Want to get closer to nature and discover the true local flavours, learn about the cultural traditions concerning organic wines..

Beaune wine tour

Enjoy a romantic weekend nestled in the heart of the vineyard. a pure moment of relaxation and well-being for two..

Enjoy a unique experience in the vineyards for a wine trip. VINOTRIP has carefully selected its partners for the quality and the authenticity of their services.

Saint-Emilion wine-tasting weekend

Nature getaway in Anjou

Saint Aubin - Wine weekend

Romantic weekend at Epernay

Saint-Amour wine trip

Bandol wine weekend

Alsace wine route tour

Wine and golf weekend in Bordeaux

Wine tours reviews.

Offer a wine trip

Want to treat your loved ones, give them the opportunity to select their destination and the dates of their stay. Our gift boxes are valid for all stays and to all destinations.

Wine stay in France

Do you want to leave for the weekend discovering the most beautiful vineyards in France ? We offer you customizable wine tours – gastronomy, well-being, sport or culture – to let everyone find their happiness, from the wine amateur to the neophyte. We invite you to  discover wine through wine cellar tour .

Better than a simple wine tasting course, stay in the domain and enjoy wine workshop at the  wine estate with passionate wine producers. Enjoy a getaway in the vines to visit famous Burgundy vineyards . Would you rather prefer “Champagne”? Opt for a wine stay in the most beautiful vineyards of Champagne . Choose to stay at the Château in the heart of Bordeaux vineyard or immerse yourself in the vineyard of Alsace .

For you, our teams have travelled across the most beautiful vineyards of France to select carefully our  accommodations and winemakers partners, from the intimacy of the small wine producer to the prestigious “Grands Crus Classés”. According to your demand, our vineyard experts will build for you a unique itinerary with wine and gourmet discoveries. Become an  oenology specialist!

Authentic experience, real people

Shore Excursions

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Discover the best wine tours in provence, provence wine tours.

From : Aix en Provence

From : Marseille

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Your reviews, a highlight of our trip.

My husband and I were very happy with our wine tour experience! It was so nice to be in a small group where we could ask lots of questions and get a more personal experience. Our tour guide was so knowledgeable and shared so much information about the wine, the area, and the culture. The wineries we went to, were absolute gorgeous–beautiful views and delicious wine. What more could you ask for? We came with very little background knowledge of the wine making process so it was so fascinating to hear all about it. This tour was one of our favorite excursions and I would definitely recommend it, as it is fun, informative, and an amazing value! Katie F. 

“I just want to say how much we loved our tour with Provence Wine Tours. Our guide looked after our every need and was incredibly knowledgeable of the wine making process. All three wineries offered a different experience and all were friendly and welcoming. Cassis is a quaint seaside village as you promised and the overlook was outstanding-so glad our guide took us to the top! Thanks again for your services. We would highly recommend your company to anyone inquiring” –  Brad Yungblut

“Fantastic team at Provence Wine tours; I’ve been seven times and cannot rate it enough. Always a destination of choice when I have friends who haven’t visited the South of France before. I’ve been lucky enough to have Stephane on many of my trips and he’s always impressed with his ease of manner, knowledge and ability to make the hours fly by.  I look forward to many more trips. » –  Thomas knapp

“Loved our wine tour around Sainte Victoire mount – the limestone mountains were incredible. Fantastic host, knowledgeable, friendly and loves to have a laugh. Wineries were superb and a great representation of the area. 10/10 – I only wish we could’ve stayed longer!! » –   Brendan Garlick

An experience not to be missed.

We did a private full day wine tour of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region. We were a group of 12, and had an absolutely brilliant day. The tour was well organised, guides were delightful & informative. They were very flexible too in letting us have input in certain vineyards that members of our group wanted to visit. The transport was comfortable, and a plus was that they could arrange delivery of the wine back to our home countries. Highly recommend and a tour not to be missed if you are in the region! Aveens

Amazing trip!

Our guide was amazing, and the crew was fun! We learned a lot and got to escape the city for a day! We visited 3 vineyards and enjoyed every minute. Donald D

“Nothing short of amazing! From the first communication with the team. They were so quick to respond and provide different options for tours. To our wonderful tour guide. We can not say enough about him. He was so knowledgeable, and took the time to explain the different wines to us and showed us around the vineyards. We loved our stop at le Castelet such a great little village tucked away with cute stores. And lunch in Cassis was delicious. Probably the best meal we had on our entire vacation! Such an enjoyable day all around. »  –  Joseph Esoff

Perfect wine tour!

We had an amazing time on this tour! My fiancé and I have been on several wine tours in the United States and were interested to learn more about French wines, in particular wines from Provence. This tour was exactly what we hoped for! Our guide was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. He provided helpful background information about classification of French wines and then introduced us to wine making in Provence. We went to 3 vineyards – all were excellent and different!!! We really enjoyed the variety, and we were able to taste white, rosé, and red wines at each site (and Peter kindly showed us how to taste the wines properly). The town we stopped in for lunch was also enjoyable with multiple food options across different price ranges. Overall, we had a fantastic time and would highly recommend this tour to others looking for a more intimate introduction to the wines of Provence . Ptwice24 .

For many years now, we have been doing our utmost to offer you the best of Provence by an immersion into the world of wine and by helping discover our most beautiful appellations :  Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire, Côtes de Provence, Coteaux Varois en Provence, Baux de Provence.

In small groups or on tailor-made private tours from Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Toulon … we offer a wine tour experience in some of the most emblematic and authentic vineyards of Provence .

Powerful and full-bodied reds, delicate and aromatic whites or lively and fruity iconic rosés, you will taste some of the best Wines of Provence that we have selected for you. A delight for both of your senses and tastebuds!

Your wine expert guide will share his passion and knowledge for Provence wines and  guide you around small, family-owned or more emblematic wineries of the Region. With your guide , learn about the grape varieties and the different terroirs .

Meet passionate winemakers , engaged in sustainable or organic viticulture . Visit the amazing cellars while learning about the wine making process and aging-potential wines in a relaxing and educative atmosphere .

Enjoy going along paths and roads bordered by magnificent Provençal landscapes : vineyards as far as the eye can see, fields of lavender, the mythical Mount Sainte Victoire, the Luberon, sun-bathed picturesque villages, fountains, the song of cicadas and a glass of rosé…

Join us for a local unique experience off the beaten tracks , enjoy the Provence lifestyle and discover our wine treasures .

You will bring back home some of the wine secrets of Provence and unforgettable memories!

For many years now, we have been doing our utmost to offer you the best of Provence by an immersion into the world of wine and by helping discover our most beautiful appellations : Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Châteauneuf du Pape, AOP Luberon Côteaux d’Aix-en-Provence Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire, Bandol, Cassis, Côtes de Provence, Bellet …

In small groups or on tailor-made private tours from Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Avignon, Nice or Cannes … we offer a wine tour experience in some of the most emblematic and authentic vineyards of Provence .

Your wine expert guide will share their passion and knowledge for Provence wines and  guide you around small, family-owned or more emblematic wineries of the Region. With your guide , learn about the grape varieties and the different terroirs .

Meet passionate winemakers , engaged in s ustainable or organic viticulture . Visit the amazing cellars while learning about the wine making process and aging-potential wines in a relaxing and educative atmosphere .

Burgundy Wine Tours

Visit fabulous grand cru estates and fascinating cultural sites..

New! Champagne and Burgundy Grand Cru Tour

Begin your adventure with VIP tastings and meals at exclusive Champagne houses, including a special tour and private lunch at the iconic Champagne house of Ruinart. In Burgundy, delight in masterclasses, and taste many Grand Crus , including older vintages during private meals. This is the ultimate immersive program for wine and food lovers!

7 Days, 6 nights | Limited to 12 guests  

May 19-25, 2024 Sold Out

October 13-19, 2024 

US$8800.00 per person double occupancy

REQUEST FULL ITINERARY AND RESERVATION FORMS

Burgundy Wine Tour Packages

We offer private Burgundy tours that feature the region’s top estates, best hotels, and finest restaurants . A great value, just choose your package and choose your dates!

• New Tour!   10 Day Deluxe Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux Itinerary
• 6 Day Great Estates of Champagne and Burgundy

New-Full Service Burgundy House Rental

Our newest offering is a marriage of a deluxe villa rental and an award-winning staff waiting to make your dream of an exclusive and rewarding stay in Burgundy come true.

Imagine a luxury manor house dedicated to a week-long enjoyment of the food, wine, and natural beauty of Burgundy. Find modern comfort and quiet sophistication in a tranquil setting from a bygone time. 

This luxury farmhouse is dedicated to the enjoyment of culinary traditions and the beauty of Burgundy. There are seven luxurious en-suite rooms set around a courtyard within a walled-in park. Picture meals in the magnificent dining hall which is laid with an original 18th-century winepress.  

This is the perfect property for friends and families, weddings, and retreats.

For 10-14 guests.

Contact us today for more information on planning your perfect all-inclusive program.

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“Worlds Top Wine Tours”

Burgundy wine tasting tours.

There is no better way to understand the nuances of “terroir” than on Burgundy wine tours.  

Burgundy is one of France’s most prestigious wine regions.  The world-famous Côte d’Or (“Golden Slopes”) is home to illustrious Grand Crus such as Romanée Conti, Chambertin, and Montrachet. Discover the subtle play between land, sun, and vine that brings out the noblest and most diverse expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

Burgundy is one of the most beautiful and important regions in France. Experience its rich cultural heritage at fascinating sights like the Clos de Vougeot with its 13th-century wine presses. And make sure to visit the Hôtel Dieu (Hospices de Beaune), the Renaissance hospital famous for its yearly wine auction.

On our Burgundy Tours , enjoy VIP tastings at the region’s best estates. We include top Premier and Grand Crus in the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits. We include free time for shopping and sightseeing in the charming town of Beaune. Indulge in luxury accommodations and delight in sumptuous dining at some of France’s best Michelin-starred restaurants.

NEW! Exclusive Champagne and Burgundy Grand Cru Tour:

• Begin your adventure with VIP tastings and meals at exclusive Champagne houses, including a special tour and private lunch at the iconic Champagne house of Ruinart. Stay in the newest 5* hotel in the heart of Reims and take advantage of free time to discover this enchanting city.
• Then travel to Burgundy with a stop along the way to discover the one-horse village and wines of Chablis.
• In Burgundy, taste many Grand Crus and follow your Burgundy wine expert host as you explore the premier offerings of Burgundy during master classes, vineyard tours, and gourmet meals.
• Discover the beautiful “golden slopes” of Burgundy’s famed Côte d’Or with tastings of legendary appellations like Vosne Romanée, Gevrey-Chambertin, Puligny-Montrachet, and Chassagne-Montrachet.
• Immerse yourself in the rich cultural history with private guided tours of Burgundy’s most notable sights, from the impressive 13th-century wine presses of the Clos de Vougeot to the stunning renaissance architecture of the Hospices de Beaune.
• You’ll also enjoy private wine-pairing meals at iconic estates and gourmet dining at Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Relax in first-class accommodations in the charming walled city of Beaune, the capital of the Côte d’Or. This is the ultimate immersive program for wine and food lovers!
• This tour is limited to 12 guests and available as a private option for 10-14 guests.

Receive the full Champagne and Burgundy Grand Cru Itinerary

Private Great Estates of Burgundy & Champagne Tour:

• Available year-round.
• Combine the best of Burgundy with the best of Champagne. 
• Travel to Champagne for VIP tastings at exclusive Champagne houses. Included is a  special private tour and tasting of Dom Perignon at Moët and Chandon.
• Enjoy private tastings at some of the most prestigious estates of Burgundy’s Côte d’Or.  Tastings include Premier and Grand Crus in legendary appellations like Vosne Romanée, Chambertin and Meursault.
• This luxurious voyage includes exceptional dining and beautiful, first-class accommodations . This is an unforgettable wine and food vacation for the discriminating wine lover!
• Champagne and Burgundy itinerary: Click here

Customized luxury Burgundy tours are also available.

Your Burgundy wine vacation with French Wine Explorers will be fun, fascinating, and truly unforgettable! All programs are hosted by professional guides who are wine specialists .

Contact us today by email at [email protected] or call us at 1-410-745-5406 (USA).  Start planning your trip filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Learn more about Paris Wine Tours , Bordeaux Wine Tours , Loire Valley Wine Tours , Rhone Valley Wine Tours , Provence Wine Tours, Champagne Tours, or Italy Wine Tours.

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Home » Itineraries » 2 Week Wine Tour

2 Weeks French Wine Regions Tour Itinerary

Private tours, free refunds & rescheduling, customizable itineraries, tailor your 2 week-long itinerary to suit you.

Celebrate French wine culture by visiting the most important wine regions in the country with your private guide on our 14-day wine region tour across France!

Or contact our team below to start planning a custom wine tour tailored for your group.

Wine tour highlights:

• Cotes du Rhone

What is included:

• Certified English-Speaking Expert Local Guides
• Complimentary Bespoke Tour Itinerary
• Select Central Luxury Accommodations
• Luxury Air Conditioned Vehicles for Tours & Transfers
• Unbeatable Refund Guarantee
• Skip-The-Line Tickets & Entrance Fees
• 24-7 In-Country Support

French Wine Region Tour Description

Day 1: paris to reims.

This morning we head to Reims, home of the famous champagne region of France. Also, don’t forget it is pronounced Rinse, this city is probably the most mispronounced city in France.

Your driver guide will be waiting in the hotel reception to take you on the short 100-mile journey to Reims, the City of Kings.

Reims is not just famous for champagne, but it is also known as the City of Kings as it was in the cathedral in Reims that Kings of France were crowned from 816 until 1825 – an impressive 33 Kings. In more recent years Reims was the city where the Commander in Chief of the German Army signed the surrender to WWII.

The city was 80% destroyed in World War I and actually was the most damaged city across the whole of France during this period.

A visit to Reims would not be complete without a champagne tasting. Enjoy a private cellar tour in one of the city’s most famous champagne houses with their head vintner who will explain why this small area in France is the only place in the world where champagne can be produced.

Day 2: Epernay

The first champagne house ever created, Ruinart, was in Epernay and today your tour will take to for a visit to one of the prestigious champagnes houses in the champagne region where you will be given a private to of the vineyard by the head vintner along with lunch in the gardens of the wine estate.

In the afternoon take a hot air balloon flight from the city center to have a bird’s eye view of the champagne vineyards as well as the stunning Church of Our Lady (Eglise de Notre-Dame).

Day 3: Champagne to Lorraine

Lorraine was once one of the biggest wine-producing regions of France until the start of the 20th Century when the dreaded phylloxera struck, the First World War, and industrialization all of which diminished the size of this one great wine-producing area.

However, over the last 50 years, local Lorraine winemakers have made huge progress probably spurred on by Hope-de-Toul getting AOC status in 1998.

We start our tour of the Lorraine vineyards with a trip to one of the new wineries that specialize in the production of Côtes de Toul. The Gris de Toul is recognizable by its shimmering salmon pink color. It goes well with the local dish (quiche lorraine, potée lorraine, tourte lorraine, pâté lorrain).

Your tour will include a walk around the stunning wine estate plus lunch and a special pairing menu.

Day 4: Champagne to Alsace

The Alsace wine route is over 170 KM and starts in Northern Alsace in Strasbourg, runs through over 100 pretty villages, and ends in Colmar in Southern Alsace. It is considered to be the most beautiful wine route in France and it is easy to understand why as you travel through the picturesque countryside brimming with Medieval villages and chateaux.

Alsatian wines are almost all white (around 90 percent of the harvest) and some 150 million bottles are produced a year and the highest production of organic wines is made in France.

Wines from Alsace are rarely featured in prestigious wine guides, but many experts believe that the Alsace wines are as good as their better-known rivals such as Chablis and Burgundy.

Unlike the rest of French wines, those in Alsace are called by the name of the grape, not by the region they’re produced in. 

Today you will visit the Strasbourg wine region that lies just outside the city. Grapes grow alongside orchards, which give many Alsace wines their characteristic fruity flavor. We spend the day touring the region’s most prestigious estates with a private tour and lunch plus tastings.

In the afternoon your driver guide will take you on a tour of Petite France – a section of Strasbourg famous for its brightly colored houses and narrow cobbled streets. Sample some of the local delicacies such as Chou croute aux viandes or flammkuchen in one of the bustling littles bistros paired with delicious Gewürztraminer or Pinot Gris.

Spend time watching people in one of the beautiful squares in the city center such as Place Gutenberg sipping on a delicious glass of chilled Cremant d’Alsace, the most popular Cremant produced in France.

Day 5: Alsace Wine Route - Colmar

Today we go to the heart of the wine region and the capital of Alsace wine – Colmar. Colmar has been consistently nominated and recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in the whole of France and is often referred to as the Fairy-tale town of France.

Rows of prettily colored houses line the banks of the town’s canals. Meander through the uniquely preserved cobbled streets. Colmar was the last town to be liberated by the French after WWII and so there is even today still a very strong German influence in the town. Visit the Quai des Poissonniers which is nicknamed petit Venice for truly picture-perfect colored half-timbered houses with beautiful flower boxes. The local residents are very proud of their houses and so every house is maintained to pristine standards.

Riesling is the king of the vines in Alsace. Unlike the German variety that produces mostly sweet wine, Riesling grapes go dry in Alsace. They produce full-bodied wines with a fruity aftertaste (mostly peaches and apricots) but the soil makes them acidic too. Also, unlike their German counterparts, Alsace Rieslings need to age.

In the afternoon your guide will take you on a private wine tasting at one of the local award-winning wineries, where you can taste some of Alsace’s famous wines such as Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Silvaner to name a few.

Day 6: Transfer to Burgundy via Montbeliard

Today we travel to Burgundy via Montbeliard, a beautiful French city with imposing architecture and majestic buildings. The city has a very German flavor to it and in fact, it was only in 1793 that the city was finally under French rule. 

Before then this city was home to over 8 centuries of the various Dukes of Wurttemberg and the city’s rather palatial chateau was their home. Your driver guide will take you on a private tour of the chateau where you can learn about the Franco-German history of the city and the incredible story of Heinrich Schickhardt, the famous architect also known as the “Swabian Leonardo da Vinci”. 

In the early 1600s, Montbeliard’s population mushroomed with the arrival of Huguenot refugees and so Schickhardt was commissioned to create a new town plan and many construction projects with an Italian Renaissance flavor. 

In the afternoon we head to the famous Parc puy la Rose to see the incredible Fontaine de Galilée – a granite sphere weighing 1500 Kg that can be moved by even a child as the sphere rests on a layer of water providing a cushion against resistance.

Arrive in Chablis early in the evening where your chauffeur will take you to one of the wine estates for a decadent tasting menu (12 courses) each course being paired with a different wine.

Day 7: Burgundy

This morning your driver will be waiting for you in reception ready to start your 2 days of touring in Burgundy, located in the east-central part of France, and home to some of the world’s best-known wines. This wine region has 5 key growing areas: Chablis, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, Côte des Nuits and Macconais and has been a wine-producing region since 854 when local monks first arrived in the region.

Famous for lean, unoaked Chardonnay, Chablis is the growing region located furthest north and is geographically set apart from the rest of Burgundy. The dominant soil here is called “Kimmeridgian” limestone, just like in Champagne. Its white, chalky texture is great at retaining and reflecting the warmth of the sun, sorely needed this far north, which also helps the grapes ripen.

Today we visit a Grand Cru winery where you will have a tour of the vines with the vigneron (vintner) before returning to the winery for a private cellar tour followed by tastings and formal lunch.

In the afternoon explore the pretty town of Chablis with beautiful Medieval half-timbered houses and charming wine shops and restaurants – at the end of the afternoon your chauffeur will take you to Beaune where you will be based for the next 2 nights.

Day 8: Burgundy

Today we start with a drive to Meursault, mainly renowned for its white wines but it also produces reds. The grape variety for whites is Chardonnay, while the reds are produced from Pinot Noir. This tiny appellation is 2 KM square and produces undoubtedly some of the world’s best wine. We start the day with a private tasting and a tour of the chateau where this wine is named after. This is unusual for the region, unlike in Bordeaux, there are much fewer wine châteaux. 

Our visit today includes a private tour of the castle and grounds with the head sommelier who will teach us why this tiny region of France is home to such a vast array of special wines. Your tastings will include wines featured at 3* Michelin restaurants and your sommelier can arrange a shipment of bottles so that you can savor the delicious Meursault when you get home.

In the afternoon we head back to Beaune and visit a local winery based in the town. Your tour will include at least 6 tastings of local award-winning Burgundy wines.

Day 9: Cotes du Rhone

Your chauffeur will be waiting for you as you head off for the next stage of your wine tour. The Rhone valley is the second largest wine region in France and has wineries nestled along both sides of this famous river. Today we spent exploring Lyon and its gastronomic heritage.

Since 1935 Lyon has been recognized as the gastronomic capital of the world and today it has over 4000 restaurants, of which 20 have one or more Michelin stars. Your tour starts with a private tour of Les Halles des Lyon, a covered market with over 50 artisan farmers and producers. Learn why Lyon is a culinary capital and sample local delicacies paired with wines from the region.

In the afternoon visit, one of the local award-winning wine farms and have a private tour of the estate. Learn from your specialist guide about the wines from the region and what makes this area so perfect for wine growing. Learn about pairing wine and taste exquisite vintage wine paired with local cheeses and charcuterie.

In the evening have dinner at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants and taste the finest Lyon has to offer.

Day 10: Cotes du Rhone

We head south today towards the pretty town of Valence. The climate here is very different from the Northern Cotes du Rhone region and is more Mediterranean, with very hot dry summers and long hours of sunshine, and milder winters. The sun, heat, wind (sometimes gale-force), and low rainfall encourage vines to grow and grapes to ripen well, and provide natural protection from disease.

The differences in climate between the North and South also mean different harvest times (the south being earlier) and the planting of different types of grapes.

The 3 main varieties used in Côtes du Rhône blends are Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is planted mainly in the north and Grenache and Mourvèdre being of Spanish origin fare better in the south.

Today we visit one of the thriving organic wineries in the area. Sustainability is something each and every one of us has to incorporate into our day-to-day lives and it is no different for the winemakers in France. In 2020 over 12% of wines from this region were classified as organic and/ or biodynamic and today we learn how the vines are managed and treated to minimize any damage to our planet and still retain the delicious flavors we expect from our Cotes du Rhone.

Day 11: Cotes du Rhone to Provence

Continuing South we go to Avignon which until the 18th Century Avignon was actually considered a papal state and it was only in 1791 that Avignon was recognized as French.

This papal influence is clear to see in the enormous Palace des Papes (Popes’ Palace) that dominates the city and was home to the Popes that fled the corruption in Rome. This palace is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and your private tour will include a visit to the papal apartments in the palace.

The next stop is the famous Pont St Benezet, the inspiration for the song ‘ Sur le Pont d’Avignon ‘ and this bridge is a key landmark in the city.

It was originally constructed in the 12th Century but now much of the bridge has been washed away with only about 25% of the original structure remaining. This is not the only famous bridge in the region, your tour will also include the Pont du Gard, this incredible three leveled aqueduct was built to transport water to nearby Nimes. This is the tallest aqueduct in France and is widely thought to be the best preserved Roman aqueduct in France and was given UNESCO World Heritage status in 1985 and is definitely worth a visit. 

Following your private tour of Avignon, we head north to Châteauneuf -du – Pape and spend the afternoon exploring the vineyards around one of the region’s most important wine appellations. In the 14th century, the Popes came to Avignon from Rome to establish the papacy there and Châteauneuf-du-Pape (a new castle for the Pope) was built as the summer palace for Pope Jean XXII.

The church and wine have been intertwined for millennia and indeed, vines were planted here commercially as far back as the 1300s to serve the church and nobility. Today Châteauneuf du Pape is a charming Medieval village with more than its fair share of award-winning wine estates.

Day 12: Provence - Marseilles

The final leg of our wine tour is to the wineries of Provence. We start our tour in Marseilles: its position as a key strategic port goes back to 600 BC when the Greeks first created the port and are steeped in history – even the French National anthem: le Marseilles is based on Marseilles. 

Our tour starts at the Basilica Notre – Dame de la Garde which was built by King Francois I to protect the city and is the highest building in Marseilles standing at an impressive 490 feet above sea level. On top of the Basilica is a statue of the Virgin Mary which is said to protect the city and its inhabitants for those of you less mobile there is a train from the Vieux port that goes directly to this amazing Byzantine monument, and from there admire the view across the city and across the Mediterranean. 

From there it is a short walk to the Vieux port – the real heart of Marseilles. This is where locals and tourists mix – sample some delicious Bouillabaisse (a local specialty) with freshly caught seafood at one of the many fish restaurants dotted about the port.

Aside from being home to the rich and famous, Provence is also home to rose wine. Over 10 % of the world’s rose comes from Provence and production of rose here accounts for 88% of all wine produced in the area. 

Over 24 million bottles of Provencal rose were exported to the US in 2020 alone and the popularity of this once looked down upon wine is now growing. The massive surge in sales is driven by our changing eating habits – less structured meals and our enjoyment and discovery of cuisines from around the world. For those of you that consider rose wine to be a newcomer to the wine scene, you would be wrong as rose wine was produced by the Greeks over 3000 years ago in Provence.

This afternoon you will be taken on a tour with a leading wine merchant who will teach you about the different color variations of Provencal rose and then prepare a tasting menu for you to pair with chosen wines.

The evening will be spent in one of the many exclusive fine dining restaurants in Marseilles and watch the harbor come to life.

Day 13: Provence - Nice

Nice was originally named after the Greek Goddess Nike and so was possibly the original Nike Town! Nice was an Italian city until relatively recently (1860) when the Italians gave the City to France as recognition of French support in helping the Italians against the Austrians. The strong Italian influence can be seen throughout the city and many of the locals speak both French and Italian. 

It is not just French and Italian influences that can be seen in this city. At noon every day, a cannon is fired across the city. This tradition was in fact started by an Englishman in 1860, Sir Thomas Coventry. Sir Thomas used to get very frustrated that his wife could not serve the midday meal at noon and so he requested to the mayor that a cannon be fired every day at noon and he would cover this cost. When Sir Thomas moved back to the UK the locals, having been so used to managing their time with the aid of the midday cannon that they petitioned for the cannon shot to continue at noon. To this day a cannon is fired every day at noon in Nice!

We start the tour in the old town, which is a myriad of winding narrow streets leading to gilded shaded squares with little bistros and cafes.

Your private tour will also include a visit to the magnificent Opera house and the Town Hall and Rosetti Square, home to Nice Cathedral. The Cathedral is unlike many French Cathedrals rather modest from the outside, but once inside admire the lavish Baroque designs, gilded ornate chapels, sculptures, and paintings, all with a distinctly Italian feel.

Stop for lunch in the famous flower and produce market which is also in the old town.

In the afternoon your driver guide will take you west towards the area that produces Cote du Provence Frejus.

Today your tour will give you a complete behind-the-scenes look at the planning and work that is involved in creating delicious crisp rose wine – pink, sparkling or still there is no better place to enjoy rose than in the stunning setting of Provence.

Your sommelier will give you a masterclass on wines from this specific part of Provence. Your workshop ends with a food/wine pairing with locally selected award-winning cheeses, pates, and charcuterie.

Day 14: Transfer to Paris

Your chauffeur will be waiting for you in your hotel reception ready to transport you on the next part of your wine adventure.

Why not extend your trip and let your chauffeur take you up to the Dordogne, home of Bordeaux wines, or head south and visit Corsica, famed also for producing award-winning roses.

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Salut from France! I’m Debbie, founder of Luxury France Tours.

Having developed into a Francophile on a trip to the French Alps many years ago while still in school, I moved to France after a career traveling the world led to me meeting my (now) French Husband in Johannesburg. I created Luxury France Tours as a way of sharing my love of France & igniting this passion in others.

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8 Fantastic Wine Tours To Experience In France

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• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• Food and Drink
• Guided Tours
• Sightseeing
• Tour Companies
• Wine Regions
• Wine Tasting

France is home to some of the world’s best wines, and its vast wine regions produce between seven to eight billion bottles a year, accounting for close to 30 percent of the world’s wine output. The rich soil, known as terroir in French, idyllic weather conditions, strict government standards, and centuries of perfecting growing, aging, and bottling techniques, is why French wine is so highly revered. Burgundy, Bordeaux, Provence, Champagne, and the Loire are the main wine regions of France and produce the best wines.

Wine aficionados usually have France on the top of their list for wine tours, and we have collected a list of the best wine tours in France for their pleasure.

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Based in Dijon, Authentica Wine Tours specializes in tours of the Burgundy region, where some of the most exclusive and expensive French wines come from. Authentica was created in 2008 by Nicolas Guidard, a Burgundy native whose father and grandfather worked the land. He wanted to share his love and knowledge of Burgundy and its fine wines and cuisine. Over the years, Guidard hired experts in wine, geology, culture, and history to round out the company and introduce innovative tours that weren’t done before.

Authentica offers private and small group tours, with half-day, full-day, and multi-day excursions and prices ranging from 65 euros per person for the half-day group tour to a 2-day private tour for 1,180 euros for two people.

The most prestigious tour is the 1-day Grand Crus, The Best Of Burgundy , which includes the top Burgundy wines with an option to taste 6, 10, and the ultimate indulgence, 15, and a three-course lunch and cheese course, at the estate of an esteemed Burgundy wine vintner. Other tours on their list include the full-day Passion tour, which is a visit to the city and surrounding area of Beaune, with tastings of five to seven red and white wines, the full-day Burgundy Gourmet with a tasting of up to 14 wines, five culinary sites featuring cheese, chocolate, charcuteries, and pastries, and a Burgundy cuisine lunch either prepared by a private chef or at a Michelin star restaurant.

All tours use late-model luxury vans with air conditioning.

Airport transfers, a concierge, and wine shipping are some of the other services Authentica can provide.

Exploring Wine Regions

Michael C. Higgins from Pasadena, California, has tirelessly pursued the best wine regions in France and worldwide for more than 20 years. His travel expeditions and adventures have made him a world-class wine expert. They have also spawned a series of magazine articles, travel guides, and coffee table books, including his latest one about Bordeaux he also photographed and wrote the text for.

Higgin’s company, Exploring Wine Regions , includes a wine touring division which offers various wine touring options, such as custom-designed itineraries for one- and two-week wine trips, an extensive study abroad program for full college credit, and private, small group tours with Michael.

The Exploring Wine Regions website also lists a free eBook with insider wine secrets.

Bordeaux Wine Trails

The highly-rated Bordeaux Wine Trails (they won the 2020 Travelers Choice badge on TripAdvisor) provides wine and gourmet experiences of the well-renowned Bordeaux region. The morning and afternoon half-day group tours (5 hours) include a brief tour of the village of Saint Emilion, a visit to a Grand Cru or Grand Cru Classe winery, and either a special wine and dark chocolate tasting pairing or a tasting of local delicacies. From April to September, a half-day Medoc wine tour is available for Cabernet fans, which includes a tour of a Margaux or St Julien winery and a Cru Bourgeois wine tasting accompanied with locally grown produce. The cost of the half-day group tours is 72 to 85 euros per person.

Bordeaux Wine Trails can also plan full-day, private tours to explore either the Saint Emilion or Medoc regions. The Saint Emilion tour consists of pick-up and return to your hotel or location, a visit to a Saint Emilion Grand Cru Classe estate for a tour and tasting, lunch at an authentic brasserie, a walk through the village of Saint Emilion, a tasting at Grand Cru winery, followed by a visit to a Pomerol wine estate. The Medoc tour includes visits to wineries in either the Saint Julien or Saint Estephe region, Pauillac, and the Margaux area with lunch at either a restaurant or a picnic on a wine estate grounds. Custom itineraries are also offered at Bordeaux Wine Trails.

Learn how Champagne’s mysterious bubbles came about along with lots of other fascinating history and facts about the iconic beverage with a Champagne tour with O’Chateau. Based in Paris, O’Chateau is a wine bar and wine tasting company that also arranges day trips to the Champagne region.

The O’Chateau full-day (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) small group Champagne tour includes transportation to and from Paris in a late model, air-conditioned van with an expert and personable sommelier leading the tour. The experience consists of three guided visits to various Champagne houses and their cellars and facilities. The first visit is to a major Champagne house, where you go underground to the deep chalk caves and learn about the process of making Champagne from grape to glass. The second visit is to a private Champagne house where you also have a lunch feast in their dining room. The last visit is to a smaller Champagne house. The tour also includes three Champagne tastings at each location and coffee and croissants in the van for breakfast. Tours can also be privatized.

While in Paris, enjoy wine tastings and classes at the handsome wine bar and private rooms at O’Chateau, conveniently located near the Louvre.

Loire Valley

Vincent Delaby worked in the tourism sector for 15 years before embarking on a new career inspired by his family heritage, wine tours. He first developed his wine expertise and craft by working in wine cellars and vineyards, followed by wine tourism training and receiving a Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) certificate.

Delaby’s company, VinoLoire , provides various half-day and full-day Loire wine tours for small groups and private tours. The half-day excursions go to either the Vouvray and Montlouis regions in the morning or the Chinon and Azay Touraine in the afternoon. Visits include tastings of red, white, and rose wines, paired with local cheeses and charcuterie, an explanation of the winemaking process, and a walk through the vineyards. Full-day tours go to the same locations as the half-day tours and then extend to the Sancerre and Pouilly regions. Full-day tours can be arranged from Paris.

VinoLoire offers other fun activities in the Loire in addition to the wine tours, including cooking lessons, cheese and wine pairings, food and market visits, a chateau tour with a certified historian, and a wine tasting cruise on an authentic wood boat.

Kanpai Tourisme

Various areas.

Specializing in tours of Lyon and regions nearby, Kanpai Tourisme has an impressive list of small group and private wine tours. The Macon and Beaujolais areas produce some of the best Chardonnay and Gamay wines, including Macon Villages, Pouilly Fuisse, St Veran, Fleurie, Brouilly, and Moulin-a-Vent. On the full-day Macon and Beaujolais tour , from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., you are first driven through the Macon Route des Vins road with magnificent scenery and Solutre Roch, a 1,600-foot-tall natural boulder made of limestone. The tastings begin with a selection of white wines from a family estate in the Pouilly Fuisse village, while you learn about the wine-making and barrel-aging process of Chardonnay. After the tasting, lunch is at a bistro with Beaujolais cuisine (lunch is not included in the tour price). In the afternoon, you will experience another scenic ride through the Beaujolais wine roads. You will then visit another family-owned winery producing Beaujolais wine, which uses Gamay grapes, followed by tastings of “crus” red wines.

The Northern Cote du Rhone wine region is the source of the much-beloved Shiraz and Syrah wines such as Cote Rotie, Condrieu, and Saint-Joseph. Kanpai Tourisme offers a half-day Shiraz and Syrah tour consisting of visits to two wineries and five to six tastings at each.

Chateauneuf Du Pape Wine Tour

The much-celebrated Chateauneuf du Pape wine is one of the oldest wines in the world, dating back from the Gallo-Roman period from the first century to the fifth century. The private Chateauneuf du Pape Tour from Planet Provence provides a historic look at the region with a highly trained wine guide plus tastings. The guide will pick you up and return you to your location within a 6-mile radius of Aix en Provence.

Owner Brice de Monplanet and his wife have made Provence their home since 1997, and Brice had an impressive career for 15 years working for international wine companies. Then he switched gears, training in oenology at the prestigious Montpellier Ludivinum School. Continuing with his passion for wine, he started Planet Provence.

A Scenic Road

Xavier Cabanne grew up in Paris then moved to the Chicago area as an adult. A few years ago, Cabanne reconnected with his love of France and started A Scenic Road , a company that plans private, customized tours of France for small groups. In 1898, Cabanne’s great-great-grandmother started a small winery in the Burgundy region, and it’s still in operation today. With his vast insider knowledge of wine, Cabanne can design a perfect wine tour of Burgundy, Champagne, and Bordeaux with tastings at smaller and less known wine producers. In addition, A Scenic Road can also organize fun activities such as countryside bike rides, mustard factory tours, wine museum visits, and dinners at a Michelin star restaurant.

Pro Tip: Wearing flat, covered shoes or sneakers is highly recommended, and also bring a jacket or sweater even in summer because the wine cellars are cold and damp.

Related articles:

• 6 Best Wine Regions To Visit In France
• 15 Incredible International Wineries Worth Traveling To Visit
• 7 Beautiful Hidden Vineyards In Paris

Richard Nahem is an ex-New Yorker living in Paris since 2005. A travel writer and photographer, he’s been publishing his blog Eye Prefer Paris since 2006 and also writes for publications such as Travel Agent Central, Passport Magazine, The Guardian, Bonjour Paris, and Luxury Travel Advisor. He focuses mainly on luxury travel in Europe. Richard also leads private personalized tours of Paris for clients looking to explore the off the beaten path Paris they never usually see on their own.

France Travel Blog

Best Wine Tours In France

Renowned for its exquisite cuisine and excellent wine, France is arguably the best place for a wine tour. With a visit to the French wine-producing regions, you can hardly go wrong, as you taste some of the purest and finest wine. For wine lovers, this will not come as a surprise because the country is where winemaking and viticulture were first refined. When visiting wine tours are a must-do and I hope this list of Best Wine Tours In France will help you out.

Producing about 7 to 8 billion bottles yearly, the French wine regions make up the world’s largest wine producers. To be precise, wine from France accounts for 29.1% of total wine exports worldwide. 

Best French Wine Regions

Bordeaux, Burgundy, Alsace, Champagne, Loire Valley, Provence, and Rhone Valley are the main wine regions in France. These are the primary producers but are other parts that are about wine as well, like the Jura. 

Wine Tour of Bordeaux 

The wine regions of Bordeaux circle the city from Médoc in the north to the most captivating village of St-Émilion, through the Entre-Deux-Mers to the east, and Sauternes to the south. The wine regions in Bordeaux are usually divided into the Left Bank and the Right bank, being split by the Gironde River. Médoc and St-Émilion are areas you should visit, considering the scale of wine production in those areas.

Bordeaux is known to have some of the world’s most expensive wines as they are of deluxe class. The best wine in the region is its reds which are a mixture of Merlot, Cabernet, and Sauvignon. The white wines you will taste in Bordeaux include Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon mixtures. Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes are some of its sweet whites. 

Most wine tours dedicate half-day wine tasting for each city. For example, a half-day Saint-Emilion wine-tasting tour leaves from central Bordeaux and you will not only get to taste Burgundy wine but also stroll the streets. Saint-Emilion has been marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site with the medieval village making some of Bordeaux’s finest wines.

Also, you can visit vineyards as well, as most tourists do. In each major village you reach, ask the local  Maison du Vin , for a comprehensive list of vineyards that you can visit, then taste, and buy. 

La Cite du Vin

La Cite du Vin  was opened in 2016, and it might be a great idea to start your Quest from there. That is a gigantic museum as well as a place of exhibitions that the locals call “the Guggenheim of Wine”. It will offer you a fascinating trip to the world’s vineyards, not the French alone, some cracking exhibits. This entire setup in a technical manner but done in such a way that visitors can concentrate on the story that unfolds, with historical characters, taking them back to the past, demonstrations on winemaking, talks with chefs and winegrowers. 

You can conclude your trip with a wine tasting at the Belvedere, a massive and expanding space that towers over this part of the city. And you might consider trying out some bars too. They are numerous and have a lot to offer. 

Wine Tour of Burgundy

Centering around Beaune, Burgundy is   another of France’s major wine region. Located just a few hours’ drive southeast of Paris, the wine regions of Burgundy include Chablis, Beaujolais, Cote de Nuits, Cote de Beaune, Cote Chalonnaise and Maconnais. Wine product from the area consists of many famous French wines like Chardonnay (White Burgundy), Beaujolais Nouveau and Pinot Noir (Burgundy red wine). Some other types include a small number of sparkling wines and a small number of roses.

Burgundy has a rich tradition of winemaking that dates back 1000 years. It also produces about 15 million cases of wine per year, mostly white, but also red, with  cremant de Bourgogne -a sparkling wine by the Champagne method. 

Add Beaune to your wine-tasting itinerary for a delightful treat. Beaune in Burgundy has been the heart of the wine trade for centuries. You will find cellars to visit and wince shops with s decent range of Burgundies to try and buy. The Ecole des vins (school of wines) offers wine classes for the novice. 

The famous wine auction in the world takes place in aid of the Hospice de Beaune once in every year in the iconic building itself. Called  La Vente des Vins,  and over three days from November 18th to 20th, the charity auction is organized by Christie’s Auction House. While anyone can purchase the wines, it is the professionals and the wealthy collectors that do get involved. This auction is also the reason for one of the great wine festivals. There, the famous names of Burgundy open their cellars and vineyards to offer some incredible tastings which you have to book before your visit. 

Wine Tour of Champagne

Regarded as the queen of drinks, Champagne is pricey when exported. But, if you go around the different, smaller villages, and you will find fabulous, individual vineyards producing low qualities of good Champagne at reasonable prices. Reims, Epernay and around Troyes in the Aube are two major regions in Champagne.

Located in the east close to Belgium and Luxembourg, the area is the country’s coldest winemaking region. Both globally and locally, Champagne is one of the most famous wine regions of France. This is because of its short distance from the capital. And as most know, Champagne is a popular place in France recognized for its sparkling wine that can be called Champagne. 

Apart from the colder climate of this vine region, it lends itself to be perfect for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. And as you might observe, Champagne’s white wines are usually crisper, lighter, and less fruity than other places in France.

To enjoy Champagne, there are lots of exciting things to see. And if you happen to be in Reims, stop at one of the top, international Champagne houses for a tour. There are also various things to see in Epernay, where you can stroll along the major street of beautiful 19th-century mansions owned by famous personalities. 

On your tour, the day trip allows you to stop at multiple places where you will learn about the traditions and history of the Champagne area. A stop at Epernay (the world’s most expensive area), Mercier Champagne’s underground cellars are hosting much Champagne. And, the village of Hautvillers is famous for being the place where Champagne was born. In addition, you get to have a taste of three different Champagnes before you take your leave. 

Wine Tour of Loire Valley

Famous for its capacity, Loire Valley in the southwest of Paris is one of the largest wine-producing regions in France. The vineyards in the Lore Valley are known for producing some of the country’s highest quality white wines. And because it is not far from Paris, wine tours from the capital to Loire Valley are often on many tourists’ list of to-dos.

The Pays Nantais, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine, and the central vineyard are the main wine areas in the Loire Valley. 

Wines you will find in Loire Valley are light reds, fruity light reds, crisp, dry sparkling wine, and smooth light reds for your tasting pleasure. When you take a tour to the Loire Valley, you will probably visit two of the best wineries in Loire Valley of the Vouvray Appellation. Not only will you enjoy wine tasting in the region, but you will also have the chance to speak with winemakers. They will be willing to share their tips on winemaking and wine tasting. 

At the tour’s end, you will be able to enjoy sumptuous delicacies like cheese, fresh bread, with a glass of Loire Valley wine. All that while beholding the magnificence of the Lore River.

Wine Tour of Provence

The area ranks high among French wine districts near the Mediterranean coast. Located just a few hours’ drive northwest of Nice, Provence is one of the warmest places in the country. Once given the title of the poorest of the wine-producing regions, Provence today has some premium quality vintages in the world. The best title given to it is Côtes de Provence, with rose predominating. Bandol is another sobriquet that the region has been conferred.

Also, look for the light Côtes du Luberon and Côtes du Ventoux. You should also check out Gigondas from the Dentelles, and the well-known Châteauneuf-du-Pape, that you will find between Avignon and Orange. 

The wine produced in Provence is mainly whites and roses and given the closeness to the southern region of Rhone, the wine Provence is quite similar to the one made in Rhone. The grape varieties you will find in Provence are Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cinsault. 

Whether it’s a half-day tour or full-day one you have booked ahead, there will always be much to take home from wine tours in Provence. 

You will learn about the winemaking process in the area of Côtes de Provence while seeing a lot of family-owned wineries. You will definitely have the chance to have a taste of delicious Roses, Reds, and Whites at different wineries. Having lunch in a serene village should cap off your visit. 

Wine Tour of Rhône Valley

The impressive Rhône valley wine area spans from Lyon to Orange in Provence, as some wines here are categorized under Provence wines. The valley has beautiful sceneries where the vineyards dot the countryside and climb the steep slopes. The region is most well known for its red wines and is one of France’s major producer and exporter of red wine. 

It is one of the oldest wine regions in France, making wine since around 600BC. The wine country in France is divided into two districts- Northern Rhone and Southern Rhône. Northern Rhône Valley vineyards produce some of the priciest wines in the region. In the Southern Rhône, there are more white wines with blends of Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier. The southern region’s most famous wine is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and this is also the area for the popular Beaumes-de-Venise and Gigondas. 

Wine Tour  of Jura

While the Jura is a beautiful wine region, it is not as big as the others. Therefore tourists often overlook it when drafting their wine-vacation itineraries. Located in the east of France between Burgundy and Switzerland, the place is far too beautiful to be ignored. In fact, it has some unusual wines like the  Vin Jaune,  which is fermented and then stored for 6 years and 3 months. You should also taste V in de Paille,  a sweet wine produced after the grapes have been stored on straw or left hanging from rafters. 

Wine Tour of Languedoc Roussillon 

Fondly called Wine Lake, the Languedoc Roussillon wine region is located in France’s southwest and is the largest wine region in France in terms of vineyard surface and production and is good for buying good quality cheap French wine.

Given the region’s climate (warm with little rainfall), Languedoc Roussillon ranks among the most productive wine regions in the world. The wines produced here are diverse including reds (Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon to Syrah), whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache, and Muscat Blanc grape types), Vins doux naturels (naturally sweet wines) and Cremant de Limoux. 

Wine Tour of Paris (in and around)

Magnificent Paris is filled with wine bars where you can visit and take a glass at any time of the day. You can try the private Left Bank Wine Tasting and Walk tour, which combines walking in the pedestrian-friendly Left Bank of the city with two wine tastings. One of the tastings is during a stop at a Parisian wine bar. The three-and-half-hour tour also visits the Panthéon, the resting place of the bodies of Voltaire, Rousseau, Mirabeau, Marat, Victor Hugo, and Emile Zola.

To have a good grasp of wines of France, visit the Les Caves du Louvre, which is two minutes from the Louvre. France is an excellent destination for a wine tour as it has a gaping variety of beautiful wineries. As you tour, you will not merely be tasting the goodness of these excellent wines. You will be taught about how each region’s viniculture has shaped the area.

Best Wine Tours In France – Summary

If you are visiting France, you should add these wine-producing areas to your itinerary for some impeccable tasting experiences. And if you are not sure about where to visit, this piece will help you make the right call. You will learn about the French wine regions, vineyards, and the type of wine each produces.

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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How would you like to discover France in the lap of luxury? A destination management company specialized in organizing private luxury travel, Wine Tour In France will make your next visit to France a unique experience. From must-sees to out of the ordinary, our personalized excursions and package holidays are inspired by your wishes and according to the seasons such as French cultural heritage tours, gourmet cuisine amidst vineyards, athletic escapades, private guided tours and romantic getaways. For those who love style and authenticity, come taste wine and chat with the owner of a Grand Cru Classé winery in Bordeaux, discover the famous Hospices de Beaune, choose truffles with a top chef at a market, visit a vineyard during a cruise ship port of call, or hear about a young designer’s secrets inside his Parisian workshop. Together we’ll create a tailor-made program according to your wishes, whether it’s for a day, weekend or vacation. Is your interest business-related? Organize your corporate events in our wine-making regions. Our corporate event and sightseeing experts are at your disposal. Experience customized adventures with our wine region partners and share an impressive legacy built on French “Art de Vivre” - synonymous with luxury, rarity, and creativity.

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Luxury Wine Tours in France 2024: Private & Exclusive Experiences

Wine Tours in France: Explore Wineries & Regions

Uncork a world of exquisite wines and captivating landscapes on unforgettable wine tours through France's most celebrated regions. From the prestigious vineyards of Bordeaux to the sun-drenched slopes of Provence, embark on a journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with lasting memories.

Immerse Yourself in History and Tradition

France boasts a rich winemaking heritage dating back centuries. Walk in the footsteps of winemakers past as you explore charming chateaux and historic cellars.

Learn about the unique terroir (land and soil characteristics) that shapes each region's wines, and discover the meticulous process that transforms humble grapes into liquid gold.

Bordeaux: Where Elegance Meets Power

Bordeaux Wine Tours offer a glimpse into the world of prestigious wines. Explore the world-renowned appellations of Médoc and Saint-Émilion , where meticulously crafted wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot reign supreme.

Uncover the secrets behind Grand Cru classification and delve into the art of wine tasting , learning to identify the complex flavors and aromas that define these iconic wines. Beyond the tastings, be captivated by the stunning Bordeaux countryside dotted with picturesque chateaux , some dating back centuries.

Meet passionate winemakers who share their knowledge and dedication, ensuring a truly immersive experience.

Alsace: A Paradise for White Wine Lovers

Alsace Wine Tours will transport you to a wonderland of aromatic white wines. Nestled in northeastern France, Alsace boasts a distinct winemaking style , renowned for its crisp and expressive whites.

Visit esteemed vineyards like Domaine Zind-Humbrecht or Domaine Weinbach and embark on guided tours and cellar visits. Sample a diverse range of wines, from the floral elegance of Riesling to the spicy notes of Gewürztraminer .

Don't miss the opportunity to try Crémant d'Alsace , a sparkling wine crafted using the traditional Champagne method . Pair your discoveries with hearty Alsatian cuisine, indulging in flammekueche (Alsatian pizza) and choucroute (sauerkraut with sausages and potatoes) at local restaurants or cozy winstubs (wine bars).

Beyond the wine, explore charming villages like Riquewihr and Eguisheim , and capture breathtaking views from the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle.

Provence Wine Tours: Unveiling the Soul of Rosé 

Immerse yourself in the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence, where rosé reigns supreme. Discover the region's unique grape varietals like Grenache , Syrah , and Mourvèdre , and savor the refreshing taste of Provence rosés alongside stunning scenery. Explore the distinct sub-regions of Provence, each with its own character:

• Côtes de Provence:

Explore the heart of Provence rosé production, known for its pale pink wines with a dry and elegant style. Visit prestigious estates like Château d'Esclans, producer of the famed "Sacripante" rosé.

• Provence AOC:

Venture beyond rosé and discover the region's hidden gems, including elegant white wines made from Rolle (Vermentino) and richer red wines based on Grenache and Syrah.

Uncover the bold and structured red wines of Bandol, primarily made from Mourvèdre. Pair these with Provençal specialties like daube Provençale (beef stew) or bourride (fish stew).  

Loire Valley Wine Tours: A Fairytale Escape Among Majestic Châteaux 

Embark on a journey through a fairytale landscape dotted with magnificent châteaux like Chambord and Chenonceau. The Loire Valley boasts a diverse range of white wines, each with its own distinct personality.

Explore the crisp minerality of Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, or discover the captivating sweetness and acidity of Chenin Blanc in the regions of Vouvray and Savennières. 

Don't miss the chance to try the region's unique sparkling wines made using the traditional method, known as Crémant de Loire. Pair your discoveries with the fresh and flavorful cuisine of the Loire Valley, known for its delicious cheeses, river fish, and seasonal vegetables.

Burgundy Wine Tours: Unveiling the Majesty of Pinot Noir 

Delve into the world of Pinot Noir, the undisputed king of Burgundy. Explore the famed Côte de Nuits region, known for producing some of the world's most prestigious and expensive wines like Romanée-Conti and Chambertin. 

Venture into the Côte de Beaune, where Pinot Noir reigns supreme but also discover elegant Chardonnay from villages like Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault.  Uncover the intricacies of the Burgundian classification system, which categorizes vineyards based on quality, from the most prestigious Grand Cru down to the humble Bourgogne appellation. 

Beyond the tastings, be captivated by the rolling vineyards and charming villages that define the Burgundian landscape.

Champagne Wine Tours: Celebrating the Birthplace of Bubbly Bliss 

Celebrate the art of bubbly in the birthplace of Champagne. Witness the meticulous production process, from the delicate art of grape selection to the secondary fermentation in bottle that creates the signature bubbles. 

Descend into the historic underground cellars,  where millions of bottles age under perfect conditions.  Savor the world-famous sparkling wines, from the light and refreshing Brut to the richer and more complex Blanc de Noirs and Vintage Champagnes. 

Pair your discoveries with the decadent cuisine of the Champagne region, known for its rich sauces, fresh cheeses, and buttery pastries.

A Culinary Adventure Alongside Every Sip

No exploration of French wine is complete without indulging in the country's renowned cuisine. Our tours incorporate visits to local markets and restaurants, allowing you to experience the perfect pairing of regional wines and traditional dishes. Savor the robust flavors of Bordeaux alongside hearty stews or enjoy the delicate flavors of Loire Valley whites with fresh seafood.

Book Your Unforgettable Wine Tour Today

France beckons with its diverse wine regions, each offering a unique tapestry of flavors, history, and scenery.

Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply seeking an unforgettable travel experience, embark on a journey with us.

Book your wine tour today and raise a glass to the beauty and complexity of French wine culture.

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How to do a Bordeaux wine tour by public transport: Visit vineyards with no need for a designated driver

T he day took a bit of a wobble at Margaux. Not, you understand, because I’d been sampling some of Bordeaux ’s top-quality tipples after an excellent lunch accompanied by more wine . It was because Margaux village's station was deserted out of season, with train information displayed on screens, and no clue which of the two platforms was which. Trains making the 45-minute journey to Bordeaux city seemed to run at different times from both platforms.

I had to chance it; I doubted I’d have time to cross the open tracks once the train arrived. Luckily, I guessed correctly and chugged on with my discovery of Bordeaux by public transport .

Most people don’t realise the extent of France ’s wine producing region. It would take you two and a half hours to drive the 99 miles from its northernmost to southernmost extremities. No wonder those taking a vineyard tour generally drive or go on group trips. There is, however, another way – to visit the vineyards by trains, bus and tram. And aside from the slight hiccup I experienced at Margaux, I found it surprisingly easy.

One vineyard, Chateau Les Carmes Haut-Brion, is even within the sprawling city’s limits and can be reached by Bordeaux’s extensive tram network. What’s more, it’s designed by Philippe Starck, resembling the bow of a boat from the outside, while within the concrete wine vats are painted in different designs. (Tour with tasting costs €55).

It’s in complete contrast to the historic Chateau Pape Clement, a 25-minute bus journey away, or a 40-minute bus and train trip from the city centre. Vines were originally planted here in the 13th century by Bertrand de Got, who became Pope Clement V. Now, the grand cru classe wines lie maturing in an enormous barrel-filled room lit by chandeliers.

Read more on taking a wine road trip through Italy’s Piedmont region

You can make your own version in the 19th-century chateau in a process reminiscent of a school chemistry lesson, as you experiment with different ratios of merlot to cab sav. Once I had my winning formula, I bottled it, added a cork and foil and embellished the label: Chateau Jane. (Tour with tasting costs €20, a winemaker course costs €99).

Another day, another vineyard or three, this time in the Medoc with its famous Margaux appellation. The village of Margaux isn’t the most appealing, but you’re there for the vino, and that doesn’t disappoint. I started with the biodynamic wine at Chateau Ferriere, made to beyond-organic principles and according to the cycle of the moon; they also make biodynamic tea. (Tour and tasting costs €25).

It’s just a short walk from here to Marquis de Terme, which has an elegantly modern restaurant where I polished off a superb lunch accompanied by their delicious grand cru classe. The tour here is particularly interesting because they have an eye on the future as well as the past and are constantly innovating.

The expansive cellar not only holds rows of barrels in which to age the wine, but also other containers to achieve different finishes – pearl-shaped barrels, egg-shaped concrete vats, pottery amphora and a large wooden barrel connected by wifi to record changes in temperature, pressure and oxygen. I can confirm that the finished product is particularly delicious; I finished off my tasting with rum made in Martinique from the chateau’s barrels. (Tour and three tastings costs €35).

It was at this point that my little incident at the station nearly jeopardised the 20-minute train ride followed by a 20-minute walk to Chateau Saint-Ahon. Reminiscent of buildings in Paris’s Place de Vosges, this small property is extremely family friendly, with walks through the vines interspersed by informative panels. Its wines are a decent price, with the eponymous brand coming in at €14, which you can drink accompanied by a picnic of produce bought in the shop. (Tour and tasting costs €12). Better still, because it’s in Bordeaux metropolis, once back at the station, you can take a tram back to the sprawling city.

Where you stay here depends on whether you want to be near the station in the south (where I picked) or a tram ride from it near the beautiful Place de la Bourse in the centre, with its many restaurants.

Read more on how to do a sustainable wine tour of Chile

Wherever you choose, you shouldn’t go to Bordeaux without seeing the medieval hilltop village of Saint-Emilion, and enjoying some of its vintages. Happily, it’s just a 34-minute train journey away, followed by a 20-minute walk along a vine-fringed road (or an hour-long bus ride without the walk in season). The eponymous eighth-century saint lived in a cave here, which you can still visit along with the catacombs and spectacular monolithic church; Emilion’s presence drew religious communities who were adept at wine making.

They included the monks at the Couvent des Jacobins, whose atmospheric cellars are reached through a small wooden Harry-Potter style door beneath the stairs. Private visits give you time to chill out in the pretty gardens, while tastings of their organic wines are accompanied by cheese, chocolate or St-Emilion’s famous macaroons. (Tour and tasting costs €22).

It's much more touristy up the road at Cloitre de Cordeliers, where you can enjoy a restaurant picnic in the ruins of the cloister and take a mad tuk-tuk tour around the town and through some of the miles of underground tunnels carved out under Saint-Emilion by quarrying. (Tuk-tuk and tasting costs €25.) The ones here are used to store sparkling wine rather than Bordeaux red, but just a five-minute walk away, Chateau Villemaurine uses some of its own network of tunnels to mature its superb grand cru classe. Tours by torchlight head into the silence of the cellars, where bats hang from the ceiling and vine roots work their way through the overhead rock. It would be hard to find a more evocative place to end my trip. (Tour and tasting costs €20).

Travel essentials

How to get there.

Bordeaux is just two hours from Paris by train. Returns from London St Pancras cost from £235 ( thetrainline.com ).

Where to stay

The Golden Tulip is a modern hotel just minutes from the station with B&B doubles from £90.

More information: Bordeaux-tourism.co.uk , gironde-tourisme.com

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13 Top French Wine Regions, Cities & Villages to Visit 2024

Best Wine Regions in France to Go Wine Tasting in 2024

France is currently the world’s most popular tourist destination boasting over 80 million visitors each year. Many people think of Paris when they think of France, but the country also plays host to stunning wine regions, destinations, breathtaking mountains, beautiful beaches, and many of the world’s best museums and galleries, making it a travel hotspot for people of all ages and backgrounds.

At Winetraveler, we try to go beyond the wine when we discuss travel destinations. Wine is simply the lubricant that enhances a journey as one traverses a country. That’s why this list includes some of the best wine destinations in France that aren’t just wine-producing areas. It includes cities, towns, and small villages within France that serve as great wine destinations themselves, or work as ideal stopping points along a more holistic itinerary when visiting nearby French wine regions. 

Whether you’re looking for your next summer beach holiday, a fun winter trip, or a cultural excursion, France is one of the best countries you can choose. With multiple international airports to fly into and plenty of great cities, towns, and villages to check out, you can have an unforgettable wine trip in this wondrous country.

Top Wine Regions & Cities in France to Visit This Year

Paris is still the main go-to spot for tourists in France. Couples and families can find plenty of romantic sights, the cuisine is incredible, there are plenty of galleries and museums to check out, and Disneyland Paris is only a short train ride away if kids are in tow.

It also helps that you can visit Paris for surprisingly cheap. Although the city is full of luxurious hotels, you can also find plenty of cheap hotels and Airbnbs if you’re on a budget. You can also choose between world-renowned Michelin-star restaurants and high-end wine bars, or cheap food options. From drinking Champagne on top of the Eiffel Tower, to sunset cruises on the river Seine, there are plenty of interesting sights and activities. If you’re interested in visiting Paris for a few days, we’ve included a link to our tested travel guide below, featuring all of our favorite hotels, restaurants, and things to do.

RELATED: 2 Day Paris Itinerary: A First Timer’s Guide

Although Paris gets all the hype, Nice is arguably an even “nicer” place to visit. This city is situated on the French Riviera, meaning that you’ll be perfectly located between the beach and the French Alps. That means that you could easily spend one day lounging by clear turquoise-blue waters and the next hiking into the nearby mountains.

Nice is full of fun events, including the annual Nice Carnival in February and various festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. It’s also a great place for history lovers due to sights such as the St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Castle Hill Park. To make matters even sweeter, you can easily take a day trip to Monaco for gambling and fun as it’s only a 30-minute ride away. Alternatively, you can spend days enjoying the culinary delights, museums, and galleries of Nice.

Marseille is a beautiful spot in the Provence region and a perfect choice for those who want a lively yet scenic destination. Marseille is right by the beach and it’s also a hotspot for nature lovers as you can take in the scenery by windsurfing, mountain biking, sailing, or simply hiking through the nearby trails.

RELATED: Best Provence Wine Tastings, Tours & Vineyard Experiences

It’s also a great hub for day trips. You can use Marseille as a hub to take trips into the beautiful countryside of Provence, including towns like Gordes and Saignon. It’s also a short 30-minute drive from Massif des Calanques, one of the most incredible national parks in the entire country full of breathtaking natural sights.

Ok, we admit it. We love Provence. Moving on from larger cities in the region like Nice and Marseille, it’s well worth a stop at some of the smaller and truly picturesque hilltop villages. Gordes is one such village with all of the quaint, small-town, cobblestone street charm you can expect to find. For sweeping views of the Provencal countryside, affordable apéritifs and endless dry rosé wine by the glass, be sure to stop at boutique restaurant and bar La Trinquette , serving up modern French cuisine on one of the best balconies in the town.

RELATED: Top Luxury Resorts & Wineries To Visit in Provence

For an equally scenic and historic hilltop village not far from Gordes, be sure to stop by Bonnieux. We recommend planning a lunch in Gordes, followed by a wine tasting at nearby Domaine de la Citadelle , and ending with dinner at 2-star Michelin restaurant La Bastide de Capelongue .

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Not far from Gordes lies the utterly picturesque and historic village of Saint-Rémy. This small village folded into the sweeping green valleys of Provence has a big heart, beating with some of the best cuisine in the region, boutique wine shops, and ancient streets.

Historic is an understatement when mentioning Saint-Rémy. It was once the ancient Roman city of Glanum, and still plays host to its ruins and the quarry that was once used to build much of its stone structures. Moving on through the centuries, it became something of an artist and philosopher’s pilgrimage, with Van Gogh and others producing a number of famous works here. It’s also where Nostradamus was born, and you can still walk by what remains of that house today.

Wine lovers will already be familiar with the wine region of Bordeaux . But it’s also a city. This gorgeous French city is known as the wine capital of the world and you won’t be short on options whether you’re looking for a fancy wine bar, a wine-tasting event, or a tour of the nearby vineyards. It’s also one of the best places for foodies as it’s full of Michelin-star restaurants as well as plenty of more affordable options.

Even if you’re not looking for world-class wine and cuisine, you can find plenty of fun things to do here. The city is jam-packed with attractions such as the Water Mirror, Porte Cailhau, and many markets, museums, bars, and clubs. Alternatively, you could have a relaxing day biking along the waterfront and taking in the stunning architecture and great weather.

RELATED: 30 Must-Visit Wineries in the Bordeaux Region

Continuing on with wine-themed destinations, Champagne provides the perfect mix of delectable bubbles, luxurious architecture, unmatched scenery, and cataclysmic history. While you could easily spend several days staying in the region, it’s also easily accessible from Paris and makes for the perfect day or weekend trip. We discuss an ideal 2-day Champagne itinerary right here.

When we mention history in Champagne, we aren’t just talking about winemaking (though this is impressive in its own right), but it has also been a sought-after region for settlement dating  back well before the Celtic and Roman periods. In addition, it has seen its fair share of warfare, with the World War I battlefields of Verdun and others just a short drive away from Champagne’s vineyard setting. This is a great region to visit for the sophisticated wine lover and history buff with a keen interest in sparkling wine.

RELATED: The Battle of Verdun: How To Visit the Battlefield Near Champagne, France

If you’re a fan of winter sports, Chamonix is the place for you. This world-renowned resort destination is located right on the border between France, Italy, and Switzerland and allows you to ski and snowboard through the alps while enjoying the amazing mountain sights. You can also take a cable car into Italy or check out attractions such as the Parc de Merlet or the ice sculptures of Grotte de Glace.

However, Chamonix isn’t just for winter lovers. In the summer you can go here to hike through the Alps, mountain bike through the trails, or even rent an e-bike to take in the sights. It’s also a hotspot for paragliding, golfing, and watersports. It’s basically the perfect playground for outdoor activities throughout any season.

Cannes is a top resort town on the French Riviera, meaning that you’ll get excellent beaches and stunning natural views if you choose to stay here. The town is mainly known for the Cannes Film Festival, which allows the general public to check out new films via open-air screenings. However, it also offers plenty of other activities.

Whether you want to go sailing, check out historical sites, or just chill on the beach and enjoy some ice cream, you can have an amazing time in Cannes. It’s also close to golf courses, national parks, and other French hotspots like Nice and Saint-Tropez, so you have plenty of choices for day trips.

Nimes is an underrated gem in France, especially for history lovers. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported into another country here due to the abundance of Roman architecture. It’s often described as the most Roman city in France due to sights such as the Arena of Nimes, Jardin de La Fontaine, Temple de Diane, and the Maison Carrée Roman temple.

If you’ve ever felt like attending an event in a Roman amphitheater, the Arena of Nimes now hosts shows from world-famous music artists such as Foo Fighters, Gorillaz, and Deep Purple. It’s also used as a bullfighting arena during May. Outside of the Roman sights, you can find plenty of museums, art galleries, and delicious French food stalls. You can also take trips to Marseille, Massif des Calanques, and the Provence countryside.

The Loire Valley

From Vouvray, to Touraine, Saumer, Sancerre and beyond, the Loire Valley is a Winetraveler’s paradise. Whether you’re into red wines, white wines, sparkling wines or rosé, there is something for everybody’s palate in the Loire. Aside from high-quality juice, it’s also home to the highest density of castles in France as well as the country’s longest river.

If you’re interested in feeling like royalty for a day (or several), while enjoying premium Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and even Chenin Blanc, the Loire is for you. Wine lovers will also appreciate the quality of sparkling wine (called Crémant here) coming out of the Saumer sub-region if you know where to look.

FUN FACT: The Loire Valley is France’s #2 sparkling wine-producing region by quantity.

RELATED: Essential Touraine Travel Guide: Explore the Heart of the Loire Valley

One of the most underrated wine regions in France, Languedoc is well worth a visit for any number of reasons. From a scenic perspective, Languedoc offers up a little bit of everything. Here you can expect rolling hills and valleys as far as the eye can see, tiny picturesque French villages, snow-capped mountains, and turquoise blue coastal views. Therefore, it’s an ideal French wine destination that works for any time of year.

Most consumers who are new to the wine world have rarely sampled wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region (or maybe you have and not known it), but it’s actually France’s largest wine-producing region and vineyard area. Wine production in Languedoc dates back (as far as we know) to the Greeks during the 5th century BC.

RELATED: Languedoc Itinerary: Essential Wineries, Hotels & Restaurants Near Montpellier & Pézanas

Lille is another one of France’s most underrated cities. Lille is the lively capital of the Hauts-de-France in Northern France known for its amazing local markets, delicious food stalls, and fun nightlife. As well as sampling amazing French cheese it’s also a hotspot for beer and waffles, which might have something to do with its proximity to Belgium.

The city is incredibly affordable compared to other cities such as Paris and Lyon while still offering plenty to do. It’s also an excellent hub for day trips. Not only is Paris just a one-hour train ride away, but you can also cross the border into Belgium and visit gems such as Brussels or Bruges.

Frequently Asked Questions about French Wine Regions

What are the best french wine regions to visit.

Embarking on a journey through the French wine regions is a delightful adventure that promises to tantalize your senses and broaden your horizons. Each region offers its own unique charm and allure, as well as distinct wine varietals and traditions. Here’s a snapshot of some of France’s most famous wine regions to help you decide which ones to visit: Start your exploration in Bordeaux , home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines. This must-visit region will captivate you with its stunning châteaux, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages. Here, you’ll find exceptional red wines, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grape varieties. Next, head to Burgundy , where the rolling hills and medieval architecture provide the perfect backdrop for sipping on the region’s renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The area is also famous for its rich culinary traditions, offering you the opportunity to savor local dishes alongside your wine tastings. For a taste of effervescence, make your way to Champagne , the birthplace of the world-famous sparkling wine. Wander through the region’s historic vineyards and underground cellars, and raise a toast to the luxurious and celebratory nature of Champagne itself. Alsace , nestled along the German border, boasts a unique blend of French and German influences, which is evident in both its architecture and its wines. This picturesque region is known for its aromatic white wines, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Stroll through the charming half-timbered villages and revel in the breathtaking scenery. The enchanting Loire Valley , famous for its fairytale castles, is also home to a diverse range of wines. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to earthy Cabernet Franc, there’s something for everyone in this lush and scenic region. Finally, venture to the Rhône Valley , where the sun-drenched vineyards produce powerful red wines, like Syrah and Grenache, as well as fragrant whites, like Viognier and Marsanne. The region’s landscape varies from the steep terraces of the north to the flatter, more expansive vineyards of the south, offering a striking contrast in scenery.

What are some of the best wine cities in France to visit?

France is home to numerous cities that are renowned for their wine culture and proximity to famous wine regions. Some of the best wine cities in France include Bordeaux, the epicenter of the illustrious Bordeaux wine region, known for its elegant reds and historic châteaux. Beaune , the unofficial capital of Burgundy, offers a charming setting to taste exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Epernay and Reims, situated in the heart of the Champagne region, are perfect destinations for bubbly enthusiasts, with their historic houses and underground cellars. Strasbourg, in the Alsace region, is the ideal base for exploring aromatic white wines and enjoying its Franco-Germanic charm. Finally, Avignon, located in the heart of Provence, offers easy access to the sun-kissed vineyards of the Rhône Valley and its bold reds and fragrant whites. Each of these cities not only offers exceptional wine experiences but also rich cultural and historical attractions to explore.

When is the best time to visit French wine regions?

The best time to visit French wine regions is generally between April and October , with the harvest season typically occurring between September and October . During these months, the weather is pleasant, and many wineries offer special events and tastings.

Can I bring wine back from France to my home country?

Yes, most countries allow travelers to bring a wine back for personal consumption, but you should check the specific customs regulations for your home country before making any purchases. Check out our guide to the best wine bags and suitcases for traveling with wine .

Book a trip!

It’s no surprise that France is a globally renowned hotspot for wine travelers. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway to the French countryside, a relaxing weekend trip to the beaches, or an adventure-filled trip to the Alps, the country offers all of that and more. Not to mention some of the world’s best cheese and wine.

These are thirteen of the best places to visit in France and all of them are worth checking out. However, if none of these destinations suit your fancy, there are plenty of other great spots to check out, including Saint-Tropez, Caen, Nantes, Toulouse, and Montpellier. No matter where you choose to go, you’re sure to be charmed by this European gem.

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Introducing Uber Bubbles in France

With more than 16M visitors expected in France this summer, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of Uber Bubbles – the first ever champagne tour bookable directly in the Uber app. T he latest exclusive experience in our ‘Go Anywhere’ series of travel products, it will be available all summer long, offering riders access to one of Europe’s most premium and iconic regions at the tap of a button.

In partnership with beloved champagne houses Perrier-Jouët and G.H. Mumm, Uber Bubbles puts the heart of France’s champagne region at your fingertips. The full day trip includes a 10:00am pickup in Paris in an Uber Bubbles-branded Tesla, with the first stop along the journey a champagne tasting of three cuvées and lunch at Perrier-Jouët’s Cellier Belle Époque in Épernay. Afterwards, riders will be whisked to Maison G.H. Mumm in Reims for a special cellar visit and a Cordon Rouge tasting before heading back to Paris for dropoff in the early evening. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Uber this summer to offer riders the chance to discover our Champagne Houses via Uber Bubbles,” said François-Xavier Morizot, VP Champagne for G.H. Mumm and Perrier-Jouët. “This is the perfect opportunity for travelers to enjoy the very best of our ‘bubbly’ experiences, including our beautiful cuvées, elevated gastronomy, and exceptional grounds, both in Épernay with Maison Perrier-Jouët and in Reims with G.H. Mumm.”

Reservations for the summer will become available in the Uber app on June 1, and will be bookable 75 days to 24 hours in advance. Uber Bubbles will run on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer, from June 7 to August 17. The experience will cost a €200 flat fee, and can accommodate up to four guests.

How to book Uber Bubbles:

• Download the Uber app on your smartphone and open the app.
• Select the ‘Uber Bubbles’ icon from the home screen.
• Read about Uber Bubbles and then choose an available date.
• Enter your pickup and dropoff locations.
• Make sure everything looks right and click ‘Reserve Uber Bubbles’
• Check your email to ensure you received a confirmation email.
• Within the confirmation email, click on the Google form and respond to each question to ensure the Maisons are ready for your reservation.
• Enjoy responsibly!

Availability of Uber Bubbles trips is expected to be limited. Riders looking to book a tour are encouraged to book in advance using our Reserve technology. Uber Bubbles will be visible to all riders in Paris.

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