France is a wonderful country for a touring holiday. The roads are good and generally uncrowded, the scenery is beautiful and varied, and best of all, you can find and sample delicious wines as you travel. It’s a big country, too big to take in all at one go perhaps; but it’s possible to have a great introduction by touring just one or two wine-producing areas. If you travel by car, you will probably want to purchase or bring back a case or two, or alternatively, you can make choices for later wine delivery UK. Here are a few good ideas for a wine-tasting holiday…
Bourgogne
Known as Burgundy in the English-speaking world, this region in eastern France produces some of the world’s most sought-after wines. As well as the fabulously-expensive wines from the CΓ΄te d’Or escarpment, you can find excellent cheaper examples of the Pinot Noir reds for which the region is famous. Beaune is a pretty town with plenty of good hotels and restaurants, and makes a great base for a holiday. A map of the vineyards shows how some of the most prized parcels of land can be just a few yards wide, so this is a fascinating area to walk in.
The Loire
A trip along the River Loire can combine visits to legendary castles, such as the ChΓ’teau de Chambord, with exploration of the vineyards where some of Franceβs best white wines are made. This is Franceβs longest river, and the wines change with the scenery. A dry Muscadet, produced near the Atlantic coast, is the perfect partner for a plate of seafood β a holiday experience waiting to happen! Further inland, Sancerre is a charming village producing the Sauvignon Blanc wines that are described as having a βflintyβ taste.
Bordeaux
Like Burgundy, the Bordeaux region and its claret wine have a long association with Britain. Bordeaux itself is good for a city break, with elegant streets, a wonderful river frontage, and plenty to see and do. Bordeaux vineyards, including some of the biggest ChΓ’teaux, often have organised tours, on which you can marvel at the worldβs most pampered grapes. Bordeaux red wines feature the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, and it is possible to find some good examples of rich, fruity wines at a reasonable price; try wine cooperatives.
The RhΓ΄ne
Down the river from Bourgogne, the RhΓ΄ne flows through famous towns including Avignon, an ancient and beautiful city with a famous bridge and the old palace of the papacy, which was once based here. ChΓ’teauneufβdu-Pape is a famous red wine produced from traditional grape varieties growing in the stony RhΓ΄ne soil.
Champagne
The most northerly French wine-producing area is also perhaps the most famous. Champagne has been producing its legendary sparkling wine since the seventeenth century. Reims and Γpernay are good places to start a tour through some of the typical villages of the region. Tourism is well-organised here, and several of the big producers offer cellar visits, which naturally end with a tasting.
21 Comments
Elena@Elena's Travelgram
17 October, 2014 at 11:26 amI would definitely add Jura in Franche-Comte to the list!
Though, the local white and sparkling wines are rather unknown outside France, they are simply incredible!
Emma
8 October, 2014 at 9:51 pmI used to go to the Loire Valley regularly such a beautiful place would definitely recommend it!
Becky Moore
16 October, 2014 at 9:20 amWe love the Loire Valley too, so pretty! π
Scott
8 October, 2014 at 9:46 pmI’ve been to quite a few of these places, the RhΓ΄ne is one of my favourite great scenery!
Kendra Granniss
7 October, 2014 at 5:31 pmI need to go back to France and do some wine touring! Last time I was there, I didn’t even like wine. My…how times have changed!
Becky Moore
16 October, 2014 at 9:20 amHa ha good time to go back then π
the lazy travelers
6 October, 2014 at 2:47 pmloove this!! from this list, i made it to champagne, loire, and borgogne while living in fontainebleau. bordeaux was next in line, but it was bumped in favor of alsace and chablis, which were pretty ok, too π (actually, alsace was my VERY favorite.)
Becky Moore
16 October, 2014 at 9:21 amAlsace is great too π
Shikha (whywasteannualleave)
6 October, 2014 at 11:42 amOk I’m not even an alcohol drinker but looking at that scenery in these photos especially in Loire and Champagne makes me want to go there for that alone – so beautiful, though I imagine I would feel a bit of a fool drinking my grape juice π
@mrsoaroundworld
6 October, 2014 at 9:45 amOne can never have too much France and its wines in its life, is all I can say to you right now!!
Becky Moore
16 October, 2014 at 9:21 amVery true Ana we agree π
The Scuttlefish @ Paper Boats
6 October, 2014 at 9:41 amI have a standing invitation to go to Bordeaux and I’m a huge fan of Cabernet Sauvignon. Your photo was the final temptation (travel plans are a-brewin’!)
Agness
4 October, 2014 at 11:44 amI’m charmed by Champagne! Looks amazing!!
rebecca
3 October, 2014 at 10:41 pmFrance is just so beautiful! I have always wanted to go to the Loire
Tiana in Florence
3 October, 2014 at 12:13 pmWine regions have the most beautiful landscapes in the world! I’ve been to more than my faire share in Italy, but not yet in France! Great inspirational travel post.
Becky Moore
16 October, 2014 at 9:22 amThanks Tiana π
Kim-Marie Evans
2 October, 2014 at 9:13 pmLove how simple and straightforward this is. For us Americans it’s an easy primer for the regions. As a wine lover, all of them are clearly my bucket list!
Dana Carmel @ Time Travel Plans
2 October, 2014 at 5:52 pmI went to Champagne years ago but didn’t fully appreciate it at the time. I’d love to explore more of France’s wine regions. The pictures of the Rhone & Bordeaux look especially appealing.
Becky Moore
16 October, 2014 at 9:23 amHope you get to go back soon Dana, I’m sure you’d really appreciate the second time round!
Corinne
2 October, 2014 at 2:54 pmWho’s up for it? I love a good French wine tromp! 1 case for you, 1 case for me! Yum!
Paul
6 October, 2014 at 5:01 pmGreat idea! We’ll get a couple Wine Check luggages and we are good to go! π