Are you looking for the best wine regions in France to visit on your next vacation? Then I got you covered! I’m Sabrina, and I blog at Shades of Summr.
The Loire Valley, the Champagne, and Bordeaux are famous worldwide for their outstanding wines. Not only are the wine and byproducts amazing, but France is also a great place to vacation. So why not combine the two and go on a wine-tasting vacation to France?
With all the great places, it can be hard to choose from. Luckily for you, we have family in France and have been going on wine-tasting vacations there for quite some time.
To help make the choice easier for you, I have created this ultimate guide to the best wine regions in France for your next vacation.
Let’s get to it!
Alsace
Alsace is by far my favorite wine region in France.
Alsace is located in northeastern France, right by Germany. And that’s also what makes it so amazing.
It has got this mix of French and German vibes that you can taste in the wine and the food and see in the architecture.
It is one of the most down-to-earth areas in France, and that’s what makes it so charming in my opinion.
Alsace is mostly known for white wines like Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris.
They also make a bubbly wine which is called Crémant d’Alsace. That is basically the same as Champagne, but since it is produced outside of the Champagne region, they have to call it something different.
Great Areas to stay in Alsace are Strasbourg or Colmar. Both are picture-perfect and super charming.
Many people ask how many days in Alsace. You can travel along the Route des Vins: This is the Alsatian wine route that leads you along cute villages and stunning vineyards. A lovely village to stay along this route is Ribeauvillé.
Champagne
Champagne is in the northeastern part of France, not too far from Paris. You can go to Champagne on a weekend trip or take a day tour from Paris to Champagne.
The appellation of Champagne is the only place in the world that can officially call its sparkling wine “Champagne.” There are strict rules and regulations that wine wineries have to apply so they can call their wine champagne.
The area produces mostly sparkling wines from different grapes. Think Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes.
A great area to stay is Reims. It is home to big Champagne houses and a stunning cathedral.
If you wanna escape the city, check out Épernay. The village is known for the Avenue de Champagne, where you can tour cellars like Moet & Chandon.
You can also stay in the countryside of the Marne Valley. It has gorgeous scenery and smaller producers that are even more charming. There are lovely wine spas that are perfect for a vacation.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is another great wine region, located in southwestern France. You can find it near the Atlantic coast.
Bordeaux is like the Hollywood of wine; famous, busy, and elegant. If you are looking for an exciting spot for your wine vacation, this is it.
The wine area of Bordeaux is mostly famous for its reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. They also make some sweet whites like Sauternes.
Great areas to stay are Bordeaux city itself if you also want to see some great architecture. My favorite place is Saint Émilion, a famous wine village an hour outside of the city. The medieval little town is also famous for its wine producers. If you stay within the city, make sure you visit Cite Du Vin.
If you’re into big, bold reds and a side of elegance, Bordeaux is the spot for you!
Sud-Ouest (Southwest France)
Southwest France, or in French Sud-Ouest, is a wine region that’s a bit off the beaten path and in my opinion totally underrated.
It is less famous than Bordeaux, but the soil is similar, so the quality is also insanely good. Of course, it is a lot quieter than Bordeaux.
You’ll find a wide range of wines in that area. They have famous reds like Malbec in Cahors, but also some sweet whites in Jurançon. Madiran and Bergerac are other popular places for wine travel in this area.
My favorite area to stay in Southwest is Bergerac. It is located right by the Dordogne River and is super scenic. The Dordogne Valley is famous for its cute villages, great wine, and outstanding foie gras.
Provence
The Provence is best known for its rosé wines, but it also produces some reds and whites.
The area is also famous for stunning lavender fields and cute villages close to the Mediterranean Sea, so it is a great place to vacation in general.
Mostly rosé wines made from grapes like Grenache and Cinsault come from the Provence. But they also have some crisp whites and spicy reds they are famous for.
If you’re a fan of rosé and want to sip it by the Mediterranean Sea, Provence and the city of Nice are the places to be!
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is in central France, you can find it along the Loire River. It’s sometimes called the “Garden of France” because it’s so lush and green.
It is reasonably close to Paris, so you can even check it out on a day trip from the capital city.
Apart from the stunning castles, the Loire Valley offers some super-diverse wines! You’ve got crisp whites, like Sancerre and Muscadet, reds like Chinon, and even sparkling wine, that is called, Crémant de Loire.
The best area to stay in the Loire is Sancerre. It is high up on a hill, it offers amazing views and delicious Sauvignon Blanc.
Nantes is another cool spot for a wine vacation in the Loire Valley. It is close to the Atlantic and it’s the place for Muscadet. That happens to be a super seafood-friendly wine, so you can try that combination there.
Whether you’re into history, castles, or just a really good glass of wine, Loire Valley has got it all.
It’s like a wine lover’s Disneyland, but way classier!
Burgundy
Burgundy is located in eastern France and is a great place to visit if you are looking for some special wines and historic towns.
Burgundy is a real paradise if you’re into Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The region is all about terroir. That basically means the local ground puts its stamp on the wine. So even two vineyards next to each other can produce totally different flavors. That is quite unique, especially for France.
In the north of the region, you’ve got the famous area of Chablis. It is known for its crisp, mineral-driven white wines made from Chardonnay.
Then, as you move south, you’ll hit the Côte d’Or. These are some of the best areas of Burgundy. I suggest you stay in some of the famous villages, like Gevrey-Chambertin and Meursault.
If you’re into wines that are all about subtlety and elegance, Burgundy is your place to be.
Another great plus about this area is the scenery, which is gorgeous. It has rolling hills and historic towns, perfect for a dream wine vacation in France.
Corsica
If you are like me, you did not know that the island of Corsica is a wine-producing region in France.
Corsica is an island in the Mediterranean and it is a part of France. But it has its own unique vibe that is a bit different from the mainland.
When it comes to wine, Corsica has a blend of French and Italian influences that make it pretty special. You’ll find grapes that are native to the island, like Niellucciu and Sciacarello. Those aren’t really grown anywhere else, so it is extra special.
The island has various wine regions, like Patrimonio and Ajaccio. The island also has some stunning beaches and beautiful mountains that are perfect for a vacation. I visited Corsica with a cruise ship and found it to be a cool place to visit in a day as well.
Fun fact: Napoleon Bonaparte was born in Corsica as well.
So, if you’re up for something a bit exotic with a dash of French flair, Corsica is a cool destination for a wine vacation.
Other Wine Regions in France
Of course, there are many more wine regions in France that are too much to cover simply in this post, so I have focused on my favorite ones.
Other famous wine regions in France are Languedoc-Roussilion, Rhone Valley, and Jura and Savoie.
Languedoc-Roussillon is located in southern France, and it’s known for being a wine area. You’ll also find a lot of good reds here.
The Rhône Valley is in southeastern France. The region is all about bold reds. Think Syrah in the north and Grenache in the south.
Jura and Savoie lastly are two different regions in eastern France near the Alps. Jura is famous for wines like Vin Jaune. Savoie is all about light whites and reds, perfect for après-ski.
What is the Best Time For Wine Travel in France
Wine travel in France is a dream no matter when you go. I have been to France during all times of the year, and they were all special in their own way.
Obviously, it also depends a bit on your preferences. Good timing can definitely add some extra perks to your trip.
To make the decision a bit easier for you, I have summarized some arguments for you for each season.
Spring is great for avoiding the crowds. Vineyards are green and in bloom. Keep in mind that some smaller wineries might not be fully open yet. In Burgundy and Loire Valley there are some cool wine festivals in spring. If you want good weather, you better opt for late spring, like the end of May.
Summer is the peak travel season in France, so you need to book well in advance. Many regions, like Provence and Bordeaux, are absolutely stunning in summer. Summer festivals and wine events are happening a lot. It’s hot, though, so if you prefer cooler weather or even cheaper prices, maybe skip this season.
Autumn is harvesting time and maybe the prettiest time to go. In places like Bordeaux and Champagne, you can sometimes participate in grape picking and other harvest festivities. The weather is usually mild, and you might even see some fall foliage. But it’s also busy, especially during harvest festivals, so plan ahead.
Winter is low season, which means fewer tourists and a more Christmassy vibe. In regions like Alsace, winter wine tastings paired with hearty local food are amazing. And don’t forget about all the cute Christmas decorations in Colmar.
Which Wine Regions Can You Visit From Paris on a Day Trip?
You can easily visit Champagne and Burgundy on a day trip from Paris.
Champagne is just about an hour away by train. There are also many great Champagne tours from Paris that have a whole experience organized.
Burgundy is a bit further, around 1.5 to 2 hours by train. It’s doable if you start early.
You can also do a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris. It’s about a 2-hour train ride to cities like Tours or Amboise. From there, you can nicely explore vineyards and even see some châteaux.
Where to Stay in France for Wine Travel
If you are looking for accommodation in France’s wine regions, I have some valuable tips for you as well.
Wine spas are my favorite places to stay in France. They are usually in the middle of a vineyard, sometimes have their own wines and you can visit the spa when the weather is bad. This is a great and unique way to experience the region.
Another tip is to stay in smaller villages or even in wineries with accommodation. It is much more charming than staying in the bigger cities. You can meet locals and talk to the producers outside of tours and tastings.
France Wine Travel Tips
Here are a couple of other tips I want to give you on the way to France’s wine regions.
- Smaller, family-owned wineries offer better tastings and experiences than bigger houses. Their tours tend to be so much more commercialized.
- The Rue de Vignerons App will be your best friend to book wine tastings.
- If you buy in bulk at the wineries, you’ll most likely get big discounts.
- You can usually just walk in at wineries and ask for a tasting. Most of the smaller ones don’t even have a website or anything.
- Make sure to eat enough before going wine tasting, otherwise, you might feel bad
- Wine-tasting tours are a great option if you don’t want to drive after drinking
Conclusion: France Wine Regions for Wine Travel
Exploring France’s wine regions is always a good idea for a vacation. You will be taking a sensory journey through a country that’s so invested in viticulture and tradition.
From the elegant reds of Bordeaux to the unique island wines of Corsica, each region offers something special.
Sip your way through Burgundy’s subtle Chardonnays or enjoy something bubbly. Champagne is a must-visit in that case, while rosé lovers will find heaven in Provence.
Of course, don’t forget to visit my favorite wine region in France, the Alsace. Cute, half-timbered houses and delicious wines make this region so spectacular.
Timing your trip can make it even more memorable. Summer is buzzing with festivals and autumn brings the excitement of the harvest. Of course, winter provides a cozy, intimate getaway.
Don’t forget to pick smaller, family-owned wineries for your tastings over big, commercialized houses.
I hope you’ll have an amazing vacation exploring France’s wine regions.
FAQ: France Wine Regions
What are the major French wine regions?
The major French wine regions include Bordeaux for bold reds, Burgundy for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Champagne for world-famous sparkling wine. Don’t forget Provence for rosé, Rhône Valley for spicy reds, and Loire Valley for a mix of whites, reds, and sparkling wines. Alsace and Languedoc-Roussillon are also key players with their unique wines.
What is the most expensive wine region in France?
Bordeaux is often considered the most expensive wine region in France, especially areas like Pauillac and Saint Emilion. These spots are home to some of the world’s most prestigious châteaux, like Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Margaux. A single bottle from these elite producers can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Which wine region is closest to Paris?
The closest wine region to Paris is Champagne, just a quick train ride away. In about an hour, you can go from the Eiffel Tower to sipping some of the world’s best bubbly. It’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway, making it super convenient for Parisians and tourists alike.
Which French Wine Region is Near Germany?
Alsace is the French wine region closest to Germany. It is sitting right along the border. The two countries’ cultures blend here, especially in the wines. Alsace is famous for its aromatic white wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. The German influence is strong, from the architecture to the wine and the food.