Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
From Burgundy to Champagne Discover France's Best Wines
France - Burgundy - Champagne
Begin in Beaune, the historic wine capital of Burgundy. Here you’ll have the chance to tour vineyards, with tastings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, learn about the city’s troubled past and admire its impressive architecture.
From here, it’s onto Reims for more rolling hills, impressive wine cellars and historic landmarks. The standout here is, of course, champagne, so spend your final few days sipping this sparkling showstopper at local vineyards before heading home – armed with a few souvenir bottles, of course…
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Passports at the ready: your journey across France’s best wine regions begins today. Head to the airport, speed through security and relax in the lounge before boarding your one-hour-and-45-minute flight to Lyon.
When you touch down, pick up your hire car and drive two hours to Beaune, the historic capital of France’s Burgundy wine region. Arrive at your hotel, drop your bags and spend some time settling in, whether you’d rather set out to explore by bike, indulge in a massage or simply sit back with a glass of Burgundy’s finest.
Come evening, enjoy a delicious dinner comprised of a few French classics – boeuf bourguignon or coq au vin, perhaps – accompanied by whatever the sommelier recommends. What better way to kick off your trip?
To help you find your bearings this morning, we’ve arranged a tour of the city with a local guide. Beaune isn’t just Burgundy’s wine capital – it’s also seen historic political conflicts, including the long-running disputes between the Duchy of Burgundy and the Kingdom of France.
Alongside your expert guide, dive into the history and culture of this wonderful region. Begin at the famous Hospices de Beaune, marvelling at the Gothic architecture and wandering through the sprawling vineyards. From here, visit the 12th-century Basilica of Notre-Dame and 14th-century Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy before finishing up in the city’s historic market halls.
You’ll likely have worked up a thirst with all that sightseeing, so this afternoon, head out with a guide to discover some of Burgundy’s most famous wineries. In the southern Cote de Beaune, enjoy a mixture of crisp Chardonnays and refined reds, before continuing to the Cote de Nuits for more exclusive reds made from the Pinot Noir grape. Sante…
Wave au revoir to Beaune this morning as you hit the road to Reims, a three-hour drive away. Along the way, stop to stretch your legs at the Abbey of Citeaux, an important Catholic pilgrimage site just south of Dijon. Founded in 1098, the abbey is now home to 35 monks, and you’ll have the chance to learn more about their daily lives, prayer and study.
You could also pause to admire the phenomenal stained-glass windows of Troyes’ cathedrals before crossing into the Marne, the heart of the Champagne wine region.
When you arrive, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing – preferably with a glass of fizz in hand.
Today’s all about Champagne. This morning, meet your private guide for a walking tour of the captivating Champagne region, passing rolling hills dotted with vineyards and charming villages. As you wander through Epernay, often referred to as the ‘Capital of Champagne’, stop to soak up the beautiful views over the vineyards before heading to a local producer for a tasting.
Next, stop at Hautvillers, the home of Dom Perignon, the 17th-century monk credited with the invention of Champagne. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit another local producer, who’ll teach you about the production of this iconic drink and, of course, sit down with you for another tasting of three vintage champagnes.
If you’re still raring to go, head out to explore Reims itself; otherwise, spend the rest of the afternoon chilling at your hotel before heading out for one final delicious dinner.
It’s sadly time for your wine-filled long weekend to come to an end. This morning, enjoy one last leisurely breakfast before hopping back in the car for the drive to Paris, which takes just under two hours.
When you arrive, drop off your hire car at the airport, stock up on souvenirs and enjoy one final glass in the lounge before boarding your one-hour flight home, landing back in the UK this evening.
Suggestions
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
EXPLORE REIMS INDEPENDENTLY
Haven’t quite had your fill of history yet? Spend an afternoon discovering the pretty city of Reims, beginning at the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame Cathedral. Once the site of the coronation of the kings of France, this iconic cathedral was damaged during World War I and has since been restored to all its Gothic glory, complete with grand statues and spectacular stained-glass windows. From here, wander along the grand 20th-century hotels that line Boulevard Lundy, admire Narcisse Brunette’s 17th-century Venetian-style merry-go-round or discover Art Deco influences at the Cinema-Opera and Carnegie Library.
Why visit France with Original Travel ?
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire nowA few of the benefits of travelling with us to France
- Our local Concierges
- The Original Travel app
- Destination Dossier
- 24-hour helpline
- Expert guides
- 100% carbon absorption
