Whether you consider yourself a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a tipple every now and again, you absolutely must experience at least a couple of the wine routes in France. This country is home to some of the most celebrated and distinctive wines in the world, so naturally we think it’s a must-visit destination for all of you wine lovers out there. From dry and crisp whites and pale pink rosés to fruity and well-rounded reds, there are so many grape varieties and winemaking traditions to discover. If you’re not a wine enthusiast before your visit, we’re pretty sure you’ll be one by the time you get home. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most breathtaking and unforgettable wine routes in France.
- Beautiful Bordeaux
- Sparkle in Champagne
- Look Around Loire Valley
- Persuaded By Provence
- All the Way to Alsace
Beautiful Bordeaux
We had to kick things off with one of the most famous wine regions in the world: Bordeaux. The area was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007 because of its cultural landscape, so you’re sure to see some stunning scenery, as well as an abundance of well-established wines. If red wine is your thing, then follow the route that will take you along the Dordogne, through Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Fronsac. Each of these places is home to world-class vineyards and wineries that produce sought-after wines with unique characteristics, largely due to the combination of limestone and clay soils that give the wines their minerality and complexity. Saint-Émilion is known for its robust red wines (made from a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes) and is home to Château Cheval Blanc: a 19th-century estate that produces some of the most expensive wines in the world. The complex red wines in Pomerol are made by a mix of small family-owned wineries and larger estates. The lesser-known commune of Fronsac generally produces more approachable reds, so you’ll find high-quality wines at affordable prices here.
Sparkle in Champagne
The next stop on our tour of the top wine routes in France is Champagne, an area in northern France known for its sparkling wines. If you want to taste the world's finest bubbly, then this route is definitely the one for you. It’s another UNESCO World Heritage site that stretches for around 430 miles across the departments of Marne, Aube and Aisne. In total, there are eight marked trails to follow, each taking you through the vineyards and cellars of the region's top champagne producers. Along the way, you’ll also get incredible views from tiny villages, ancient monasteries and impressive châteaux and churches. One of the most famous stops on this scenic drive is Reims, also known as the ‘City of Champagne’, which is responsible for producing a few varieties that you may have heard of before – Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot and Ruinart. Another highlight is the charming village of Hautvillers, home to the abbey where Dom Pérignon, a monk credited with inventing the sparkling wine, lived and worked.
Look Around Loire Valley
Here’s another scenic winemaking region because you can’t have too much of a good thing, right? The Loire Valley is home to some seriously picturesque vineyards, as well as Château de Chenonceau: one of the most photographed châteaux in France. The diverse climate and soil conditions here allow for the production of many different styles of wine, but white wines (including Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc) account for over 80% of the region's production. That’s not to say this valley doesn’t produce excellent red wines too, though. Cabernet Franc is the most widely planted red grape variety in the region – Chinon, Bourgueil and Saumur-Champigny are some of the most well-known red wines produced here. They’re all medium-bodied with juicy red fruit flavours, and herbaceous notes. Yes, please. Prefer a rosé in the afternoon? Then keep an eye out for the typically light and fruity Rosé d'Anjou and Rosé de Loire on your tour of the area. Follow the route through Sancerre, Chinon and Vouvray, where you’ll be able to taste all of these wines (maybe not in one sitting) and explore the region's charming towns and historic sites too.
Persuaded By Provence
Picture yourself relaxing in the sunshine, looking over a Mediterranean landscape with an ice-cold glass of rosé in hand. Dreamy. And dreams do come true – just head to Provence. With over 600 wineries, this vibrant and diverse region is a popular tourist destination and a prime spot for those who enjoy their rosé. Around 80% of the wines made in this region are pale pink, typically crafted from a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèdre grape varieties. History buffs may appreciate that the history of wine in Provence dates back to the Roman era when the region was part of the Roman Empire. Back then, they recognised the potential of the region's terroir for grape cultivation and established vineyards throughout the area. If you’re looking for a spicy red, head to the seaside resort of Bandol where you can try some local full-bodied bottles made from the Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre grapes.
All the Way to Alsace
Here’s another route for white wine lovers, particularly fans of Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Sylvaner. The Alsace region also produces some red wines, including Pinot Noir, but these are less common. Located in the northeastern part of France, this drive will take you through the foothills of the Vosges Mountains and along the banks of the Rhine River. It starts in the small town of Marlenheim, west of Strasbourg, and will pass sleepy vineyards and authentic wineries, where you can stop to get a glimpse into the winemaking process. Make sure to pull over in the beautiful medieval town of Riquewihr to potter around the cobbled streets, admire the ancient architecture, and – of course – sample the gold-coloured Riesling that’s produced here. Visit this area at the right time and you may make it to the Alsace Wine Fair, held annually in Colmar.