From cobblestone streets and charming townhall spires, to picturesque boulangeries and cafés with crispy croissants and dark espressos, the towns of France are a destination unlike any other. Which is why it’s surprising that the
From cobblestone streets and charming townhall spires, to picturesque boulangeries and cafés with crispy croissants and dark espressos, the towns of France are a destination unlike any other. Which is why it’s surprising that the numerous vineyards of the region aren’t usually included on visitors’ itineraries alongside popular regions like the City of Lights and sunny Saint-Tropez.
Picture Perfect Vineyards
For vineyards that offer fairy-tale castles and storybook scenery, you’d do well to consider visiting the below:
- Alsace
Found adjacent to the borders of Germany and Switzerland, the Alsace region is home to a 170km wine route which winds its way past charming villages, stone castles, numerous churches, and of course, numerous vineyards. The wine route offers visitors a chance to sip their way through the area while experiencing local culture up close.
- Champagne
You can’t mention the winelands of France and not include Champagne as a destination. It is here that the world-famous champagne house Moët & Chandon is found, along with Veuve Clicquot and Mumm. There is an entire route dedicated to the region for tourists to explore alongside unique activities such as visiting underground tunnels in Reims or the unique ‘Faux’ turtle beeches in Verzy.
- Bordeaux
The winelands of Bordeaux are well known for their superior grape products and historical wine estates with beautiful chateaux. The Cite du Vin is a good place to visit for history lovers as they offer an outstanding tasting area with a 360-degree view of the surroundings, while Château Mouton Rothschild and Château de Sales are highly rated too. If you’re planning to stay a few days, there are plenty of castles available otherwise the popular Hotel des 4 Soeurs and Residhome Bordeaux are recommended.
- Provence
The lavender fields of Provence are what most recall about their visits to this region, and for good reason – they’re gorgeous! The many picturesque villages offer a variety of traditional food fare, and the 400 vineyards and wine cellars are certain to delight.
Biking-Friendly Vineyards
Naturally, scenic beauty and great wines pair well with avid cyclists who can meander their way around hundreds of trails woven throughout the below vineyards.
- Beaujolais
If you’re after a curated journey into the winelands, then Beaujolais is certain to be up your alley. Their 140km circular route is known to be a picturesque experience. They are best known for their famed Beaujolais nouveau which is released annually in November, though they are open year-round to visitors.
- Burgundy (Bourgogne)
This UNESCO World Heritage area is known for the Burgundy vineyards which produce a unique terroir. You can bike through the region, or even enjoy a hot-air balloon ride above them. It’s recommended to spend several days here as there are over 100 festivals and events throughout the year to enjoy.
- Loire Valley
Famed for the gorgeous landscapes, Loire Valley offers the longest wine route in France. With over 1,000 vineyards to explore, and hundreds of kilometres of paths alongside the Loire River, bikers can choose if they want to explore any of the 100-year-old palatial homes.