One of Europe's top destinations is France. This country is especially a favorite among those who love culture, art and the good life. The countryside is spectacularly beautiful too, dotted with rolling hills, fields that stretch on forever, slowly flowing rivers, charming villages and vineyards. For a way to experience the best of the countryside, from scenery to delectable tastes, you may want to consider going on some France wine tours.
If you're a true oenophile, your first trip should be southwest, to the Bordeaux region. This is one of the world's largest wine regions and by far its most famous. The regional capital is named Bordeaux too and with its location along the peaceful Garonne River, it makes for the perfect base. Here you'll find a wine museum which is a good place to visit before you head out to the world-famous vineyards and wineries.
Dijon is a city famous for its mustard and is home to some fascinating museums and historical sights. However, it's also the capital of the Burgundy region, another area renowned for its vineyards. With its lovely medieval towns, forests and beautiful lakes, the Burgundy region is great for lovers of the outdoors as well.
Another famous destination for oenophiles is the Champagne region near the northeastern border. This is, after all, where the eponymous bubbly drink comes from. The regional capital is Chalons-en-Champagne but if you want to spend a few days in these parts, you may want to consider using Reims as your base. French kings used to be crowned in breathtaking Reims Cathedral. Many champagne producers have their head offices in Reims too.
To the south of Paris you'll find a region that you simply have to explore. The vineyards of the Loire Valley produce red as well as white wines. The region is also filled with castles, many of which are located near Orleans, the hometown of Joan of Arc.
In France's southeastern corner, bordering Italy, you'll find a region that is synonymous with good food, sunshine, lavender fields and glorious beaches. Provence is not a place that you visit on a quick day trip. You'll need at least a week to really appreciate why so many artists made this area their home. Naturally you'll have to try the local wines and visit some perfume producers too. A great way to explore is to travel in a barge on the Rhone.
Of course it wouldn't make any sense to visit France and not see Paris, home of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and all the chicest fashion designers. While this is not a place famous for its wineries, the city has a convenient location that places you within easy reach of most wine regions. You can also sample the many wines on offer in the local restaurants, decide on your favorites and then go to the source.
Sampling great French wines is easy. One option is to book a day tour or even a longer tour package through a travel agency. Many offer packages that focus specifically on wines. Another option is to simply hire a car and explore at your own pace.
If you're a true oenophile, your first trip should be southwest, to the Bordeaux region. This is one of the world's largest wine regions and by far its most famous. The regional capital is named Bordeaux too and with its location along the peaceful Garonne River, it makes for the perfect base. Here you'll find a wine museum which is a good place to visit before you head out to the world-famous vineyards and wineries.
Dijon is a city famous for its mustard and is home to some fascinating museums and historical sights. However, it's also the capital of the Burgundy region, another area renowned for its vineyards. With its lovely medieval towns, forests and beautiful lakes, the Burgundy region is great for lovers of the outdoors as well.
Another famous destination for oenophiles is the Champagne region near the northeastern border. This is, after all, where the eponymous bubbly drink comes from. The regional capital is Chalons-en-Champagne but if you want to spend a few days in these parts, you may want to consider using Reims as your base. French kings used to be crowned in breathtaking Reims Cathedral. Many champagne producers have their head offices in Reims too.
To the south of Paris you'll find a region that you simply have to explore. The vineyards of the Loire Valley produce red as well as white wines. The region is also filled with castles, many of which are located near Orleans, the hometown of Joan of Arc.
In France's southeastern corner, bordering Italy, you'll find a region that is synonymous with good food, sunshine, lavender fields and glorious beaches. Provence is not a place that you visit on a quick day trip. You'll need at least a week to really appreciate why so many artists made this area their home. Naturally you'll have to try the local wines and visit some perfume producers too. A great way to explore is to travel in a barge on the Rhone.
Of course it wouldn't make any sense to visit France and not see Paris, home of the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and all the chicest fashion designers. While this is not a place famous for its wineries, the city has a convenient location that places you within easy reach of most wine regions. You can also sample the many wines on offer in the local restaurants, decide on your favorites and then go to the source.
Sampling great French wines is easy. One option is to book a day tour or even a longer tour package through a travel agency. Many offer packages that focus specifically on wines. Another option is to simply hire a car and explore at your own pace.
