A Luxury Guide to the Wine Regions of France
Renowned worldwide for its incredible cuisine and legendary viticulture, France is an essential destination for wine lovers. The best wineries combine verdant countryside, historic châteaux and expert-led food and wine tours. The country boasts nearly a dozen distinct wine regions, each defined by its unique terroir and winemaking traditions. These range from the sparkling wines of the north to the exquisite blends of the south.
To help you plan your visit to the wine regions of France, our travel experts have curated this guide covering where to go, when to visit and what to do.
1. Bordeaux
Bordeaux is home to thousands of wine estates offering world-class tours. You can explore the famed Route des Châteaux through the Médoc peninsula for lunches at magnificent châteaux, or visit the UNESCO-listed village of Saint-Émilion, a maze of cobbled streets set in a sea of vineyards. We recommend a stay at prestigious Château Grand Barrail, one of our favourite Château hotels in France, for private barrel tastings and vineyard cycling tours.
Visit during the autumn harvest (September-October) for incredible sights and flavours, or in late spring (May-June) to enjoy pleasant weather and fields of wildflowers.
2. Burgundy
Burgundy (or Bourgogne, in French) sits in the heart of France, between Paris and Lyon. This province is well-renowned for its wine, Renaissance châteaux, medieval abbeys, stone-walled villages and beautiful vineyards. The region’s primary wines are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. We recommend visiting the city of Beaune to explore its intrigued wine caves and learn about terroir-driven winemaking, indulge in a tasting at Château Pommard and journey along the prestigious Route des Vins.
If you prefer to travel outside the peak season, visit in June or after August. As light showers can occur even in July, packing some layers is essential.
3. Champagne
The valleys of Champagne are world-famous for the sparkling wine of the same name, produced from chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier grapes. The region’s main towns are Reims and picturesque Épernay, home to wineries such as Moët & Chandon. Other key locations include the Grand Cru village of Ay and Hautvillers, the resting place of the monk Dom Pérignon. Experience the region on one of our luxury family tours, where you can explore family-run cellars, journey along the Champagne Route or learn the traditional Méthode Champenoise on an estate tour. We also recommend exclusive cuvée tastings and sabrage experiences, where a bottle is opened with a sabre.
The best times to visit are May, June, September and October. The region is an easy two-hour drive from Paris, making it ideal for a combined trip.
4. The Rhône Valley
Following the Rhône River between Lyon and Avignon, the Rhône Valley is known for its rich red blends. The Northern Rhône is famous for wines made from the syrah grape in places like Hermitage, while the Southern Rhône is best known for its grenache-based wines from renowned areas such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Excellent whites and rosés can also be found throughout the region. A key destination is the historic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, whose vineyards stretch between the towns of Avignon and Orange.
The valley’s robust red wines pair perfectly with the local cuisine of rich meats, cheeses and fresh produce. The best times to visit are during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather and beautiful scenery.
5. The Loire Valley
In central France, the Loire Valley, known as ‘the Garden of France’ is a beautiful region of historic châteaux and bountiful vineyards. The area is renowned for its light and crisp wines—like sauvignon blanc and chenin blanc—which are showcased in prestigious districts such as Vouvray, Chinon, and Sancerre.
Experiences here range from meeting winemakers at over four hundred accredited cellars to enjoying riverside picnics and scenic boat trips. The best months to visit are May, June, September, and October, which offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds and beautiful seasonal scenery.
6. Provence
In southern France, Provence boasts a diverse landscape of stunning port towns, rich countryside and olive groves, making it one of the top destinations for luxury travel in France. The region is world-renowned for its rosé wine, and there is no better way to get a taste for it than with artisan-led tastings and delectable food pairings. We recommend a stay at Crillon Le Brave, a hotel village whose streets are dotted with fountains and inviting wine cellars.
Visit in summer (June-August) for hot weather and vibrant lavender fields, or in spring (March-April) for milder temperatures perfect for exploring. Provence also combines well with a trip to the French Riviera.
When to visit France’s wine regions
The best time to visit France for wine depends on your destination and priorities. The harvest season (August–October) is a great time to go, with all sorts of festivals and cultural events. In terms of weather, the best months for vineyard tours in France are May, June, September and October, which bring pleasant conditions to all of the main wine regions. If you’re travelling in summer (July–August) we recommend the Loire Valley or Provence.
Planning a tailor-made wine journey in France
We specialise in planning bespoke itineraries that combine private wineries and boutique vineyards with the best of French culture, cuisine and scenery. We’ll elevate your trip with sommelier hosts, exclusive estate stays and seamless transfers between the best wine regions in France.
Let us craft your bespoke French wine itinerary, shaped entirely around your tastes and travel style.
