The Traveller's Magazine
If you like good French wine (and let’s be honest, there’s a lot to like!) and dream of discovering the country’s beautiful natural landscapes, then why not combine the two? From Alsace to Burgundy, join us on a journey across some of France’s most beautiful wine routes.
The Alsace Wine Route
Inaugurated in 1953, this is one of France’s oldest wine routes. The Alsace Wine Route runs across the region from north to south, spanning over 99 miles through breath taking scenery made up of mountains and vineyards. Along the way, take advantage of the numerous stops to taste Pinot Noir, Muscat and Reisling.
The Route des Crêtes
Hire a car in Marseille and head off to explore one of the most beautiful wine routes in France. The route des Crêtes begins at Cassis and ends in the Mediterranean town of La Ciotat, taking you through the stunning national park of Calanques along the way. A short route with a distance of just 9 miles, it offers awesome views over sea and mountain alongside the chance to discover the delicious wines of Cassis.
The Val de Loire Wine Route
Orignating in Nantes and ending at Saumur, this wine route offers connoisseurs a good insight into the richness of the wines of Anjou and Touraine. A number of unmissable stops can be found along the way, providing the perfect opportunity to taste the local specialties: Saumur, Sancerre, Chinon…As if the great wine wasn’t reason enough to follow the route, it also passes by the magical châteaux of Chambord, Chenonceaux and Cheverny – some of France’s most beautiful castles.
The Champagne Trail: Reims Mountain
This route follows 43 miles of beautiful countryside from Reims to Epernay (the capital of the Champagne region), and as its name suggests focuses on one thing: champagne! There are plenty of routes through the Champagne region; this one passes by charming villages, champagne houses, churches and unique vineyards. The potential stops along the route are numerous and at each, there’s the opportunity to learn more about this unique beverage and taste varieties which come straight from the producers.
The Route des Châteaux, Médoc
Hire a car in Bordeaux and head off to discover some of the best French wines along this popular route. The Route des Châteaux in the southern region of Médoc allows wine lovers to taste some of the best known AoC certified wines in the world, such as Saint-Julien, Margaux and Pauillac, all in the heart of some of the region’s most prestigious castles. Not to be missed!
The Route des Grands Crus, Burgundy
The wines of the Burgundy region are some of France’s best known, drank and enjoyed across the world. For an itinerary which allows for a taste of some of the area’s finest, set off from Dijon and drive the 37 miles to Santenay, discovering the wine regions of the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuit along the way. Among the iconic wines available to try and buy along the route, the Meursault, the Pommard and the Vougeot varieties are the best of the best.
And that’s not all…
The Jura wine route; the route du Patrimoine in Bordeaux; the Provence wine routes…in total, France boasts over 600 miles of road allowing you to explore the country’s vineyards, and is a dream for wine lovers across the globe. Cheers!
