Have A Foodie Vacation With France Wine Tours

By Josephine Pennington


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.

The Burgundy region offers everything that makes the French countryside so romantic. Medieval towns like Semur-en-Auxois, forests and lakes make this centrally located region a joy to explore. Dijon, the regional capital, has stunning churches, museums and other buildings to explore but is probably best known for its mustard.

Not far from the Burgundy region lies the Champagne region. It's not named for the bubbly drink. Instead, champagne got its name from the region, since this is where the celebratory tipple originated. A good place to stay if you want to go exploring here is Reims, since many champagne producers are based in this city. Reims is also home to a beautiful cathedral where many a French king and queen was crowned.

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.

Another popular tourist region lies in the southeast, along the coast and the border with Italy. Provence is the ultimate foodie destination, renowned for fragrant dishes such as ratatouille. This area is also the center of France's perfume industry and the smell of lavender and jasmine will follow you pretty much wherever you go. Moreover, there are many vineyards that produce rose wines, perfect for enjoying in the sun.

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.




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