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.
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.
Near Paris you may want to explore the Loire Valley, part of which is a World Heritage Site. The valley is home to scores of castles and most of these are located near Orleans, where Joan of Arc was from. You may want to make Orleans your base if you don't want to do a day trip from Paris. This makes it easier to sample the locally produced vintages too.
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.
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.
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.
Near Paris you may want to explore the Loire Valley, part of which is a World Heritage Site. The valley is home to scores of castles and most of these are located near Orleans, where Joan of Arc was from. You may want to make Orleans your base if you don't want to do a day trip from Paris. This makes it easier to sample the locally produced vintages too.
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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