French Wine Country Tours: A Journey Through Some of The French Wine Regions
Discover Bordeaux and Beyond
Our France vineyard tours will take you through the picturesque vineyards of Bordeaux, Saint-Émilion, and the Médoc. You'll be able to explore quaint villages, admire the extravagant merchants' homes that line the banks of the Garonne river, and stroll along Europe's longest shopping street. By staying in St Émilion, the heart of the Bordeaux vineyards, you'll get a taste of the finest wines the region has to offer away from the tourist crowds.
Browse our sample tours of Bordeaux
The Loire Valley: Where History Meets Wine
We warmly recommend a visit to the Loire Valley (where the France Just For You team is based!), the land of enchanting castles and exceptional vineyards. Our France wine tours will take you through Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, and more, and you'll have the chance to visit charming wineries and experience the Loire Valley's fascinating history. You'll be able to take in the breathtaking sights of the Loire Valley chateaux, including Chambord and Chenonceau. We'll also recommend other hidden gems and less well-known wine-tasting experiences that most tourists don't know about!
Take a look at our Loire Valley tours
Burgundy: Experience the Charm of La Bourgogne
We aim to offer our travelers the best of French wine vacations by taking them off the tourist trail so they can experience 'the real' France'. In the heart of Burgundy, we'll arrange for you to stay in a beautiful B&B house owned by a local wine-making family. From there, you'll be able to explore the region's renowned vineyards and taste some of the world's finest red and white wines. Sébastien, one of the expert wine guides we work with, will take you on a unique off-road tour of the vineyards (so you can drink wine to your heart's content!), and help you discover the delightful hidden gems of Beaune and Dijon.
Check out our tours of Burgundy, France
Champagne: a Region of Rich History, Allure & Sparkle
A France wine-tasting tour would not be complete without a visit to the world-famous Champagne region! You'll stay in the areas of Reims, which has a world-renowned history in the world of Champagne production. We will recommend some of our favorite Champagne wineries you can visit on your own, and arrange for you to spend half a day on a customized private tour with an expert Champagne guide. Just let us know your wishes and preferences, and we'll take care of the rest. We'll also help you explore the beauty of Reims and its surroundings and discover local attractions. These include fossils and architecture, bustling markets, and a range of places to enjoy delicious cuisine, from small eateries to the finest Michelin-starred restaurants (a wonderful complement to luxury wine tours in France).
Get inspired by our self guided tours in Champagne
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of the year for a wine tour in France?
Any time is a great time for a wine tour in France, especially because we drink and recommend wine-tastings that include older vintages. However, during the summer when it's very hot, it may not be as pleasant as when the weather is cooler. It's also important to keep in mind that wineries are extremely busy during the harvest season - from late August through September - and some may close to the public during this time. Apart from that, each region has its own specific peak seasons, so it's best to research the specific region you plan to visit before deciding on your trip dates. Alternatively, contact us and we will recommend the best time to visit the French wine regions you'd like to visit.
How do I plan a wine trip to France?
At France Just For You, expert trip planners Emilie, Laura and Clelia can plan the perfect custom wine tour of France, tailored to your interests and preferences. From organizing wine tastings and private tours with expert wine guides, to arranging your premium B&B accommodation and car hire, we've got you covered. Just let us know the type of wine, grape variety and French regions (e.g. Burgundy, Bordeaux, Loire etc) you like, and we’ll do the rest!
What is the wine capital of France?
This would be a tough battle between Bordeaux (which is often referred to as 'the wine capital of France'), Beaune in Burgundy (world-renowned for its very fine wines) and Reims-Epernay in Champagne. These are the most famous traditional wine cities in France. However, this has changed a lot in recent years, and lots of smaller wine regions produce now excellent wines as well. This means a wine connoisseur could be kept busy for months in France on a comprehensive wine-tasting tour.
Other fine wine-producing regions include the Loire Valley (most famous for its wine wines), Provence (famous for its rosé wines) and Alsace (known for the Alsace wine road). The Basque Country also has its own traditional wine called Irouléguy. If you book a tour with us, let us know your preferences when it comes to wine and the regions in France you would like to visit, and we will plan the perfect France wine tour just for you!
What is the most scenic wine region in France?
In our opinion, the Loire Valley and Alsace are the most scenic wine regions, though each wine region in France has its own unique charm and beauty. The Loire Valley is known for its stunning castles and rolling vineyards, and the Vosges mountains and the Alsace wine road in eastern France are beautifully scenic. In addition, Burgundy offers gorgeous picturesque landscapes and charming villages, and Provence has lovely sceneries that inspired the work of artists like Paul Cezanne and Vincent van Gogh.
We also particularly like smaller vineyards in very scenic places such as Irouléguy in the Basque Country, Caunes Minnervois near Carcassonne, and Bandol or Cassis on the French Riviera, which are gorgeous places.
All our self drive France itineraries will include recommended driving routes that will take you through gorgeous scenery.