History and culture wine tours

Exclusive tours combining cultural experiences with the best of French wine tasting

Visiting World Heritage sites is a way to soak up a country’s memory and knowledge of its past. And given France’s remarkable heritage, there’s plenty to explore! The UNESCO’s World Heritage list, which includes French vineyards such as those in Saint Émilion, Burgundy and Champagne, can be helpful in planning your tour itinerary. You can also choose to follow one of the country’s wine routes to discover amazing landscapes, centuries-old winemaking practices, protected designation areas and wine-growing traditions. No matter which wine region(s) you head to, you’ll find exceptional wine, history and culture, so why choose? Enjoy all three!
More often than not, the hardest part about planning a wine tour is deciding which regions are at the top of your list. We’ve put together a few recommendations to help you make your list, but it’s far from exhaustive. Once you have a general idea, contact us to plan the rest. We can take care of all the travel, accommodation and itinerary details to make sure your tour is a one-of-a-kind experience.

French wine tours packed with culture and history

For an interactive experience of wine history, visit the Cité du Vin in Bordeaux. The region’s history as a wine capital dates back to Roman times. Stroll through the historic city centre (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and stop off at one of the city’s wine bars for a tasting or a gourmet aperitif.
In Burgundy, head to the Côte d'Or to walk through ancient vineyards, such as those around Beaune. Like Bordeaux, the region has been cultivating vines since Roman times. In Beaune, a historic 15th-century charity hospital, the Hospices de Beaune holds an annual wine auction. The latest treasure to join the region's UNESCO family are the Burgundy vineyard climats, officially listed since 2015.
For a sparkling wine experience, going to the Champagne region is indispensable. It’s steeped in the history of the world's most famous bubbly! Learn how the production of Champagne and its cultural significance has evolved over the centuries. Champagne’s hillsides, houses and cellars are also on UNESCO's World Heritage list.
Provence – known for its rosé wines – offers a blend of sun, sea and history. Visit an imposing Gothic palace – the Palais des Papes – in Avignon with its UNESCO-listed historic centre and the famous Pont d’Avignon. The region’s winemaking traditions date back to the Greeks, and the Côtes de Provence wine route offers a mix of modern wineries and historic estates.
Last but not least on our shortlist of recommendations is the Loire Valley. You can start in Tours and visit the sumptuous Château de Chambord to learn about the royal history of the region, where charming villages and Renaissance-era châteaux dot the vineyard landscape.

So, wine enthusiasts, culture aficionados and history buffs, let’s start preparing an unforgettable wine tour packed with culture and history!