Visit French Vineyards
Visiting the French vineyards
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur focused on one wine region, or a novice planning to ‘vineyard hop’… from Bordeaux to Provence, Burgundy to Champagne, or the Loire Valley to Alsace – whatever your level, VINOTRIP can help. Here’s some info on how to get there, what to do once you're there, and when to go.
Getting to the vineyards
France’s vineyards are spread across the country but, for the most part, they’re easily accessible.
- By air: Paris is an international hub with connecting flights to nearly every wine region. Or fly directly to Bordeaux or Lyon for quick access to the surrounding vineyards.
- By train: France's high-speed trains link major cities like Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and Dijon to key wine regions. Shuttle services can be arranged from the station.
- By car: hiring a rental car gives you the flexibility to explore the wine regions at your own pace. Chauffeur-driven vans and cars can be arranged for a more luxurious experience.
What to do: tastings and more
Whether your goal is to become more wine savvy, spend quality time with family and friends in an idyllic setting, or bike through the vineyards, there’s no shortage of activities.
Wine tastings: many vineyards offer guided tours, followed by tastings. For example, Domaine de la Ville Rouge in the Rhone Valley lets you sample different wines produced on the estate. While Château Tour Saint Christophe in Saint-Émilion offers ‘horizontal’ tastings comparing wines from the same vintage and appellation.
Workshops: for those looking to go beyond casual tastings, vineyards like Château Pape Clément in the Bordeaux region offer blending workshops, where you can create your own wine.
Food & wine pairing: whether you’re into a platter of local cheese or multi-course meals paired with wines from a prestigious estate, VINOTRIP has the perfect partners. For example, sign up for a special gourmet experience in the Loire Valley, at La Table de la Bergerie whereyou’ll enjoy a Michelin-starred dining experience with expertly paired wines.
Outdoor activities: why not tour the vineyards by bike along the Route des Châteaux in the Médoc? And then play some golf nearby... Or take a Segway tour of the Domaine Quenard Claude & Fils in the Savoie vineyards. Walking tours, like those at La Bouche du Roi in Ile-de-France, let you take in the sights and learn about winemaking.
When to go
The best time to visit the vineyards depends on you and your preferences. Here’s what to expect at different times of the year:
- April to June is a great season for vineyard tours and tastings: blooming vineyards and mild weather. Crowds are smaller than in the summer, making your experience more intimate.
- July to August is peak tourist season: warm weather and lush vineyards but expect more visitors, especially in popular regions like Bordeaux and Provence.
- September to October is the most exciting time: grapes are being harvested and winemaking is in full swing. Some vineyards offer ‘active’ harvest tours that include grape picking. It’s also the season for a lot of wine festivals.
- November to March offers a quieter, more peaceful experience: the vineyards are dormant, but it’s a great time for cellar tours and workshops... without the crowds.
To make the most of your visit, let VINOTRIP help you plan your tour based on the activities you’re most interested in and the season that suits you best.