Best Wine Regions in France

France has a great international reputation when it comes to wine, and you will find bottles from French vineyards all around the world.

The summer months are a perfect time to take a trip around the best wine regions in France, and indeed the world. Start your trip in Paris, where most international flights arrive, and then navigate your way around the country using the excellent high-speed train network known as the TGV.

First of all, head west to the Loire Valley. The Sauvignon Blanc grape predominates in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, whereas the Chenin Blanc is more common around Touraine and Saumur.

From here, it’s time to get down to the Bordeaux area, where red wine is more common. Bordeaux wines are most often a mixture of different grapes, with the most popular including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. French people swear by the vineyards of St. Emilion, and a visit to the area has become almost a pilgrimage for many.

Hop a train to Provence, which is most famous for its rosé and warm weather. The most popular grapes are Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault, making for refreshing blends perfect for a hot summer’s day on the beach.

Return north to the Champagne-Ardenne region to see the vineyards where they make, you’ve guessed it, Champagne. While Champagne is generally expensive to drink around the world, you can tour the vineyards of famous names such as Moet-et-Chandon and sample a glass without breaking the bank.

Champagne lies to the east of Paris and it’s only a couple of hours by train back to Paris and your flight home. Of course, there are plenty of other wine-producing regions in France, such as Burgundy or Langeudoc and Roussillon, but this itinerary takes in a number of different landscapes and kinds of wine.