The Best Wine Tours in France: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne & More
The best wine tours in France: Bordeaux and Saint-Émilion, Burgundy, Champagne from Reims and Paris, the Loire and Vouvray, Provence and Saint-Tropez, and how to book.
The short version: France’s best wine tours are in Bordeaux (châteaux and Saint-Émilion), Burgundy (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay along the Côte d’Or), Champagne (the cellars of Reims and Épernay, an easy trip from Paris), the Loire Valley (wine with châteaux) and Provence (Châteauneuf-du-Pape and rosé). Each has a natural base: Bordeaux, Beaune, Reims, Tours or Amboise, and Avignon or Aix. Here is how they compare and how to book.
France’s best wine regions at a glance
| Region | Famous for | Base | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bordeaux | Cabernet and Merlot blends, châteaux, Saint-Émilion | Bordeaux | Bordeaux wine tours |
| Burgundy | Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Grand Crus | Beaune, Dijon | Burgundy wine tours |
| Champagne | Grand houses and growers | Reims, Épernay, Paris | Reims and Épernay |
| Loire Valley | Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, châteaux | Tours, Amboise, Paris | Loire Valley wine tours |
| Vouvray and Touraine | Chenin Blanc in limestone caves | Tours | Vouvray wine tours |
| Provence and the southern Rhône | Rosé, Châteauneuf-du-Pape | Avignon, Aix | Provence wine tours |
| Saint-Tropez | Côtes de Provence rosé estates | Saint-Tropez | Saint-Tropez wineries |
Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne
Bordeaux tours visit the châteaux of the Médoc and the medieval village of Saint-Émilion (Bordeaux wine tours). In Burgundy, a single slope, the Côte d’Or, holds some of the world’s most famous vineyards; base yourself in Beaune (Burgundy wine tours). Champagne is the easiest wine day from Paris, 45 minutes by train: tour the chalk cellars of Reims and the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay (Reims and Épernay tours, or the Champagne day trip from Paris). For the difference between Champagne and France’s other sparkling wines, see Champagne vs Crémant.
The Loire and the south
The Loire Valley pairs wine with Renaissance châteaux: a long day from Paris, or shorter tours from Tours and Amboise into Vouvray‘s tuffeau caves (Loire wine tours). In the south, Provence means rosé and, around Avignon, the powerful reds of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Provence wine tours); on the coast, visit Saint-Tropez’s rosé estates and Bandol and Cassis. In Paris itself, try a wine tasting before or after.
How to choose
For a first trip from Paris, choose Champagne or the Loire. For serious wine lovers, Burgundy and Bordeaux reward a night or two in the region. Book cellar visits ahead, especially at weekends and during the harvest in September.
Our picks: the Bordeaux: Saint-Émilion and Pomerol Full-Day Wine Tour, the Burgundy Day Trip with 14 Wine Tastings from Beaune, and the Champagne Half-Day Tour from Reims or Épernay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best wine region to visit in France?
Bordeaux and Burgundy for serious wine lovers, Champagne for the easiest trip from Paris, and the Loire for wine with châteaux.
Can you do a wine tour from Paris?
Yes. Champagne is 45 minutes by train, and the Loire châteaux and wineries are a full day trip.
When is the best time for a wine tour in France?
September and October for the harvest; spring and early summer for good weather and quieter cellars.
Book a wine tour in France
Compare wine tours and tastings in Europe, see all France food and wine experiences, or read the best wine tours in Europe.
