The wine route in France is conjugated in the plural. Indeed, there is not just one wine route but several wine routes in France!
And whatever the wine region, all these routes offer a unique experience for wine lovers from all over the world but also for its landscapes. Indeed, each wine route has its own route which crosses magnificent vineyards and allows you to discover different regions of France.
In this article, I will guide you through the 5 most famous and picturesque routes in France with the essential stops and circuit maps. You'll discover the hidden gems of France's wine regions and how to plan your trip along your chosen wine route.
When to discover a wine route in France?
The best time to visit the wine routes in France depends on your personal preferences:
- The months of September and early October are generally considered the harvest time when you can see the vineyards in full operation. It is also an ideal time to taste new wines.
- In summer, you can enjoy the good weather and the wine festivals that take place in many regions and castles of France.
- The winter months also offer their charm, with different landscapes and comforting wine tastings in the cellars.
What is the most beautiful wine route in France?
France has many wine regions, each offering unique wines and different, beautiful landscapes.
For example, the Burgundy region is famous for its world-famous red and white wines, while Champagne is known for its delicious sparkling wines. The Bordeaux region is renowned for its powerful red wines, while the Rhône Valley offers a wide variety of red, white and rosé wines. Each region has its own characteristics and terroirs and its own wine route.
The Route des Grands Crus in Burgundy takes you through the most prestigious vineyards in the region, the Bordeaux wine route takes you to discover the famous châteaux of Médoc and other vineyards in the region. There Alsace wine route takes you through charming wine villages, while the Beaujolais wine route makes you discover the magnificent landscapes and small villages.
In addition to these famous wine routes, France is also full of scenic routes through lesser-known but equally interesting vineyards for tourists to discover.
For example the wine route of Provence takes you through terraced vineyards offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. The Jura wine route takes you through the vineyards nestled between the Jura mountains, while the Loire wine route takes you through the magnificent Castles of Loire.
You have understood, we cannot say which is the most beautiful wine route in France. They are all very beautiful! In fact, no matter which wine route you choose, you will be enchanted by the natural beauty and delicious wines you taste!
The 5 most famous wine routes in France
If you're a wine lover, a road trip through the wine regions of France is a unique experience.
Among the most beautiful wine routes in France, you can discover the wine routes of Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Alsace and the Rhône valley. These 5 itineraries will give you the opportunity to visit wine estates, taste world-famous wines and discover the secrets of French viticulture. These 5 magnificent French wine routes also offer splendid landscapes, with vineyards as far as the eye can see, charming little villages and picturesque castles.
Now discover each of these 5 itineraries with the essential stops and recommendations for accommodation on site.
Wine route in France – Bordeaux
The Bordeaux region is best known worldwide for its exceptional wines and its wine heritage. There are several wine routes in the region. The Bordeaux wine route proposed below is quite comprehensive as it takes you through the prestigious vineyards of Médoc, Saint-Emilion and Sauternes.
Unmissable stops on the Bordeaux wine route
- Bordeaux : The city of Bordeaux itself is worth a visit with its magnificent quays and impressive architecture. See how visit Bordeaux in 1 day.
- Sauternes : Known for its sweet wines, the Sauternes region offers magnificent landscapes and unique tastings.
- Saint-Emilion : Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Saint-Émilion is a picturesque village with historic wine cellars.
- Pomerol : This small village is famous for its world-famous Merlot wines.
- Pauillac : This is the Médoc wine region. Renowned for its fine wines and its iconic château, Château Margaux, Pauillac is an essential stop on the route. Especially since it includes other great wines such as Château LAFITE-ROTHSCHILD, Château LATOUR or Château MOUTON ROTHSCHILD. See the full itinerary wine route of the Médoc castles.
- Saint-Estèphe : Known for its powerful and elegant red wines, this region is a must for Bordeaux lovers.
Map of the wine route around Bordeaux
Here is the basic itinerary by which you will discover the largest and most beautiful vineyards around Bordeaux:
Where to stay for this route around Bordeaux?
If you have to choose accommodation for this wine route, I recommend staying at Château Grand Barrail. This 19th century castle is located next to the Dordogne, 3 km from Saint-Emilion. Its location in the middle of the circuit is therefore ideal for this route.
Wine route in France – Alsace
The Alsace Wine Route is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque routes in France. Alsace's vineyards are renowned for their white wines, particularly Riesling and Gewurztraminer, which reflect the region's unique terroir.
Spanning more than 170 kilometers through the region's lush green hills and charming villages, this route offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover some of France's best white wines. See my tour on the Alsace wine route which combines a visit to vineyards and the most beautiful tourist sites.
Unmissable stops on the wine route in Alsace
- Strasbourg : Starting point of the wine route is worth a visit. See how visit Strasbourg in 1 day.
- Marlenheim : Marlenheim is a picturesque village surrounded by vineyards.
- Obernai : This charming little town is renowned for its medieval architecture and wine cellars.
- Ribeauvillé : Nestled at the foot of Vosges, this city owes its fame to its fine wines and its medieval castles.
- Hunawih : This small village is known for its famous Grand Cru vineyard and its nature reserve.
- Riquewihr : Classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Riquewihr is a true jewel of Alsace.
- Colmar : Capital of Alsace wines, Colmar is a city rich in history and culture.
- Eguisheim : This enchanting village is set among vineyards and has a unique medieval charm.
- Kaysersberg : Former imperial city, Kaysersberg is a charming place offering a breathtaking view of the vineyards.
Alsatian wine route map
Here is the basic itinerary by which you will discover the most beautiful vineyards and villages in Alsace:
Where to stay for this route in Alsace?
To do this wine route, the ideal is to stay in Obernai. Here is a very nice charming hotel that I recommend: The Governor Hotel
Wine route in France – Burgundy
Burgundy is one of the most prestigious wine regions in France, renowned for its world-renowned red wines.
Indeed, this historic wine region is home to renowned vineyards such as those of the Côte de Nuits and the Côte de Beaune. Burgundy wines, particularly red wines made from Pinot Noir and white wines made from Chardonnay, are appreciated for their complexity, elegance and ability to reflect the unique characteristics of each terroir.
Along the Burgundy Wine Route you can visit picturesque villages such as Beaune, famous for its hospice and Vosne-Romanée, renowned for its world-famous Romanée-Conti wine. You can also stroll through the vineyards, meet passionate winegrowers and taste exceptional wines in the region's traditional cellars.
The Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne takes you through renowned vineyards such as Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée and Meursault, offering a unique opportunity to discover the fine wines and winemaking traditions of the region.
Itinerary of the Burgundy wine route
- Dijon : Starting point of the route, Dijon is a dynamic city rich in history.
- Gevrey-Chambertin : Famous for its powerful red wines, this appellation is a must for wine lovers.
- Vosne-Romanée : Known for producing some of the most prestigious wines in the world (Echezeaux or Romanée-Conti), this region is a paradise for Pinot Noir lovers.
- Beaune : Capital of Burgundy wines, Beaune is a charming town with historic wine cellars.
- Meursault : Renowned for its rich and aromatic white wines, this region offers magnificent landscapes and unforgettable tastings. Among the best great wines, we find the Aloxe-Corton estate.
- Chablis : Located further north in Burgundy, the Chablis region is famous for its mineral and refreshing white wines. Domaine Laroche is one of the greatest wines of this region.
Burgundy wine route map
Here is the basic route you can follow to discover this Burgundy wine route:
Where to stay for this route in Burgundy?
If you are looking for a very nice place to sleep, I recommend itHotel Spa La Picking. Indeed, you will sleep in an exceptional setting: In a castle dating from the 19th century surrounded by the vineyards of Meursault.
See this castle where to stay in Burgundy
The Champagne wine route
The Champagne region is world-famous for its sparkling wine and its iconic wine cellars. The Champagne wine route takes you through renowned vineyards such as Reims, Épernay and Châlons-en-Champagne, offering a unique opportunity to discover the secrets of Champagne making.
Itinerary of the Champagne wine route
- Reims : Starting point of the circuit, the city of Reims, famous for its history and its cathedral, is a must-visit.
- Between Reims and Eperney, the route will take you through the best champagnes in the world Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Mailly-Champagne, Piusieulx, Sillery.
- Hautvillers : This picturesque village was made famous for being the resting place of Dom Pérignon who was a famous Benedictine monk and the pioneer of Champagne.
- Epernay : Capital of Champagne, Epernay is an unmissable stopover with its wine cellars and tree-lined avenues.
- Ay : Located near Epernay, Aÿ is a picturesque village with historic wine cellars.
- Troyes : Although located outside the Champagne region, the town of Troyes is worth a visit for its medieval architecture and half-timbered houses.
Tours-sur-Marne, Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay, Ay, Bouzy, Louvois, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Mailly-Champagne, Piusieulx, Sillery.
Champagne wine route map
Here is the basic itinerary by which you will discover the most beautiful tourist attractions on the Champagne wine route:
Where to stay for this itinerary in Champagne?
To do this itinerary, I suggest you stay in Châlons en Champagne in the hotel The Winter Garden.
The Rhône wine route
This road crosses the Rhône Valley, from north to south, passing through magnificent landscapes and exceptional terroirs.
The journey begins in the Côte-Rôtie wine region, where steep terraces produce exceptional Syrah-based red wines. Then, head to the Condrieu vineyards, renowned for their white wine made from the Viognier grape variety, a true delight for the senses. Going south, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region reveals its powerful and complex red wines, made from several grape varieties.
Along the way, you will also discover the appellations of Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Rasteau, which produce fleshy and balanced red wines. Finally, when you reach Provence, famous for its refreshing rosés, you will end your trip on a sunny note.
Itinerary of this wine route in France:
- Ampuis : Starting point of the circuit, Ampuis is a picturesque village to visit for its Côte-Rôtie wines and further south Condrieu.
- Tain-l'Hermitage : Renowned for its Hermitage wines, Tain-l'Hermitage offers magnificent landscapes and unforgettable tastings.
- Between Tain l’Hermitage and Châteauneuf du Pape, the Rhône wine route passes through large estates: Rasteau, Gigondas, Vacqueyras.
- Châteauneuf-du-Pape : Famous for its powerful and aromatic wines, this appellation is a must for wine lovers.
- Avignon : Although located outside the wine region, the city of Avignon is worth a visit for its historical and cultural heritage. See how to visit Avignon in 1 day.
Rhône wine route map
Here is the basic itinerary by which you will discover the most beautiful wine estates on the Rhône wine route:
Where to stay for this wine route in France?
Located on the Rhône wine route, Valence is a good location to spend the night. Here is a beautiful hotel located in Valencia: Victoria hotel
