There are few places in the world where the wine flows as freely as in France. If you’re thinking of taking a holiday and want to indulge in some of France’s finest, then here are some spots you won’t want to miss:

 

Paris

The Eiffel Tower

Paris has it all. The romantic atmosphere, great food and just about any variety of wine you could ask for. We found ourselves with a glass of wine at nearly every meal during our time in the city. We recommend finding a cafe with outdoor seating, ordering a plate of chevre and a glass of wine (or two) and enjoying the city of romance while everyone else waits in line to climb the Eiffel Tower.

 

Narbonne

This lesser-known city hosts beautiful buildings and an atmosphere that is classic southern France. Founded in 118 BC, the city has a rich history from seeing the Middle-Ages, the Renaissance and the Golden Age of Winemaking. Vines have grown in Narbonne for over 2000 years! Just to get in town, you’ll have to travel past vineyards stretching far across the rolling hills. Find your way to Abbaye de Fontfroide to experience the picturesque abbey and its lush surroundings.

 

Burgundy

Burgundy has become world-renowned for having the best land for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. It’s said that the vineyards in Burgundy are some of the best examples of terrior. Terroir is a French word that means that everything from the soil to sunlight to aging time to the hands that picked the grapes are all perfectly aligned. You’ll have to take a trip to the region to find out for yourself if it’s really true.

 

Bordeaux

Bordeaux;wine;terroir_MG_0730

Photo by emanuela piazza via Flickr

This classic wine making region is a wine lover’s paradise. Over 700 million bottles of wine are produced from the region annually. Whether you like white or red, dry or sweet, budget or top shelf, you’ll have no trouble finding wine that suits your taste in one of the most diverse wine regions in the world. If you’re looking to improve your knowledge, then enroll yourself in a 2-hour class at Ecole du Vin. There are also options for half-day and full-day trips to wineries around the region. If you’re up for it, there are even multi-day cycling tours that travel through and stop at vineyards along the way.

 

Reims

One of the only places where champagne is truly made, a trip to the world-famous region is a must for those who like their wine with a bit of bubbles. Just a 45-minute train ride outside of Paris, Reims and the surrounding area has over 70 champagne houses ranging from mass producers like Verve Clique and Pommery to smaller independent establishments. We decided to take two tours to see the similarities and differences between the Lanson and Pommery processes. We recommend taking a few days to visit multiple establishments and taste a variety of flavors and styles.

 

Have you ever experienced wine in France? Where do your favorite French wines come from?