13 Top French Wine Regions, Cities & Villages to Visit 2024

By Greig Santos-Buch | Travel & Wine Writer, Co-Founder

Last Updated: January 13, 2024

13 Top Wine Destinations in France: Regions, Cities & Villages • Winetraveler

Best Wine Regions in France to Go Wine Tasting in 2024

France is currently the world’s most popular tourist destination boasting over 80 million visitors each year. Many people think of Paris when they think of France, but the country also plays host to stunning wine regions, destinations, breathtaking mountains, beautiful beaches, and many of the world’s best museums and galleries, making it a travel hotspot for people of all ages and backgrounds.

At Winetraveler, we try to go beyond the wine when we discuss travel destinations. Wine is simply the lubricant that enhances a journey as one traverses a country. That’s why this list includes some of the best wine destinations in France that aren’t just wine-producing areas. It includes cities, towns, and small villages within France that serve as great wine destinations themselves, or work as ideal stopping points along a more holistic itinerary when visiting nearby French wine regions.

Whether you’re looking for your next summer beach holiday, a fun winter trip, or a cultural excursion, France is one of the best countries you can choose. With multiple international airports to fly into and plenty of great cities, towns, and villages to check out, you can have an unforgettable wine trip in this wondrous country.

Top Wine Regions & Cities in France to Visit This Year

Paris

Paris is still the main go-to spot for tourists in France. Couples and families can find plenty of romantic sights, the cuisine is incredible, there are plenty of galleries and museums to check out, and Disneyland Paris is only a short train ride away if kids are in tow.

Best Wine Destinations in France: Drinking Champagne ontop of the Eiffel Tower — Yes, you can drink Champagne on top of the Eiffel Tower and look out over the city of Paris. However, it’s not cheap, and it’s Moët. While the view is truly impressive, it’s not as glamorous as it seems. The top of the tower is caged off and there is limited seating. It’s better to take an elevator ride to the top, enjoy the views, go back down and enjoy your own bottle of wine on the Champ de Mars featured in this photo. Credit **Greig Santos-Buch**.

It also helps that you can visit Paris for surprisingly cheap. Although the city is full of luxurious hotels, you can also find plenty of cheap hotels and Airbnbs if you’re on a budget. You can also choose between world-renowned Michelin-star restaurants and high-end wine bars, or cheap food options. From drinking Champagne on top of the Eiffel Tower, to sunset cruises on the river Seine, there are plenty of interesting sights and activities. If you’re interested in visiting Paris for a few days, we’ve included a link to our tested travel guide below, featuring all of our favorite hotels, restaurants, and things to do.

Nice

Although Paris gets all the hype, Nice is arguably an even “nicer” place to visit. This city is situated on the French Riviera, meaning that you’ll be perfectly located between the beach and the French Alps. That means that you could easily spend one day lounging by clear turquoise-blue waters and the next hiking into the nearby mountains.

Nice is full of fun events, including the annual Nice Carnival in February and various festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. It’s also a great place for history lovers due to sights such as the St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Castle Hill Park. To make matters even sweeter, you can easily take a day trip to Monaco for gambling and fun as it’s only a 30-minute ride away. Alternatively, you can spend days enjoying the culinary delights, museums, and galleries of Nice.

Marseille

Provence: Where to visit in France - Top wine destinations in France — In addition to Provence being the premier rosé wine-producing region in the world, it’s also a hot tourist destination for its lavender fields, which are best seen at full bloom in July. Marseille or Nice both make for perfect home base cities to get out and visit the countryside on day trips.

Marseille is a beautiful spot in the Provence region and a perfect choice for those who want a lively yet scenic destination. Marseille is right by the beach and it’s also a hotspot for nature lovers as you can take in the scenery by windsurfing, mountain biking, sailing, or simply hiking through the nearby trails.

It’s also a great hub for day trips. You can use Marseille as a hub to take trips into the beautiful countryside of Provence, including towns like Gordes and Saignon. It’s also a short 30-minute drive from Massif des Calanques, one of the most incredible national parks in the entire country full of breathtaking natural sights.

Gordes

Ok, we admit it. We love Provence. Moving on from larger cities in the region like Nice and Marseille, it’s well worth a stop at some of the smaller and truly picturesque hilltop villages. Gordes is one such village with all of the quaint, small-town, cobblestone street charm you can expect to find. For sweeping views of the Provencal countryside, affordable apéritifs and endless dry rosé wine by the glass, be sure to stop at boutique restaurant and bar La Trinquette, serving up modern French cuisine on one of the best balconies in the town.

For an equally scenic and historic hilltop village not far from Gordes, be sure to stop by Bonnieux. We recommend planning a lunch in Gordes, followed by a wine tasting at nearby Domaine de la Citadelle, and ending with dinner at 2-star Michelin restaurant La Bastide de Capelongue.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence

Saint-Rémy Glanum Ruins in Provence — Ruins of the ancient Roman city of Glanum can still be found around Saint-Rémy in Provence.

Not far from Gordes lies the utterly picturesque and historic village of Saint-Rémy. This small village folded into the sweeping green valleys of Provence has a big heart, beating with some of the best cuisine in the region, boutique wine shops, and ancient streets.

Historic is an understatement when mentioning Saint-Rémy. It was once the ancient Roman city of Glanum, and still plays host to its ruins and the quarry that was once used to build much of its stone structures. Moving on through the centuries, it became something of an artist and philosopher’s pilgrimage, with Van Gogh and others producing a number of famous works here. It’s also where Nostradamus was born, and you can still walk by what remains of that house today.

Bordeaux

Wine lovers will already be familiar with the wine region of Bordeaux. But it’s also a city. This gorgeous French city is known as the wine capital of the world and you won’t be short on options whether you’re looking for a fancy wine bar, a wine-tasting event, or a tour of the nearby vineyards. It’s also one of the best places for foodies as it’s full of Michelin-star restaurants as well as plenty of more affordable options.

Even if you’re not looking for world-class wine and cuisine, you can find plenty of fun things to do here. The city is jam-packed with attractions such as the Water Mirror, Porte Cailhau, and many markets, museums, bars, and clubs. Alternatively, you could have a relaxing day biking along the waterfront and taking in the stunning architecture and great weather.

Champagne

Continuing on with wine-themed destinations, Champagne provides the perfect mix of delectable bubbles, luxurious architecture, unmatched scenery, and cataclysmic history. While you could easily spend several days staying in the region, it’s also easily accessible from Paris and makes for the perfect day or weekend trip. We discuss an ideal 2-day Champagne itinerary right here.

When we mention history in Champagne, we aren’t just talking about winemaking (though this is impressive in its own right), but it has also been a sought-after region for settlement dating back well before the Celtic and Roman periods. In addition, it has seen its fair share of warfare, with the World War I battlefields of Verdun and others just a short drive away from Champagne’s vineyard setting. This is a great region to visit for the sophisticated wine lover and history buff with a keen interest in sparkling wine.

Chamonix

If you’re a fan of winter sports, Chamonix is the place for you. This world-renowned resort destination is located right on the border between France, Italy, and Switzerland and allows you to ski and snowboard through the alps while enjoying the amazing mountain sights. You can also take a cable car into Italy or check out attractions such as the Parc de Merlet or the ice sculptures of Grotte de Glace.

However, Chamonix isn’t just for winter lovers. In the summer you can go here to hike through the Alps, mountain bike through the trails, or even rent an e-bike to take in the sights. It’s also a hotspot for paragliding, golfing, and watersports. It’s basically the perfect playground for outdoor activities throughout any season.

Cannes

Cannes is a top resort town on the French Riviera, meaning that you’ll get excellent beaches and stunning natural views if you choose to stay here. The town is mainly known for the Cannes Film Festival, which allows the general public to check out new films via open-air screenings. However, it also offers plenty of other activities.

Whether you want to go sailing, check out historical sites, or just chill on the beach and enjoy some ice cream, you can have an amazing time in Cannes. It’s also close to golf courses, national parks, and other French hotspots like Nice and Saint-Tropez, so you have plenty of choices for day trips.

Nimes

Nimes is an underrated gem in France, especially for history lovers. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported into another country here due to the abundance of Roman architecture. It’s often described as the most Roman city in France due to sights such as the Arena of Nimes, Jardin de La Fontaine, Temple de Diane, and the Maison Carrée Roman temple.

If you’ve ever felt like attending an event in a Roman amphitheater, the Arena of Nimes now hosts shows from world-famous music artists such as Foo Fighters, Gorillaz, and Deep Purple. It’s also used as a bullfighting arena during May. Outside of the Roman sights, you can find plenty of museums, art galleries, and delicious French food stalls. You can also take trips to Marseille, Massif des Calanques, and the Provence countryside.

The Loire Valley

Loire Valley France Wine Destination — France’s Loire Valley is like something out of a fairytale, with over 300 castles dotting the landscape.

From Vouvray, to Touraine, Saumer, Sancerre and beyond, the Loire Valley is a Winetraveler’s paradise. Whether you’re into red wines, white wines, sparkling wines or rosé, there is something for everybody’s palate in the Loire. Aside from high-quality juice, it’s also home to the highest density of castles in France as well as the country’s longest river.

If you’re interested in feeling like royalty for a day (or several), while enjoying premium Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc, and even Chenin Blanc, the Loire is for you. Wine lovers will also appreciate the quality of sparkling wine (called Crémant here) coming out of the Saumer sub-region if you know where to look.

FUN FACT: The Loire Valley is France’s #2 sparkling wine-producing region by quantity.

Languedoc

One of the most underrated wine regions in France, Languedoc is well worth a visit for any number of reasons. From a scenic perspective, Languedoc offers up a little bit of everything. Here you can expect rolling hills and valleys as far as the eye can see, tiny picturesque French villages, snow-capped mountains, and turquoise blue coastal views. Therefore, it’s an ideal French wine destination that works for any time of year.

Most consumers who are new to the wine world have rarely sampled wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region (or maybe you have and not known it), but it’s actually France’s largest wine-producing region and vineyard area. Wine production in Languedoc dates back (as far as we know) to the Greeks during the 5th century BC.

Lille

Lille is another one of France’s most underrated cities. Lille is the lively capital of the Hauts-de-France in Northern France known for its amazing local markets, delicious food stalls, and fun nightlife. As well as sampling amazing French cheese it’s also a hotspot for beer and waffles, which might have something to do with its proximity to Belgium.

The city is incredibly affordable compared to other cities such as Paris and Lyon while still offering plenty to do. It’s also an excellent hub for day trips. Not only is Paris just a one-hour train ride away, but you can also cross the border into Belgium and visit gems such as Brussels or Bruges.

Frequently Asked Questions about French Wine Regions

What are the best French wine regions to visit?

Embarking on a journey through the French wine regions is a delightful adventure that promises to tantalize your senses and broaden your horizons. Each region offers its own unique charm and allure, as well as distinct wine varietals and traditions. Here’s a snapshot of some of France’s most famous wine regions to help you decide which ones to visit:

Start your exploration in Bordeaux, home to some of the world’s most prestigious wines. This must-visit region will captivate you with its stunning châteaux, picturesque vineyards, and charming villages. Here, you’ll find exceptional red wines, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grape varieties.

Next, head to Burgundy, where the rolling hills and medieval architecture provide the perfect backdrop for sipping on the region’s renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The area is also famous for its rich culinary traditions, offering you the opportunity to savor local dishes alongside your wine tastings.

For a taste of effervescence, make your way to Champagne, the birthplace of the world-famous sparkling wine. Wander through the region’s historic vineyards and underground cellars, and raise a toast to the luxurious and celebratory nature of Champagne itself.

Alsace, nestled along the German border, boasts a unique blend of French and German influences, which is evident in both its architecture and its wines. This picturesque region is known for its aromatic white wines, such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. Stroll through the charming half-timbered villages and revel in the breathtaking scenery.

The enchanting Loire Valley, famous for its fairytale castles, is also home to a diverse range of wines. From crisp Sauvignon Blanc to earthy Cabernet Franc, there’s something for everyone in this lush and scenic region.

Finally, venture to the Rhône Valley, where the sun-drenched vineyards produce powerful red wines, like Syrah and Grenache, as well as fragrant whites, like Viognier and Marsanne. The region’s landscape varies from the steep terraces of the north to the flatter, more expansive vineyards of the south, offering a striking contrast in scenery.

What are some of the best wine cities in France to visit?

France is home to numerous cities that are renowned for their wine culture and proximity to famous wine regions. Some of the best wine cities in France include Bordeaux, the epicenter of the illustrious Bordeaux wine region, known for its elegant reds and historic châteaux. Beaune, the unofficial capital of Burgundy, offers a charming setting to taste exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Epernay and Reims, situated in the heart of the Champagne region, are perfect destinations for bubbly enthusiasts, with their historic houses and underground cellars. Strasbourg, in the Alsace region, is the ideal base for exploring aromatic white wines and enjoying its Franco-Germanic charm. Finally, Avignon, located in the heart of Provence, offers easy access to the sun-kissed vineyards of the Rhône Valley and its bold reds and fragrant whites. Each of these cities not only offers exceptional wine experiences but also rich cultural and historical attractions to explore.

When is the best time to visit French wine regions?

The best time to visit French wine regions is generally between April and October, with the harvest season typically occurring between September and October. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and many wineries offer special events and tastings.

Can I bring wine back from France to my home country?

Yes, most countries allow travelers to bring a wine back for personal consumption, but you should check the specific customs regulations for your home country before making any purchases. Check out our guide to the best wine bags and suitcases for traveling with wine.

Book a trip!

It’s no surprise that France is a globally renowned hotspot for wine travelers. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway to the French countryside, a relaxing weekend trip to the beaches, or an adventure-filled trip to the Alps, the country offers all of that and more. Not to mention some of the world’s best cheese and wine.

These are thirteen of the best places to visit in France and all of them are worth checking out. However, if none of these destinations suit your fancy, there are plenty of other great spots to check out, including Saint-Tropez, Caen, Nantes, Toulouse, and Montpellier. No matter where you choose to go, you’re sure to be charmed by this European gem.

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13 Top French Wine Regions, Cities & Villages to Visit This Year

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13 Top French Wine Regions, Cities & Villages to Visit 2024

Best Wine Regions in France to Go Wine Tasting in 2024