France has a rich history and legendary traditions of culture, gastronomy and winemaking. It remains the dream destination of foodies and lovers of wine, so good it needs no introduction.
Let us take you on a tour of France, stopping in the regions responsible for its reputation for wine culture.
“Champagne” is not just a popular drink; it is first and foremost a French region and a multifaceted, diverse destination with a rich history.
Located just an hour from Paris, it is an unforgettable destination, rich in heritage, culture and vineyards, and registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2015.
It is also the essential place to discover the secret of champagne, which over time has become the most precious and most festive of wines, thanks to its light colour and sparkling bubbles.
The cities of Reims and Epernay are home to the most renowned houses such as Moët & Chandon, Taittinger, Ruinart, Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Pommery, etc.
In the gardens of Maison Ruinart, one of the most prestigious champagnes in France, you can enjoy brunch, served on the terrace, near the vines or in one of the dining rooms. We will offer you seasonal specialities and iconic dishes, made from local products and accompanied by Ruinart champagne. To end your day, what could be better than visiting the cellars to understand the process by which this precious drink is made?
No visit to Champagne is complete without discovering an exceptional estate by visiting the Pommery cellars, which are registered as a UNESCO world heritage site. This majestic location on the Pommery estate, dating from the 19th century and designed by Madame Pommery herself, is steeped in the history of the house. The Château has no less than 18 km of cellars, which you can discover before enjoying a tasting of their delicious Champagne.
Villa Demoiselle, a short walk from the Domaine and a masterpiece of early 20th century architecture, is now open to visitors.
Thirty minutes from Reims, you can discover La Cav’O Truffes, home of Champagne’s “black diamonds”. You’ll learn all the secrets of the truffle life cycle before going truffle hunting, guided by a local canine expert. At the end of your visit, the shop offers truffles, truffle-based products and various other regional specialties.
After reveling in the sparkling bubbles and flavor of champagne, you will head to Alsace to discover the delights of white wine. Alsace is the largest white wine region in France, producing the iconic Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines.
What would you like to pair with these white wines? “La maison des tanneur” in Strasbourg will welcome you to discover Alsatian specialities such as sauerkraut and Flammekueche, which pair perfectly with a glass of Riesling.
A visit to the historic Cave des Hospices in Strasbourg remains a must for lovers of French history. This famous vaulted cellar from 1395, with its huge, ancient barrels, offers wine tasting in addition to tours. The soulful wines of the Cave represent an ancestral tradition and expertise, embodying the generosity, diversity and beauty of Alsace.
One of the best ways to discover the region and especially the city of Strasbourg is to stroll through its streets, where you will admire its iconic Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
During the holiday season, the Christmas market is also a must, with its huge tree rising 30 metres high in the heart of the city. You will admire the iconic stands while enjoying traditional Kougelhof. Christmas in Alsace is a culinary tradition: bread, sweet mannele, foie gras, beer and mulled wine… all of these are Alsatian specialities that you can enjoy while admiring the little wooden huts filled with traditional figurines.
After Alsace and its white wines, head to Burgundy and its magnificent vineyards. Among these 4 major varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the best known and most widely appreciated.
To discover Burgundy wine, you will have the opportunity to visit Cave de Lugny, in the heart of Chardonnay. Founded in 1927, it was joined by Saint-Gengoux-de-Scissé in 1966 and Chardonnay in 1994. The winery specialises in Chardonnay, which has been sold on the American market for more than 40 years.
What better way to enjoy Chardonnay than to visit the Cadoles de Chardonnay? You will be welcomed by wine-growers who have been operating the estate for 4 generations in the town of Chardonnay, the birthplace of the famous grape of the same name. The vines are planted on clay-limestone soils that give wines from Mâcon their typical terroir. You will taste fruity, gourmet white and red wines, grown in the pure Burgundy tradition.
For your refreshment, go to the “Charbon” and order a beef bourguignon with a glass of Pinot Noir, escargots de Bourgogne with thyme or the Burgundy patouille, two dishes that pair perfectly with a glass of Chardonnay.
Book your stay at one of our many French Best Western® Hotels & Resorts, such as Best Western Plus Hotel Les Humanistes.