The thought of travelling to France brings the images of Parisian balconies and the Eiffel Tower, of course, with glimpses of The Louvre's imposing glass pyramid for art lovers. But France is a lot more than just its culturally poignant capital. From the verdant greens and peace in its countryside to some of its most beautiful and opulent wine routes, France is a country that offers many enriching experiences. Here is a list of some of the country's most gorgeous wine trails and vineyards to explore.
France's oldest wine route, created in 1937, is also its most iconic. The Route des Grands Crus stretches between an expanse of over 60 km from Dijon to Santenay and has the region's most sought-after grape varieties. What's more, is that all of the estates in the region have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2015. The exquisite charm of the villages and the surrounding rolling hills, replete with some of the finest wines in the country, makes this an unmissable trail. Find out more here
Address: Musée de l'Hotel-Dieu - Hospices de Beaune, 2 rue de l'Hotel Dieu, 21200 Beaune
The Champagne wine route is nearly two hours from Paris and offers wine lovers a breathtaking and quick getaway. Dotted with a line of prestigious world-renowned houses like Ruinart, Moët & Chandon, and Joseph Perrier amidst the jades of forests and limestone plateaus, this is one picturesque route to visit. The winding route through Reims and the picturesque Epernay takes you via sprawling vineyards on the hills. Spot castles, chalk houses, churches, and quaint hamlets all along the drive.
Address: Le Jardin Les Crayères, 7 avenue du Général Giraud, 51100 Reims
The Alsatian wine route, a must-stop on a French wine trail for seven decades now, is a picture-perfect sight to behold. With its string of gorgeous villages and verdant landscapes, the area, stretching 170 km from the north of the Alsace region to the south, is also lined with great restaurants and excellent winemakers. Find out more here
Address: Le Pressoir de Bacchus, 50 route des Vins, 67650 Blienschwiller
Regarded as the queen of Bordeaux wine tours, the Médoc châteaux route passes through some of the region's most well-known vineyards, such as Latour and Mouton Rothschild. Snaking along the Gironde estuary between Bordeaux and the Pointe de Grave, the road is dotted with numerous châteaux in very different architectural styles, from Renaissance to medieval. There is no dearth of things to see, coupled with beautiful wine, marvellous architecture, and spectacular landscapes. Find out more here
Address: Au Marquis de Terme, 3 route de Rauzan, 33460 Margaux
The Châteaux de Pommard is home to French-style gardens that are filled with artworks and 18th-century cellars where you can go for a private tasting. Spanning 20 hectares of land, the Châteaux organises guided tours and has seven varieties of grapes growing on the premises. It is also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Address: Château de Pommard/Clos Marey-Monge, 15 rue Marey Monge, 21630 Pommard