Travel to the Lesser Known Wine Regions of France
No trip to France is complete without sampling the essence of French wine culture. Here we have a list of obscure wine regions that promises the full experience France has to offer.
The most famous country in Europe for its wine production, France, is rich in its offerings of whimsical vineyard-clad scenery, fairytale chateaux and world-class wine. Wine regions are scattered across the country with commercial wine production in every region of France except the north coast. No trip to France is complete without sampling the essence of French wine culture, be it touring cool, cavernous cellars, wine tasting on the Riviera, cycling from chateau to chateau or witnessing the grape harvest.
Uncover the Obscure Wine Regions of France
Whilst the likes of Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne would feature on most wine lists, there are plentiful alternatives for top-tier wines and memorable tasting experiences in lesser-known regions. Let’s start with the Savoie Mont Blanc region. A section of the French Alps that most will know for its skiing and winter sports and far fewer will know for its grapes. This remarkable area features a rugged paradise of breathtaking beauty, with vineyards teetering on the sides of rocky slopes and terraces so steep that the soil is at risk of being washed away. Not only are the views to die for and the food sublime but the wines are exquisite too. Savoie is less than an hour’s drive from the dazzling resort of Courchevel 1850. Here you can stay in a luxury timber chalet, Le Blanchot or Le Coquelicot, both extravagantly finished and flaunting an indoor spa and pool.
Nestled in the Loire Valley is the alluring medieval town of Saumur with its majestic limestone chateau overlooking the Loire river. Easily combined with a trip to Paris, this lesser-known region of the Loire Valley offers both culinary delights and wine tasting a-plenty. For a wine fought over by every three Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, try the Clos Rougeard Saumur-Champigny. If your base on this trip is Paris, then look no further than the perfectly luxurious Poincare Apartment in the heart of the 16th arrondissement.
The Bandol region of Provence lies on the stunning coastline of the Côte d’Azur between Marseille and Saint-Tropez. The real draw here is the light, Provençal rosé, consumed with enthusiasm along the French Riviera. However, the balmy Mediterranean climate and hilly terrain of this picturesque area are ideal conditions for the Mourvèdre vines to thrive, producing robust and sophisticated Bandol reds. Take your time to explore the beautiful vineyards and chateaux of this lesser known region. Located in exclusive residential areas of Saint-Tropez, Villa Water’s Edge and Villa Canoubwest are both breathtaking luxury villas and the perfect base for an exploration of the Bandol wine region.
The above-mentioned properties are part of One Authentic Properties’ exclusive collection of luxury villas and chalets in France’s most sought-after locations.
Visit One Authentic Properties for more exquisite choices on your next trip to France.
