Wine Regions of France Guide Book. The Michelin Green Guide Wine Regions of France is an excellent resource for anyone interested in exploring the diverse and renowned wine regions of the country. Here are some top spots to see in each of the 14 wine regions, as highlighted in the guide:
1. Alsace: Start your journey in Strasbourg, the capital of the region, known for its beautiful old town and stunning cathedral. Visit the picturesque villages of Riquewihr and Eguisheim, and don't miss the Route des Vins, a scenic wine route through charming vineyards.
2. Bordeaux: Explore the vibrant city of Bordeaux, known for its elegant architecture and world-class wineries. Visit the UNESCO-listed city center and enjoy wine tastings in the famous Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pessac-Léognan appellations.
3. Burgundy: Discover the historic city of Dijon, famous for its mustard and charming medieval center. Explore the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune vineyards, home to some of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines in the world.
4. Champagne: Start your Champagne journey in Reims, where you can visit the famous Champagne houses and the stunning Reims Cathedral. Explore the vineyards of Épernay and enjoy tastings of the region's renowned sparkling wines.
5. Corsica: Head to the beautiful island of Corsica and visit the vineyards around Ajaccio, where you can taste unique Corsican wines. Explore the rugged coastline and charming towns like Bonifacio and Calvi.
6. Jura: Visit the picturesque town of Arbois, known for its traditional winemaking methods and unique wines such as Vin Jaune. Explore the beautiful Jura vineyards and enjoy the scenic landscapes of this off-the-beaten-path region.
7. Languedoc-Roussillon: Start your journey in the vibrant city of Montpellier and then explore the stunning coastal town of Collioure. Discover the vineyards of the Languedoc region and taste the diverse range of wines produced here.
8. Loire Valley: Begin your exploration in the city of Nantes and then visit the fairytale-like Château de Chambord. Follow the Loire River and explore the vineyards of Sancerre, Vouvray, and Chinon, famous for their white, sparkling, and red wines respectively.
9. Normandy: Discover the charming town of Honfleur and its picturesque harbor. Visit the Calvados distilleries and taste the famous apple brandy. Explore the Pays d'Auge region, known for its cider and pommeau.
10. Provence: Start your journey in the vibrant city of Marseille and then explore the beautiful coastal town of Cassis. Visit the vineyards of Bandol and Côtes de Provence, known for their rosé wines, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the region.
11. Rhône Valley: Begin your exploration in the historic city of Lyon and then travel south to the Rhône Valley. Visit the famous wine towns of Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and taste the rich and bold wines of the region.
12. Savoie: Explore the charming town of Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps," and enjoy its stunning lake. Discover the vineyards of the Savoie region, famous for its crisp white wines and unique grape varieties.
13. Southwest: Visit the historic city of Toulouse and then explore the vineyards of the Southwest region. Taste the renowned wines of Cahors, Madiran, and Jurançon, and enjoy the gastronomic delights of the area.
14. The Valley of the Loir: Discover the picturesque town of Le Mans and visit its famous race circuit. Explore the vineyards of the Loir Valley, known for their sparkling wines and charming countryside.
These are just a few highlights from each region, and the Michelin Green Guide provides detailed information, maps, and suggestions to help you make the most of your journey through the wine regions of France.