If you’re dreaming of sipping wine amidst stunning French landscapes, you’re in the right place. As someone who’s made a home in France and explored its many wine regions, I’m excited to share my favorite destinations and tips with you. This post is dedicated to helping you choose which wine region to visit and how to get there easily. I’ve included six of the most visited and iconic regions that are also easy to reach from Paris by train. In my option this is the best way to travel through France and explore wine regions. I’ve chosen these six regions because they are the most traveled by my clients, and I want to help you explore them too.

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1. Bordeaux

Overview: Bordeaux is synonymous with bold red wines and historic châteaux. Its sub-regions, such as Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Pomerol, produce some of the most sought-after wines in the world. The Bordeaux wine region is expansive and diverse, offering red, white, rosé, sparkling, and sweet wines. While grand châteaux and large producers are often the focus, many small family producers and sustainable growers are also flourishing, particularly in lesser-known sub-regions like Côtes de Bourg.

Bordeaux is an excellent destination for those seeking a mix of urban and rural experiences. The region is well-connected by trains and easy access to rental cars, making it easy to explore. It’s also a convenient addition to a Paris itinerary, thanks to the fast TGV trains.

How to Get There:

• Closest Airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)
• Drive from Paris: Approximately 6.5 hours
• Train from Paris: 2 hours
• Drive from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport: Around 30 minutes to central Bordeaux
• Other Nearby Wine Regions to Visit: Dordogne (Bergerac)

Personal Recommendations: I absolutely love Bordeaux for its blend of city life, rich history and vibrant wine culture. One of my favorite memories is strolling through the cobbled streets of Saint-Émilion at sunset, and visiting the Monolithic Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you are traveling with a small group or a significant other who isn’t as much of a wine nerd, Bordeaux is a great option because there is a mix of activities and things to do outside of wine.

2. Burgundy (Bourgogne)

Overview: Burgundy is famed for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The most visited sub-regions are Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, and Chablis, each offering distinct and exquisite wines. The region’s complexity comes from its multitude of small, family-owned vineyards, where the distinct terroir of each village results in unique wine characteristics. Wine villages dot the hillsides. This region does require more detailed advance planning and insider knowledge to navigate. 

How to Get There:

• Closest Airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
• Drive from Paris: Around 3 hours
• Train from Paris: TER (regional trains) 3.5 hours. TGV (high-speed train) 2 hours
• Drive from Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport: Approximately 1.45 hours to Beaune
• Other Nearby Wine Regions to Visit: Beaujolais and Jura

Personal Recommendations: I moved to Beaune in 2021, and my husband and I made a beautiful home here so, I am biased when it comes to Burgundy. The town of Beaune feels like stepping into a vintage postcard. I highly recommend taking a bike ride through the vineyards of Côte de Beaune.  The Hospices de Beaune is another must-visit, with its stunning architecture and rich history. This region is very heavily influenced by the wine culture, which takes center stage, so if you are traveling with people who aren’t into wine, be mindful that the activities are very focused on the wine. 

I published a Beaune Guide where you dive deeply into this region and discover more detailed resources. 

3. Champagne

Overview: Champagne is the birthplace of sparkling wine, known for its prestigious houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. But there are many smaller growers who’s wines are exceptional. The Champagne region is perfect for those who want to do a day trip from Paris. There is also a lot to discover in relation to the World Wars. If you are a wine lover and history buff, Champagne will be a favorite destination for you. The two main cities are Reims and Epernay.

How to Get There:

• Closest Airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
• Drive from Paris: About 1.5 hours
• Train from Paris: Reims 45 min / Épernay 1.25 hours
• Drive from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport: Around 1.5 hours to Épernay
• Other Nearby Wine Regions to Visit: Alsace

Personal Recommendations: There’s nothing quite like the experience of sipping Champagne in the very region it comes from. A walk down the Avenue de Champagne, lined with grand Champagne houses, is an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors. The underground cellars are extensive and the heart of the region. It is here where the transformation of still wine to sparkling takes place. I usually rent a car in Épernay and explore the smaller villages, scheduling appointments with local growers. Reims, the larger of the two cities, is home to the Notre-Dame de Reims. 

4. Provence

Overview: Provence is a large region and home to excellent regional products outside of wine like olive oil, lavender, spices and fish from the mediterranean. Provence is celebrated for its rosé wines, stunning landscapes, and charming villages. However, their reds and wines are making more waves these days and I think it is deserved. Key sub-regions include Côtes de Provence, Bandol, and Cassis. 

How to Get There:

• Closest Airport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
• Drive from Paris: Approximately 7.5 hours
• Drive from Marseille Provence Airport: Around 1 hour to Aix-en-Provence
• Train from Paris to Marseille: 3.25 hours 
• Train from Paris to Aix-en-Provence: 3 hours
• Other Nearby Wine Regions to Visit: Rhône Valley and Languedoc 

Personal Recommendations: Provence is a dream destination with its lavender fields, sunny climate, and vibrant markets. We have spent our last three summers in different parts of Provence and it’s a balanced mix of outdoor activities like swimming, canyoning, hiking as well as art history, wine, and great food.  A visit to Bandol for its powerful red wines is a must, and the coastal town of Cassis offers excellent whites and breathtaking scenery. The city of Marseille is vibrant and culturally rich. 

5. Loire Valley

Overview: The Loire Valley is celebrated for its diverse wine styles, ranging from crisp whites to elegant reds and sparkling wines. Key sub-regions include Sancerre, Vouvray, and Chinon. The Loire Valley is an excellent option if you’re looking for activities beyond wine tasting. The region is also home to magnificent châteaux that were once the summer estates of nobility and French royalty. The local agricultural products and regional foods are delicious, especially the goat cheese! 

How to Get There:

• Closest Airport: Tours Val de Loire Airport (TUF)
• Drive from Paris: Approximately 2.5 hours
• Drive from Tours Val de Loire Airport: Around 20 minutes to Tours
• Other Nearby Wine Regions to Visit: Central Loire (Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé)

Personal Recommendations: The Loire Valley is enchanting with its fairy-tale châteaux and lush vineyards. I love visiting the charming town of Amboise, where you can explore the Château d’Amboise and the Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s last residence. Tasting the crisp Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre or the Chenin Blancs of Vouvray while overlooking the rolling hills is an experience not to be missed. And don’t forget to try the local goat cheese! 

6. Alsace

Overview: Alsace is known for its aromatic white wines, picturesque villages, and distinctive Franco-German culture. The region is famous for its Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. With its half-timbered houses and scenic vineyards along the Route des Vins d’Alsace, Alsace offers a unique and charming wine experience.

How to Get There:

• Closest Airport: Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
• Drive from Paris: Approximately 5 hours
• Train from Paris: TGV (high-speed train) around 2.5 hours to Strasbourg
• Drive from Strasbourg Airport: About 30 minutes to central Strasbourg
• Other Nearby Wine Regions to Visit: Jura and Champagne

Personal Recommendations: Alsace is one of my favorite wine regions due to its blend of French and German influences. I recommend starting your journey in Strasbourg, where you can visit the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral and enjoy a walk along the canals. Renting a car or bike will allow you to explore the small villages along the Route des Vins d’Alsace.

Exploring France’s wine regions is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, these six regions offer something for every wine lover.

I keep this blog ad-free to provide valuable resources and information to English-speaking travelers. If you find this content helpful, consider subscribing to the monthly newsletter. No spam, just personal insights and updates from me. Let’s make your French wine adventure one to remember!