Lately, I’ve been finding myself reaching for wines from France more than anything else… thank you Trader Joe’s. More specifically, a French rosé. Light, crisp, easy, and honestly perfect for the ungodly heat of the Arizona desert.
But all of this French wine got me thinking…
If I were to plan a wine trip to France, where would I go? Which vineyards would be a non-negotiable? Where would I want to stay in French wine country? If you’ve had the same questions, this is for you.
If I were planning a wine-focused trip through France… Champagne would be my non-negotiable. Because have you even been to France for wine if you don’t visit Champagne?
Plus, I’m a sparkling wine girly at heart. So let’s start there.
Champagne is an Easy Escape just Outside Paris
What I’d Do in Champagne
Located just about an hour from Paris, Champagne is the perfect way to experience French wine while still getting to visit most people’s bucket list city.
I might be biased, okay I’m totally biased… but I would choose Moët & Chandon in Épernay. They had the prettiest bottle of rosé champagne for my 10 years in business anniversary, engraved and everything, and it now sits in my office. So of course I’d have to visit in person. It only makes sense.
Now the question is… to tour or not to tour?
This really depends on you. If you love understanding how things are made, then yes, book the tour. If not, there is absolutely no shame in simply enjoying a glass with a vineyard view and calling it a day.
And if you want something more elevated, Moët offers a dining experience at their historic Trianon mansion. Think multiple seasonal courses paired with Grand Vintage champagnes. This is the kind of experience I wouldn’t rush. I’d plan my day around it.
Where I’d Stay in Champagne
Where you stay here really changes the feel of the trip.
If I were staying in Épernay, La Villa Eugène feels more intimate. A 19th century home, a little quieter, a little more tucked away. Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel is more of a retreat. Surrounded by forest and vineyards, spa included, this is where I’d go if I wanted to slow down a bit more. And then there’s Royal Champagne Hôtel & Spa, which is the full experience. Views, spa, incredible rooms. If I’m splurging, this is probably where I’m booking.
If you want more hotel options, I’d stay in Reims instead. It gives you a bit more flexibility while still being close to everything. La Caserne Chanzy is a great option, especially if you like sticking with Marriott points. Domaine Les Crayères is more of an experience. Smaller, more refined, and the kind of place you book for both the stay and the dining.
Provence for Rosé, Sunlight and Slower Days
What I’d Do in Provence
If Champagne feels like a must, Provence feels like a reset.
This is where my current rosé phase would fully come to life. And honestly, this region feels less like a wine tour and more like a lifestyle. Long lunches, outdoor seating, sunshine, and not feeling like you need to rush to the next place.
It’s definitely further from Paris, so I wouldn’t try to squeeze this in. I’d fly into Marseille and treat this as its own part of the trip. This is also where I’d intentionally do less. Fewer vineyards, more time at each one. More space in the schedule to just enjoy it.
Domaine de La Font des Pères is one I would look into, especially since you can stay there and not feel like you’re constantly moving around.
Where I’d Stay in Provence
Domaine de Fontenille feels like a countryside stay that’s elevated but still relaxed. Le Vallon de Valrugues is more of a full experience with a spa and villas if you want something a bit more structured but still focused on slowing down.
Bordeaux for a More Traditional Wine Country Experience
What I’d Do in Bordeaux
If I wanted something more traditional… Bordeaux would be the wine trip for me. This is what people picture when they think of wine country in France. Historic estates, more structured tastings, and a deeper focus on the wine itself.
It’s a few hours from Paris depending on how you get there, so still very doable without feeling too far out of the way.
Château Les Carmes Haut-Brion would be one of my first stops. I’d also spend time in Saint-Émilion, which is more walkable and gives you a slightly different experience than just going from vineyard to vineyard.
Where I’d Stay in Bordeaux
Where you stay here depends on the kind of trip you want. Mondrian Bordeaux Les Carmes feels more modern and elevated. Yndo Hotel is boutique and a bit more design-focused. Hotel Indigo Bordeaux Centre Chartrons gives you a central location with river views.
And if I wanted to fully lean into the wine country experience, I’d stay at Les Sources de Caudalie. It’s set within the vineyards and feels like a destination in itself.
If I Were Planning a Wine Trip to France
If I were actually booking this trip, I wouldn’t try to do all three regions at once. I’d pick one or two, stay longer, and actually enjoy it instead of trying to check everything off. Or maybe go all out for the month.
Wine regions in France aren’t always the easiest to navigate on your own. A lot of vineyards require reservations, some are appointment-only, and getting between them takes more planning than you might expect.
That’s also part of why I became an independent travel advisor with Fora Travel. Think of me as your travel concierge here, taking care of the details so you can focus on enjoying the trip instead of getting stuck in the planning.
Because once that part is handled ahead of time, you’re not trying to figure everything out while you’re there… you’re simply on vacation.
