Vibrant countryside overflowing with blooms, heritage cities boasting spectacular architecture and mouthwatering cuisine that’s almost an art form: these are just some of the reasons why the south of France draws travellers. Touring a vineyard during your visit is a must, as this area is known for producing some of the best wines in the world – and the grape-growing estates are spectacular.
Discover the premier wine-tasting destinations in the south of France that deserve to top your bucket list.
Provence
Ah, Provence. Home to some of the country’s most expressive landscapes including vivid lavender fields, terraced vineyards and dramatic gorges, this region is one of the must-visit locations for south of France holidays. Just south is the scintillating French Riviera and its glamorous coastal towns such as Saint-Tropez, a favourite summer haunt for those yachting the Mediterranean.
With a wine-making history stretching back to the Roman era, Provence has over 600 winemakers today. These businesses predominantly produce rosé as well as a small selection of fine reds. Travellers can take tours of vineyards during their visit to Provence to see how the grapes are grown and taste a selection of vintages in spectacular surroundings.
Luberon is the most popular area for wine tours as several vineyards are attached to château estates with beautiful gardens that can be explored on foot or by bike.
Bordeaux
Arguably France’s most famous wine-growing region, Bordeaux and its wine of the same name is renowned the world over. Crowned by a port city on the Garonne River, the region extends out through charming countryside to the Atlantic Ocean, so the scenery is as varied as it is spectacular.
Bordeaux wine is typically red, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc – grapes which originated in the region. These wines tend to age well and range from tart to sweet with an earthy undertone. The 9,000 châteaux vineyards in Bordeaux collectively produce over 450 million bottles a year and are beautiful places to spend a day.
Other things to do on a trip to Bordeaux include Michelin-star dining and cycling the city to see its glorious gardens, grand cathedral and notable mansions and museums. If you love exploring on two wheels, you could extend your holiday into the neighbouring Dordogne.
Languedoc-Roussillon
Extending from Provence to the Pyrenees and the Spanish border, this southeastern French winegrowing region has a decidedly different allure than its neighbour. A hotter climate has created harder and harsher landscapes that are less cultivated than Provence, yet still romantic in their way.
Fewer tourists find their way here too – outside Montpellier at least – and tradition still rules many of the towns in this region. Wild beaches await with great swathes of unspoiled golden sand backed by rugged dunes.
In terms of French wine, the Languedoc region is a relatively recent player in the premier league. A commitment to revitalise their vineyards and refine the quality of their grape production has led to a dramatic growth in popularity for Languedoc wines which range from reds to sparkling sweet whites.
Corsica
Positioned between France and Italy in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Corsica has an enviable climate perfect for growing grapes. Its coastline, sheltered by a mountainous interior, is split into several wine regions known for producing fruity medium-bodied reds and sweet rosé wines.
Cuisine in Corsica is serious business, so it’s the ideal destination for wine lovers seeking to discover new food pairings. Tantalise your tastebuds with a Corsican charcuterie board, built with your favourite findings at the colourful local markets.
Apart from the vineyards and merry coastal towns, Corsica offers travellers spectacular hiking trails including Europe’s toughest trek and beautiful beaches ideal for relaxation and water sports.
Photo credit: Village, Provence, Bordeaux, Languedoc, Corsica
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