The French Wine Collection: Champagne to the Loire Valley
10 nights from $3,295pp
The ultimate experience for French wine-lovers: Alsace, Champagne, Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Loire Valley have some of the finest vineyards and wines in the world. Find out why on this amazing 11-day self-drive grand tour.
Highlight of our French Wine Tour
- Return Eurotunnel travel to France.
- Start your journey in style with a visit to the famous Moët & Chandon estate and to two smaller boutique family Champagne Houses along the Route du Champagne.
- Spend an unforgettable day in the charming UNESCO World Heritage city of Strasbourg.
- One full-day small group chauffeured wine tour in the region of Burgundy with an English speaking guide
- Unwind with a truly authentic lunch in the stunning village of Santenay.
- Explore the Route des Châteaux in Bordeaux with a chauffeured vineyard tasting tour of the Margaux and Pauillac appellations.
- Rest in the comfort of an 18th-century château in the Loire Valley and admire the blissful gardens and breathtaking scenery of this final region.
Day 1: Arrival in Champagne
Travel across to France on the Eurotunnel and self-drive to Champagne. After settling into your hotel in the heart of Reims, the capital of Champagne, is yours to explore.
Wander the city’s majestic Notre‑Dame Cathedral and the historic Palais du Tau. Then stroll to the serene Basilique Saint‑Rémi or indulge in local gastronomy at the Halles du Boulingrin market.
Day 2: Embark on a Champagne Wine tour
Your small group Champagne experience starts with wine tours of vineyards and châteaux along the scenic Route du Champagnes. Along the way, visit the famous Moët estate.
You’ll also delight in local delicacies with a Champagne tasting lunch, followed by a visit to a small prestigious family estate where you’ll be invited to explore the cellars, taste their wines and share in their passion.
Day 3: Arrive in Alsace and explore Strasbourg
Travel east towards Alsace and discover the beautiful city of Strasbourg with a great deal of architectural and historical heritage to admire.
Lose yourself in the city’s half‑timbered charm as you wander the cobbled lanes of La Petite France, admire the soaring Cathédrale Notre‑Dame, and explore the elegant Palais Rohan. Then wander along the Ill River, browse contemporary art at the Musée d’Art Moderne, or unwind amid the leafy paths of Parc de l’Orangerie.
Day 4: Alsace Wine Tasting Tour
This small group Alsace wine tasting tour continues following the Alsace Route du Vin, passing through Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Riesling, Muscat and Pinot Gris wine producing regions.
Your English-speaking guide will chauffeur you to four wineries during the day!
Day 5: Arrival in Beaune, Burgundy
Arriving in Beaune, you’ll find your three-star hotel is perfectly placed to explore this charmingly chocolate box town. And, depending on what time you arrive, you may get the chance to start your trip with your first Burgundy wine tasting.
You could also choose to discover traditional Burgundian fare and visit a local fromagerie to sample regional cheeses or explore Beaune’s gourmet boutiques for must‑try delicacies like pain d’épices, cassis specialities and artisanal mustard.
Day 6: Visit the Côte de Beaune vineyards
Meet with your English-speaking guide for a full day in the Côte de Beaune vineyards, with a visit and tasting at a local family domain in Mersault, followed by a truly authentic lunch in the stunning village of Santenay.
In the afternoon, your guide will take you for a guided tour of the Hospices de Beaune, the former hospital known for its flamboyant gothic style. The final stop will be a tour and tasting in a local domain in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, where you will taste red and white wines from the Côte de Beaune.
Day 7: Explore the City of Bordeaux
After a morning exploring beguiling Beaune, make your way to Bordeaux for the next part of your French Wine Collection tour.
After arriving in the stylish city, soak up the ambiance of its many brasseries and bars and see for yourself why Bordeaux is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 8: Wine Tasting Tour in Bordeaux
During your Bordeaux wine tasting tour you will follow the Route des Châteaux, passing through the Margaux and Pauillac regions.
Your English-speaking guide will chauffeur you to three châteaux in the Medoc where you’ll learn from the best with a tutored wine tasting in the south of this region’s vineyards.
Day 9: Arrival to your Loire Valley château
After settling into your private 18th-century château, your Loire Valley wine tasting tour begins with a visit and tasting at a prestigious winery with gorgeous views across the Loire River.
Wines you’ll taste over the next two days in the Loire might include elegant Sancerre and Pouilly‑Fumé, crisp Muscadet from Sevre‑et‑Maine, aromatic Vouvray, and light, juicy reds from Chinon or Saumur‑Champigny.
Day 10: Wine Tour in the Loire Valley
Your day in the Loire Valley begins with a private guided wine tour into the heart of the Loire.
Along the way you’ll visit vineyards and enjoy lunch with wines and meet winemakers only too happy to share their secrets over several glasses of their creations.
Day 11: Enjoy your final day in France
On the final day of your trip there’s just time to soak up the final delights of Saumur.
Stroll through the atmospheric old town’s artisan shops and Place Saint‑Pierre, soaking up the medieval architecture or wander the peaceful Jardin des Plantes for a gentle start to the day before bringing your whirlwind of the finest wine regions to a close.
Where You Could Stay in France
La Caserne Chanzy
Located in a former fire station opposite the magnificent Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, La Caserne Chanzy offers a unique stay in the Champagne region.
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Hôtel de la Paix
Hôtel de la Paix sits in the heart of Reims old town, in close proximity to historic sites including Reims Cathedral and the city’s TGV station.
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Régent Petite France Hotel & Spa
Set on the River Ill and surrounded by half-timbered houses, the Régent Petite France is a romantic Alsatian retreat in the picturesque heart of Strasbourg’s Petit France quarter.
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La Maison des Têtes
Built in 1609 by a wealthy wine merchant, La Maison des Têtes is one of Colmar’s most iconic buildings.
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Hôtel des Berges
Set on the banks of the River Ill in the small Alsatian village of Illhaeusern, the Hôtel des Berges is an intimate boutique hotel wrapped in verdant and floral gardens.
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Hôtel Régent Contades
Occupying a magnificent 19th century neoclassical mansion in the heart of Strasbourg, the Hôtel Régent Contades is a four-star hotel, a short walk from Place Kléber and the cathedral.
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COMO Le Montrachet
Nestled at the heart of Burgundy’s historic Puligny-Montrachet village, COMO Le Montrachet is a haven for wine aficionados.
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Hotel Le Cep
Occupying a number of Renaissance-era buildings linked by romantic courtyards, Hotel Le Cep is an exquisite five-star hotel located in the centre of Beaune’s walled Old Town.
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Hotel de Sèze
Set in an elegant 18th century building on the iconic Allées de Tourny, the Hotel de Sèze is a quintessential grand hotel that’s been fully renovated for the 21st century.
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Hotel Porte Brunet
From its charming courtyard to its breathtaking setting and elegant decor, this five star hotel offers the ultimate intimate experience in Bordeaux wine country.
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Domaine de la Tortinière
Set in the heart of the Loire Valley and surrounded by 15 hectares of serene parkland, Domaine de la Tortinière is an imposing 19th century chateau with lofty turrets and sweeping staircases.
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We craft each itinerary just for you. Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey through the finest vineyards across France.
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