If you ask us, the ultimate Tour de France is one which involves wine.
As the 112th Tour de France winds its way through some of France’s most iconic wine regions, there’s never been a better time to be inspired. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast, a wine lover, or simply dreaming of scenic French escapes, we invite you to explore these celebrated landscapes at your own pace.
Contact us to discuss your ideal French wine holiday, or read on for some ideas.
These are all designed with comfort in mind, so are car-based journeys rather than bike races, but if you’d prefer to swap four wheels for two, we’re always happy to plan a cycling-focused adventure!
CHINON, Loire Valley
Our Essential Tours experience is based in the centre of Tours, and includes an introduction to two of the region’s key winemaking regions: Chinon and Vouvray. As part of this experience, you’ll taste some of Chinon’s most exceptional reds, visit stunning châteaux and picnic as you look out over the Loire Valley countryside.
If you really want to follow in the tracks of the Tour de France, the Loire Valley is a great destination for cycling so we can certainly incorporate this into your trip.
CARCASSONNE, Languedoc-Roussillon
This beautiful, medieval, fortified city takes you back in time through different periods of France’s rich history, while making you feel as though you’re in a real-life fairytale. Wander cobbled streets, pausing at quaint bars for a glass of local wine in discovery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site which is certainly not to be missed.
Our Essential Carcassonne tour gives you plenty of time to explore this beautiful city while also discovering the surrounding vineyards of the Minervois or Corbières appellations.
CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Southern Rhône
One of the most legendary stages of the Tour de France is the epic Mont Ventoux. Affectionately known as the ‘Giant of Provence’, this is the highest peak in Provence’s Vaucluse region. It is also only a stone’s throw from one of France’s most renowned wine destinations, Châteauneuf-du-Pape!
As part of your trip with Grape Escapes, enjoy in-depth wine tours and tastings in this beautiful village and stay in a 19th-century château for the full French experience.
VALENCE, Northern Rhône
Travel in the tracks of the Tour de France up the Rhône Valley to Valence. This is the perfect place to indulge a love of wine and fine food with the elegant Maison Pic as your base in our Wine and Gastronomy tour.
Create your own Tour de France
Don’t forget that we specialise in bespoke: everything you’ve seen above can be tailored to suit you. And if you just can’t decide, our self-drive Tour de France ties everything together (and more) – drive yourself between regions and then sit back, relax and enjoy tours and tastings in each wine region that you visit.
Get in touch at in**@**********es.net or +44 1920 468 666 to start planning.
