I’ve been fortunate enough to visit France more times than I can count, but my most recent trip to Paris really got me thinking. Most of us fall into one of two camps: we either travel to France just to see Paris, or we head somewhere else in the country and barely give the capital a second glance – aside from rushing through the chaos of CDG airport or Gare du Nord.

But what if we switched things up a bit? What if, instead of choosing either Paris or the rest of France, we combined the two – taking time to soak up the magic of Paris while also exploring the beautiful regions just to the east and west of the city? The contrast between these areas gives you a true, well-rounded taste of France – all in one trip.

And the best part? France’s transport system makes adventures like this a total dream – you can be sipping coffee in a Paris café one minute and wandering through rolling vineyards the next.

Let me show you how…

Paris

I believe the best way to experience Paris is with a touch of indulgence. Start with a cruise along the Seine – there’s nothing quite like gliding past elegant bridges and iconic monuments, watching the city sparkle from the water. Then, treat yourself to dinner in the Eiffel Tower – it might sound overly touristy but trust me, sipping wine while gazing over the Paris skyline is absolutely worth it. If you can tear yourself away from the city for a day, Versailles is a must. Wander through the Hall of Mirrors, lose yourself in the sprawling gardens, and, just for a moment, imagine living the royal life. Finally, no Parisian adventure would be complete without an evening at the Moulin Rouge – glitz, glamour, and spectacle all rolled into one unforgettable show.

Beyond the famous landmarks, Paris is brimming with hidden hotels, secret museums, great independent restaurants, and unexpected experiences. I urge you to take the time to explore the city in a personal way, and you’ll be rewarded with stories and memories that are entirely your own. That’s before you even venture out to the sun-drenched vineyards of Champagne or the picturesque villages of Alsace.

Paris and Champagne

Just an hour and a half from Paris by train or car, Champagne is practically a stone’s throw away. Once you arrive, you can dive straight into exploring the rolling vineyards and charming villages or take a moment to settle into one of our trusted hotels in the area, whether your preference is to stay in Reims, Épernay, or the surrounding countryside. In Reims, don’t miss the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Notre-Dame, while in Épernay, the elegant Avenue de Champagne beckons with its historic Champagne houses and cellars.

One of my favourite experiences on my last trip to Champagne was a leisurely lunch in the village of Hautvillers. This small, authentic restaurant offered a tasting of three flutes of Champagne side by side, each one a single varietal made exclusively from one of the region’s three main grapes. The tasting was an eye-opener – I discovered that I much prefer Champagnes made from Pinot Meunier or Pinot Noir over the Chardonnay-only flute. Perhaps it’s no coincidence; over the years, my palate has grown fond of smoky, complex flavours, like aged red wines and BBQ sauces. So, naturally, the red grapes spoke to me.

From there, I sampled a ridiculous quantity of Champagnes across the region until I finally found my ultimate favourite – chosen purely for taste: a Blanc de Noirs Champagne made from 100% Meunier grapes, vinified in oak barrels. I bought a generous supply from a small Champagne house to take home. Even now, I’m still a little baffled at how much my personal food and wine preferences guided my Champagne choice – proof that a single-varietal tasting is absolutely a must-do in the region.

Paris and Alsace

Heading further east, toward the border of Germany and Switzerland, you’ll stumble upon the enchanting Alsace wine region. The easiest way to get there is by hopping on the TGV from Paris to Strasbourg – less than two hours, and you’re there! Once in Strasbourg, take some time to admire the city’s stunning historic architecture, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, split your stay with the quaint town of Colmar a little further south. The two towns are just a 30-minute train ride apart, but if you’d rather relax and not think about logistics, one of our fantastic drivers can whisk you from place to place without you lifting a finger.

Alsace is famous for its white wines and for good reason. While the region also produces elegant reds and rosés predominantly from Pinot Noir grapes, it is best known for its exceptional Riesling and Gewürztraminer, along with generous quantities of Muscat and Pinot Gris. The best way to experience them? Follow the Alsace Wine Route through rolling vineyards, visiting charming wineries along the way. We’ve partnered with some incredible local estates, all happy to welcome visitors eager to taste their craft.

And while you’re here, make time to explore the “Four Wonders of Alsace”: Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, and Riquewihr. If you only have time for one, I wholeheartedly recommend Riquewihr – it’s the picture-perfect Alsatian village that perfectly captures the spirit of the region, with cobbled streets lined with half-timbered winemakers’ houses and inviting tasting rooms. Walking through it feels like stepping straight into a postcard and is a true celebration of Alsatian wine heritage.

Ready to book?

So, whilst we pride ourselves on being true experts in crafting unforgettable wine holidays across France – where you might sip a glass of Dom Pérignon aboard a private riverboat, wander through sun-drenched vineyards alongside the estate’s winemakers, unwind at a world-class spa, and stay in charming châteaux surrounded by rolling countryside – don’t forget to also revel in the incredible gastronomy, history, art, and architecture that make Paris so extraordinary. Ultimately, the true magic of travel isn’t just ticking off destinations – it’s in the journey itself: the experiences you embrace, the flavours that linger on your palate, and the stories you carry home.

We can help plan your adventure to Paris, Champagne, Alsace, or further afield. We’ve been designing bespoke holidays all over France for over twenty years, so you’re in safe hands, whether it’s a singular destination or several destinations that you wish to travel to. Get in touch via our online form, send me a direct email, or chat to us over the phone on +44 (0)1920 468 666 to start planning.