Press kit Wine tourism in France Articles 6 PRess kit - Wine tourism If you like wine and would like to acquire an insight or if you wish to enhance your knowledge to bet-ter appreciate

Wine tourismin France

2015Press kit

articles and cross-content topics Try your hand at grape harvesting p.3 • Become a Master Blender p.4 • Explore the vineyards by bike p.5 • Back to school p.6 • Wine tourism acquires some real tourist destinations p.8 • Room with a view over the vines for a truly immersive wine experience p.10 • Art & Architecture p.12

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detours in the French vineyardsAlsace p.31 • Armagnac & Floc de Gascogne p.32 • Beaujolais p.33 • Bergerac p.34 • Bordeaux p.35 • Bourgogne p.36 • Champagne p.37 • Cognac & Pineau des Charentes p.38 • Corse p.39 • Jura p.40 • Languedoc p.41 • Provence p.42 • Roussillon p.43 • Savoie p.44 • Sud-Ouest p.45 • Val de Loire p.46 • Vallée du Rhône p.46

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Whether you are a wine lover or simply curi-ous, take advantage of the grape harvesting sea-son to enjoy a unique experience in the heart of France’s touristic vineyards. The wine harvesting season varies according to weather conditions and to grape ripeness, it is usually between the end of August and mid October that you can ex-perience this event as an insider. Come and meet wine-growers eager to share their knowledge and passion in a friendly atmosphere. Be a grape-picker for a day in Alsace, Beaujolais, Bordelais, Bourgogne, Champagne, or the Val de Loire. At the Domaine Claude Lafond, for instance, you could spend the day alongside the vineyard team and enjoy with well-deserved four course lunch after a morning of demanding harvesting. You will discover how the freshly-picked grapes are pressed, visit the store houses and round off the day with a tasting session. If you are looking for an experience to enjoy with family or friends, wine producers such as Château les Carcasses, a vineyard in Languedoc, welcome groups for harvesting days, with wine tasting and blending workshops. The grape harvesting season is also the period when many villages and châteaux in the Rhone valley organise traditional festivals, taking on a charming air of yesteryear. Re-en-actment of Roman grape harvesting at the Mas des Tourelles, the farmers' market at Chusclan or an introduction to manual grape harvesting at the Domaine de la Noria are all authentic and unforgettable experiences.

articlesand cross-content topics

Try your hand at grape harvesting • Create your own wine • The vineyards by bike • Where to learn • Certified destinations • Unusual accommodation • Art and architecture

Try your hand aT grape harvesTingshare a novel experience in friendly company

Bordeaux: Due to the very nature of grape harvesting, "grape harvesting days" are only on offer from mid-September to mid-October Picking grapes in the Médoc region with the Médoc duo, Château Paloumey and Château Taillan, or on the right bank of the Garonne (the Blaye-Côtes de Bordeaux or Côtes de Bourg, or Bordeaux & Bordeaux Supérieur Protected Geographical Indications). www.chateaudutaillan.com www.chateaupaloumey.com/fr www.bordeaux-tourisme.com Cognac: Maison de la Vigne et des Saveurswww.maisondelavigneetdessaveurs.comFor more information on traditional grape harvesting by hand in the heart of the vineyards in Alsace: www.route-des-vins-alsace.com/fr/ vendanges-touristiquesVallée du Rhône: www.fetevigneronnechusclan.com; www.domainelanoria.com; www.tourelles.comVal de Loire: www.claudelafond.comLanguedoc: www.lescarrasses.com/winery-f.php

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Wine tourism - PRess kit 3

Grape harvest festival (cognac)

Have you ever dreamed of creating your own wine? Many producers offer you the chance to make your dream come a true experience as they show you round their vineyards. Thanks to the Bordeaux"Pass Vin", visit châteaux which organise introductions to blending, "wine and cheese" or "wine and chocolate" workshops, as well as "olfactory cinema" visits.Introductions to blending are also offered in Champagne by J. De Telmont, Tanneux-Mahy, Champagne Devaux or Morel Père & Fils. You can also try your hand at being a Cognac Master Blender for two whole hours thanks to the great Maison Camus, and leave with your own bottle adorned with a label in your name. In Languedoc, you can leave Villa Limonade with a sou-venir after the vintage blending workshop. As for the Rib-erach estate it offers you a variety of oenological activities focusing on wine and cooking.Find out everything about the various steps in wine pro-duction as well as the different tools used at the Musée régional de la Vigne et du Vin de Savoie (Savoie regional vine and wine museum) open all year round. It even runs harvesting and grape pressing workshops using the freshly-picked grapes during the harvesting period.In Provence, the Maison des Vins, Château de Trets and the Abbaye de la Celle welcome you to their "vinothèque", wine centre with introductory tastings and workshops where they can teach you how to recognise different grapes. Wine sale, guided tours and shop areas will take you on a voyage of dis-covery of a whole host of local crafts and regional produce.

Thanks to www.vismavigne.com, Beaujolais producers offer the oppor-tunity to "adopt" a parcel of vines and

follow the work of the wine-growers all year round.

the "Pass Vin Bordeaux expériences" is a pass giving you access to the four

châteaux belonging to the Lurton family: www.chateau-bouscaut.com;

www.desmirail.com; www.camarsac.com; www.marielaurelurton.com

Combine visits and sensory experiences by creating your own wine thanks to

the B-winemaker company: www.b-winemaker.com

For more details of offers in the Champagne region:

www.champagne-de-telmont.com www.champagne-tanneux-mahy.fr

www.champagnedevaux.fr www.champagnemorelpereetfils.fr

the Maison des Vins Côtes de Provence offers tours in no less than 6 languages

for foreign visitors: www.maison-des-vins.fr

in the Vallée du Rhône create your own wine with the help of

a professional at the Maison Lavau: www.lavau.eu

Cognac master blender workshop: www.camus.fr

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Become a masTer Blenderyou Too can creaTe your own wine or your own cognac!

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4 PRess kit - Wine tourism

Champagne De telmont (champagne)

Whether you are a cycling fan seeking new routes or you simply want to explore French vineyards in an original way, cycle touring and wine tourism go hand in hand, giving you the opportunity to stop off and share a pleasant interlude with the wine-growers. You will find itineraries suited to all levels for unforgettable rides in the heart of the vines. In Alsace, the vineyard cycle route connecting Marlenheim to Thann is designed to take you through typical countryside and villages lining the Alsace Wine Route. In Bourgogne, join fellow cycling enthusiasts in the Transmâconnaise on 4th July 2015 for a friendly race on electric bikes. In Champagne, almost sixty cycle routes await you, wending their way through the vines or along the banks of lakes. In the Cognac vineyard, discover several trails and mini-trails tailored to your needs includ-ing the three local musts: Cognac, Jarnac and Segonzac, without forgetting "La Galope cho-pine", a shady track which runs almost 34km.

In Roussillon, you can follow paths leading through the vines and ride along colourful routes which change with the seasons, such as the Fontcouverte, Monastir or Ecureuils circuits. In Savoie, Montmélian, the ultimate touristic town for bike lovers, offers either circuits with gentle slopes along the wine route or real challenges for more seasoned cyclists wishing to measure them-selves against some of the famous passes on the Tour de France route. In the Vallée du Rhône, why not cycle the 700 km of bicycle paths along the banks of the river right down to where it flows into the Mediterranean. You can also try the "Loire à Vélo"cycle trail on the 800 km long-distance cycle route through the heart of landscapes listed as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. And last but not least, if you like unusual experiences, the Maison Bouvez-Ladubay du Val de Loire at Saumure offers you the chance to cycle through its troglodyte wine cellars.

explore The vineyards By Bikean advenTure on Two wheels in The hearT of The vines To meeT The wine-growers

the Alsace Wine Route by bike www.route-des-vins-alsace.comthe "transmâconnaise electrique" electric bicycle race in Bourgognewww.transmaconnaise.com "Loire à vélo" in Val de Loirewww.loireavelo.fr

the Bordeaux wine route through Graves and sauternes in the Bordeaux vineyardswww.bordeaux-graves-sauternes.comthe Bastia wine route at Calvi in Corsicawww.altecime.fr

ViaRhôna in Vallée du Rhônewww.viarhona.comBouvet Ladubay, cycling in the wine cellars in Val de Loire www.bouvet-ladubay.frBourgogne by bike www.la-bourgogne-a-velo.com

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the festive season at the distilleries (cognac)

Cycle through the vines (Bourgogne)

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If you like wine and would like to acquire an insight or if you wish to enhance your knowledge to bet-ter appreciate its finer points, the protagonists in the wine tourism sector offer activities adapted to your level to share their passion with you, and introduce you to the art of living wine.Some tourist offices such as the one in Ville-franche-sur-Saône, welcome you to areas spe-cially devoted to this theme. For instance the "Espace des vins du Beaujolais" where you can enjoy tastings of all the wines from this vineyard all year round. The Beaujolais region is also where the first viticulture and wine theme park, the Hameau Duboeuf, was built.To familiarise yourself with wine/food pair-ings or the art of tasting, the Bordeaux Ecole du Vin offers one-day courses, evening classes or workshops, whilst its campus runs special training courses for students. The Cercle Lynch-Bages allows you to experience total immersion

in the world of wine and the lives of the people who live and work there, combining learning and discovery in the heart of the vines.Other vineyards have schools such as the Ecole des Oenophiles at Bergerac with its wine tasting courses and conferences, or the Ecole des Vins de Bourgogne, an oenology centre of renown.The Champagne region also has an abundance of wine learning centres such as the Villa Biss-inger in Aÿ, Educavin in Reims, the Ateliers du Cellier Saint-Pierre in Troyes, or the champagne museum, Champagne Bauser in Riceys.Finally, the Maisons des Vins, proper tourist offices dedicated to the vineyards, offer an entertain-ing, enlightening introduction before you head off to explore the terroirs, the various AOCs, tourist routes and wine cellars. In Val de Loire, no less than 8 Maisons du Vin offer a variety of themed packages.

Back To schoolThe arT of living wine is a suBjecT wiTh has plenTy of surprises in sTore for you

Maison des Vins de Loire in Nantes (Val de Loire)


the espace des Vins du Beaujolais: www.villefranche-beaujolais.frthe Hameau Duboeuf, the viticulture and wine theme park: www.hameauduvin.comecole du Vin de Bordeaux: www.bordeaux.com/fr/ecoleduvin ecole des Oenophiles de Bergerac: www.vins-bergerac.fr/ecole-des-œnophiles ecole des Vins de Bourgogne: www.vins-bourgogne.frin Cognac and Pineau des Charentes: www.maisongrandechampagne.com www.cognatheque.comLa Maison de la Vigne et du Vin d’Apremont in savoie: www.vindesavoie.net/frthe 8 Maisons des Vins du Val de Loire: www.vinsvaldeloire.fr and www.vins-centre-loire.com in Champagne: www.villabissinger.com; www.celliersaintpierre.com; www.champgne-bauser.com Monthly wine workshops at the Maison des Vins Côtes de Provence: www.maison-des-vins.com

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ecole des vins (Bourgogne)

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Champagne

Sud Ouest

Val de Loire

Bordeaux Bergerac

Cognac & Pineau des Charentes

Armagnac & Floc de Gascogne

Roussillon

Languedoc

Corse

Provence

Vallée du

Rhône

Beaujolais

Savoie

Jura

Bourgogne

Alsace

PARIS

AngersVal de Loire

Pays de Thau Pays d'Aix Sud Luberon

Pays de Bergerac

La Narbonnaise en Méditerranée

Pays des Bastideset Vignoble du Gaillac

MuscadetLoire Océan

La Provence Verte

La route des Vins de Bordeaux en Graves

et Sauternes

Les routes du vin de Bordeaux en Entre-deux-Mers

Les routes du Vin de Bordeaux-Bordeaux,

porte du vignoble

Vignoble de l'Ile d'Oléron

PerpignanMéditerranée

Rivesaltes

Vin & Patrimoine en Pays Cathare

Minervois Saint-Chinian

Faugères Les Bons Crus d'Artagnan

Destination Costières de Nîmes

Béziers, Canal du Midi Méditerranée

Les routes du Vin de Bordeaux-Saint-Emilion-Pomerol-Fronsac-Libournais

Vignoble de l'Auxerrois

Le Vignoble de Chablis

Côte des Bar

Coteaux du Sézannais

Coteaux Sud d’Épernay et Côte des Blancs

Massif de Saint Thierry et Vallée de l’Ardre

Montagne de Reims

Vallée de la Marne

Cœur d’Alsace

Terre et Vins au Pays de Colmar

Vignoble de Cognac

Vignoble du Jura

SavoieLac du Bourget

Cœur deSavoie

Cahors

Val de Loire,Amboise

Val de Loire,Chenonceau

Vallée du Loir

Chinon,Bourgueil,Azay-le-Rideau

Vallée du Layon

Saumur,Val de Loire

Le Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées

D’Hermitageen St-Joseph

De Cornas en Saint-Péray

Vallée du Rhône Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie

DijonCôte de Nuits

Beaune, de Corton en Montrachet

Autour des Dentelles de Montmirail

Côte Chalonnaise

Vignoble du Mâconnais

Côtes du Rhône Gardoises

Coteaux de Vitry

Drôme Provençale

Berry,Centre-Loire

Vallée de la Marne

ouest

Wine tourism attracts both na-tional and international tourists, as shown by over 12 million visits to the wine cellars open to tourists in the various French vineyards. With this in mind, and because the vines and wine contribute to the cultural influence of France and its gas-tronomy worldwide, the Tourism and Agriculture ministers created the Vignobles & Découvertes qual-ity label in 2010. Awarded on the recommenda-tions of the Conseil Supérieur de l’OEnotourisme for a period of three years, this label identifies high quality wine tourism destina-tions offering a rich and extensive selection of services.

This label has made it possible to establish a network between a multitude of wine tourism serv-ices, thus facilitating communica-tion between professionals in the sector and customers. The idea is to satisfy customers' expectations and offer unforgettable immersive experiences. Today, no less than 54 destinations have been awarded the Vignobles & Découvertes label, bringing to light the riches our different terroirs have to offer to enchant French and foreign tourists alike.

wine Tourism acquires some real TourisT desTinaTionsan enhanced, more aTTracTive wine Tourism

offer Through The “vignoBles & découverTes” qualiTy laBel

To find out the 54 certified destinations to date,go to http://int.rendezvousenfrance.com/fr

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Champagne

Sud Ouest

Val de Loire

Bordeaux Bergerac

Cognac & Pineau des Charentes

Armagnac & Floc de Gascogne

Roussillon

Languedoc

Corse

Provence

Vallée du

Rhône

Beaujolais

Savoie

Jura

Bourgogne

Alsace

PARIS

AngersVal de Loire

Pays de Thau Pays d'Aix Sud Luberon

Pays de Bergerac

La Narbonnaise en Méditerranée

Pays des Bastideset Vignoble du Gaillac

MuscadetLoire Océan

La Provence Verte

La route des Vins de Bordeaux en Graves

et Sauternes

Les routes du vin de Bordeaux en Entre-deux-Mers

Les routes du Vin de Bordeaux-Bordeaux,

porte du vignoble

Vignoble de l'Ile d'Oléron

PerpignanMéditerranée

Rivesaltes

Vin & Patrimoine en Pays Cathare

Minervois Saint-Chinian

Faugères Les Bons Crus d'Artagnan

Destination Costières de Nîmes

Béziers, Canal du Midi Méditerranée

Les routes du Vin de Bordeaux-Saint-Emilion-Pomerol-Fronsac-Libournais

Vignoble de l'Auxerrois

Le Vignoble de Chablis

Côte des Bar

Coteaux du Sézannais

Coteaux Sud d’Épernay et Côte des Blancs

Massif de Saint Thierry et Vallée de l’Ardre

Montagne de Reims

Vallée de la Marne

Cœur d’Alsace

Terre et Vins au Pays de Colmar

Vignoble de Cognac

Vignoble du Jura

SavoieLac du Bourget

Cœur deSavoie

Cahors

Val de Loire,Amboise

Val de Loire,Chenonceau

Vallée du Loir

Chinon,Bourgueil,Azay-le-Rideau

Vallée du Layon

Saumur,Val de Loire

Le Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées

D’Hermitageen St-Joseph

De Cornas en Saint-Péray

Vallée du Rhône Condrieu, Côte-Rôtie

DijonCôte de Nuits

Beaune, de Corton en Montrachet

Autour des Dentelles de Montmirail

Côte Chalonnaise

Vignoble du Mâconnais

Côtes du Rhône Gardoises

Coteaux de Vitry

Drôme Provençale

Berry,Centre-Loire

Vallée de la Marne

ouest

room wiTh a view over The vines for a Truly immersive wine Tourism experienceread on for some of our favouriTes

If you want to experience the vineyards first hand, what better way than through total immersion at one of the many different places where you can stay right in the heart of the vines. You will discover a unique heritage, breath-taking landscapes and ancestral skills. Thanks to their bed and breakfast rooms, some wine-growers offer you the chance to share their daily life at their vineyard, in picture postcard scenery.For complete immersion and an original experience, some properties have installed gypsy caravans in the alleys between the grapevines. Many proper-ties, châteaux and starred hotels offer you a choice of a variety of luxury accommodation with stunning views over the vines.

You are sure to find something to please you among our favourites below:

alsace ▸ Hôtel-Restaurant-Spa Le Chambard****

www.lechambard.fr

armagnac ▸ Le Château de Mons

www.chateau-mons.com

Beaujolais ▸ Château de Bagnols*****

www.chateaudebagnols.com

Bergerac ▸ Château des vigiers****

www.vigiers.com

Bordeaux ▸ Les Sources de Caudalie*****

www.sources-caudalie.com▸ Château Cordeillan-Bages ****

www.cordeillanbages.com

Bourgogne ▸ Le Richebourg****

www.hotel-lerichebourg.com▸ Le Clos du Colombier

http://closducolombier.com

champagne ▸ Hostellerie de la Briqueterie*****,

in Vinay www.labriqueterie.fr

▸ Le Clos des Terres Soudées, in Vrigny-www.closdesterressoudees.fr

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Le Clos des terres soudées (champagne)

roussillon ▸ Domaine Riberach

www.riberach.com

savoie mont Blanc ▸ Le Château de la Mar

www.chateau-de-la-mar.fr

sud-ouest ▸ Le Château de Salettes ****

www.chateaudesalettes.com

val de loire▸ Château de Fontenay

www.lechateaudefontenay.fr▸ Château de la Gidonnière

www.demianville-jasnieres.fr▸ Les roulottes de Pouilly (gypsy caravans)

– Sancerre www.michel-redde.fr

vallée du rhône ▸ Mas des Isles - Pont Saint Esprit

www.provence-mas-des-iles.com ▸ Domaine des Clos – Beaucaire

www.domaine-des-clos.com

cognac and pineau des charentes▸ A charming vineyard bed and breakfast

www.logis-astree.fr ▸ Quais des Pontis (gypsy caravans, fish-

erman's huts on the Charente, lodges) www.quaidespontis.com

corse ▸ Le Domaine Saparale in Sartène

www.lehameaudesaparale.com ▸ Castellu di Baricci in Sartène

www.domaine-viticole-corse.com

jura ▸ L'Entre-Cœur bed and breakfast in

Ménétru-le-Vignoble www.chambredhote-entrecoeur.fr

languedoc ▸ La Villa Limonade (wine tourism bed

and breakfast) www.destinationsuddefrance.com/Club-Oenotourisme

▸ Domaine Saint Jean de l’Arbousier (tree houses) www.destinationsuddefrance.com/Club-Oenotourisme

provence ▸ Le Clos des Roses – Fréjus

www.closdesroses.com ▸ Château de Beaulieu – Rognes -

"Villa Beaulieu" www.villabaulieu.com

▸ Château de Berne – Lorgues www.chateauberne.com


Les roulottes de Pouilly (gypsy caravans) (Val de Loire)

Château des Vigiers (Bergerac)

Les sources de Caudalie (Bordeaux)

When you choose wine tourism, you are em-barking on an adventure into a unique artistic and cultural heritage. Among the many treas-ures hidden away in our vineyards, you will find a rich historical heritage of Cistercian wine cellars and abbeys, Roman remains, ancient chapels and romantic cloisters. From an archi-tectural point of view, exceptional wine store-houses and wineries rub shoulders with mon-asteries with cross-ribbed vaults, monumental 16th century fireplaces, fountains and majestic staircases. The vineyards are also a favoured location for contemporary art and organise numerous reg-ular or temporary exhibitions which are open to the public. Sometimes entire art galleries in their own right are to be found there.

Contemporary architecture also plays a key role in French vineyards, in particular thanks to Jean Nouvel, a contemporary architect of inter-national renown, who has created several master-pieces in the Bordelais region.Many wine-growers throughout France have had contemporary wine storehouses built which are designed to blend into the breathtaking land-scapes of grapevines. Their sleek design reflects their cutting-edge technology for ideal vinifica-tion conditions. To understand the history of this diverse artistic and architectural heritage, you have a choice of several solutions: museums, en-counters with the artists, art exhibitions, themed visits, slide-shows, films, interactive terminals, scenic routes and art galleries.

arT & archiTecTurewhen The vineyards unveil Their Treasures

Bordeaux ▸ Château La Dominique: discover the works

of Jean Nouvel in the Bordelais vineyards www.chateau-ladominique.com

▸ Château La Croizille www.chateaulacroizille.com

▸ Château Faugères www.chateau-faugeres.com

champagne ▸ La Villa Demoiselle and the Caves Pommery

www.champagnepommery.com▸ L'Avenue de Champagne, in Epernay

http://avenue.maisons-champagne.com/ ▸ Cistercian wine cellars: in particular Monial,

Drappier and Morize www.monial.net www.champagne-drappier.com www.champagnemorize.com

cognac and pineau des charentes ▸ The Musée des Arts du Cognac in Cognac

www.musees-cognac.fr

roussillon▸ Riberach and the wine estate, an incredible

example of architecture: www.riberach.com/lart-de-vivre-selon-riberach/cote-hotel

provence ▸ Commanderie de Peyrassol - Flassans

www.peyrassol.com ▸ Château Sainte Roseline - Les Arcs sur Argens -

Cru Classé www.sainte-roseline.com

▸ Château Margüi - Chateauvert www.chateaumargui.com

▸ Château La Coste - Le Puy Sainte-Réparade www.chateau-la-coste.com

val de loire ▸ La Maison Ackerman and its Ackerman

Fontevraud artists' residency www.ackerman-fontevraud.com

vallée du rhône ▸ Château d'Hugues

www.chateaudhugues.fr/famille_artistes.php

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Château Croizille (Bordeaux)

Domaine Baron de l'ecluse (Beaujolais)

Villa Demoiselle - Reims (champagne)

Musée des Arts du Cognac (cognac)


newfor 2015

Opening of the Cité des Civilisations du Vin in 2016 (Bordeaux)

alsace an interlude with the wine-growers: In the heart of the Alsace vineyards, share a magic moment with our wine-growers with a unique, original wine tasting experience. Then treat yourself to a delicious meal where you will discover rich authentic flavours in perfect harmony with the local Grands Crus. Round off your break with an exceptional night in a charming hotel. www.parenthese-vigneronne.com

Beaujolais the spa du château de Bagnols: The Châ-teau de Bagnols, a 5-star hotel right in the heart of the Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées, in-vites you to relax in its spa, built in the former vat room dating back to the 18th century. www.chateaudebagnols.com

Bergeracdiscovery time at château Kalian: The prop-erty now has two tasting cellars to welcome you all year round. You will discover an original approach to the wines of Bergerac, combined with culinary excellence... www.chateaukalian.com

neWto discover in 2015

Openings• Events• Offers • Our favourites

Bordeauxla grande maison de robuchon: Bernard Magrez, the wine man own-ing 40 châteaux and vineyards across the world, including four Bordelais Crus Classés, and Joël Robuchon, the most awarded chef on earth, have joined forces to open a high-end gastronomic restaurant in a mansion located oppo-site the Institut Culturel Bernard Magrez, in Bordeaux. www.lagrandemaison-bordeaux.com

newfor 2015

Bordeaux and the cité des civilisa-tions du vin: La Cité des Civilisations du Vin will open its doors in Bordeaux in 2016. Through an open-minded ap-proach to the world, this centre aims at making the wealth of this culture ac-cessible to everyone, from the simply curious to the seasoned amateur. To better understand the present and the challenges the future holds, the temporary and permanent exhibitions will explore history, geography, life sciences, ethnography and literature, philosophy, the arts and the senses. It will offer the visitor the opportunity to discover wine civilisations in all their universality and singularity, reveal the links between wine and the imaginary, share an art of living and conviviality focused on wine, and last but not least, educate people to the need to drink responsibly. An invitation to continue your discoveries in the vineyards of the Bordelais region!www.citedescivilisationsduvin.com


!

champagnechampagne and renoir: Ten works by one of the greatest Mas-ters of Impressionism combined with ten exceptional champagnes. This is the concept initiated by the "Du Côté des Renoir" space. Come and picnic this summer in the gardens of the Renoirs' house in Es-soyes and combine bubbles with im-pressionism.www.aube-champagne.comwww.renoir-essoyes.fr

cité du champagne at collet cogevi: In the Maison Cogevi you will discover the history of the oldest co-operative in Champagne. You will cross the Vi-nothèque wine centre to finish your visit with a glass in the Villa Collet, where a cultural and artistic journey awaits you in the midst of the 1920's and Art Deco.www.champagne-collet.com

the slopes, houses and wine cellars of champagne, candidates for unesco World heritage status:In the summer of 2015, we will dis-cover the outcome of the Champagne region's application to UNESCO to be listed as a cultural landscape. The old-est wine-growing slopes of the Cham-pagne vineyards, the functional build-ings of the Champagne estates on the hillside of Saint-Nicaise and along the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, to-gether with the spectacular network of wine cellars and chalk pits belonging to these three locations will become listed sites.www.paysagesduchampagne.fr

Bourgogne mâchon at the wine-growers': Céline and Frédéric Gueguen welcome you for a "Mâchon" during an intimate get-together with your friends or family. You can share a home made meal and taste the wine produced at the vineyard in a warm, friendly atmos-phere while enjoying the stunning view over the Chablis vineyard. www.chablis-gueguen.fr

vertigo hôtel in dijon: a unique place. This chic, el-egant hotel full of character is located right in the town centre opposite the Place Darcy and the pe-destrian area. The tram stops in front of the hotel, giving quick and easy access to all the tourist attrac-tions, cultural, sporting and economic venues.Relax in one of Vertigo Hôtel's 42 elegant designer rooms and suites. www.vertigohoteldijon.com

the climats de Bourgogne at unesco: In the summer of 2015, Bourgogne will finally learn if its Climats are to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage cultural site. Climat is a term specific to Borgogne used to refer to its wine-growing ter-roir. In the meantime, cultural events, exhibitions, conferences and ephemeral works have been set up to support the application.www.climats-bourgogne.com


newfor 2015

Cité du Champagne Collet-Cogevi (champagne)

Vertigo Hôtel in Dijon (Bourgogne)

cognacand pineau des charenTescognac hennessy: To celebrate the property's 250th anniver-sary, a completely new tour will be open-ing its doors in September. Although eve-rything is still a well-kept secret, one thing we can be sure of is that the tour will still start with a crossing of the river on a boat ! www.hennessy.com

cognac martell & co: a 300th anniver-sary is something to celebrate! Founded in 1715, Cognac Martell & Co is the oldest of the great Cognac houses. The tour starts with a visit of the house of Jean Martell, the founder, and ends with a life-size recon-stitution of the loading of a barge ready to leave for the ocean. Numerous surprises are in store for you!www.martell.com

languedocWine-growers' picnic: Along our "Nature & Paysages" (Nature & Countryside) route this May, enjoy a meal seated under a canopy or out in the vines. Local seasonal produce, €20 / person.www.destinationsuddefrance.com/Club-Oenotourisme

montpellier Winetours: Montpellier WineTours offer two types of tours: the wine hike, where you can walk through the garrigue and taste a different wine at each of the three mouth-watering breaks, and a cycle ride through the vines where you will explore the vineyards of the Pic Saint-Loup on an electric mountain bike.www.montpellierwinetours.com/fr

L'anse de Paulilles (Languedoc)

Cognac Martell (cognac)

newfor 2015


parisde vinis illustribus (paris): De Vinis Illus-tribus is well-known by wine-lovers for its great wines and old vintages, and for its pri-vate tasting sessions run by the owner, Lionel Michelin. The "Tour de France des Vignobles" lunches held in our 17th century wine cellar in the heart of Paris are very popular with our international customers, as are the new tast-ing dinners in the refined setting of the private restaurant of a 5-star Paris hotel. www.devinis.fr

the ecole du vin: Open to all, the Ecole du Vin wine school offers a variety of introductory courses ranging from a few hours to a few days. Lessons, Grand Cru masterclasses as well as intensive certificate courses are available according to your quest for knowl-edge and your ambitions. In 2015 the Ecole du Vin is opening the Cave de l'Ile Saint Louis, a 17th century residence with splen-did vaulted rooms. www.ecole-du-vin.fr

provencechâteau de Berne: The Château at Lorgues is re-opening after the renovation of the Spa, the gastronomic restaurant, the cooking school, and the hotel. This wine-growing estate with its 80 hectares of vines is open to wine tourism and offers numerous activities: tours of the vines and the wine cellars, wine tastings with commentary, cooking lessons, cultural events and more.www.chateauberne.com

château mentone: The estate’s farm, reno-vated by the Wilmotte agency, opens in May 2015. Regional dishes prepared using the do-main’s produce are offered in an innovative inn concept. Set in the heart of a 170-hectare forest, one-hundred-year-old oaks and plane trees surround the estate and shelter a large bourgeois 19th century house turned into a superb guest house. www.chateaumentone.com

clos de l’ours: The Clos de l’Ours is a wine-growing estate in Cotignac, at the crossroads between the Mediterranean, the Gorges du Verdon and the Côte d’Azur. The vineyard is run using organic farming methods and covers 13 hectares in the Côtes de Provence AOP. Châteaux et Hôtels Collection invite you to live this authentic experience to the full in comfort at the guest house throughout the year.www.closdelours.com

De Vinis illustribus (Paris)

newfor 2015


savoie monT Blancthe treasure of the château des comtes de challes: The owner, a passionate wine enthusiast, offers the hotel guests and casual visitors a tour of the cellar followed by wine tasting. 400 different wines can be found there from every wine-producing region of France, of which the oldest bottle is a 1934 Pétrus… www.chateaudescomtesdechalles.com

Château des Comtes de Challes (Savoie)

Maison des sancerre (Val de Loire)

val de loire the maison des sancerre celebrates its 10th anniversary: On this occasion, visitors will be treated to an entirely new scenography (inter-active activities, tablets, 3D glasses). The little extra : tasting sessions organised during the summer evenings at the Maison de Sancerre with two evenings focusing on Sancerre wines.www.maison-des-sancerre.com

the wine circuit at the château de la cas-semichère: Something completely new in the vineyards of Nantes. The Domaine de la Cas-semichère, located at La Chapelle-Heulin, has just created a wine circuit. The owner of the Château has thought up a free of charge 1.8 km circuit with 10 interactive boards scattered along the way. Using touch pads, visitors can play and learn about the architecture of the château and the world of wine and vine. www.chateaucassemichere.com


newfor 2015

vallée du rhône the chartreuse de valbonne: The Chartreuse de Valbonne was founded at the start of the 18th cen-tury, on the site of a Benedictine monastery. Tast-ings of the wines of the Chartreuse can be held in the authentic 18th century wine storehouses. www.chartreusedevalbonne-monument.com

the duché d'uzès: Two thousand years of history watch over this brand new AOC in the Vallée du Rhône. 12 wine tasting cellars await you between Uzès and the Pont du Gard to introduce you to the riches of their terroir.www.duche-uzes.fr

the wine tourism cellars of the vallée du rhône: In 2015, 33 wine cellars will be joining the circle of cellars rewarded by the "distinction œnotour-isme" wine tourism award. The vineyards of the Vallée du Rhône wish to recognise those of their peers offering discovery activities to supplement tastings and wine cellar tours: come and enjoy fun workshops, gastronomic walks or the cosy atmosphere of a bed and breakfast in the heart of the vines. http://www.vins-rhone.com/fr

Chartreuse de Valbonne (Vallée du rhône)

luxury Wine tourism: Bernard Magrez, The Wine Collector's Tour: the Cellar Master takes you on a private discovery tour of Château Pape Clément, captivating his audience with his account of the history of the site, the tradi-tions still kept alive and the wine-making arts. The tasting session and commentary of Ber-nard Magrez's four Grand Crus Classés will take place in the warm and inviting rooms of Château Pape Clément. www.luxurywinetourism.fr

Wine travel in France: High-end Wine & Her-itage Tours in Bordeaux & Paris: Wine Travel in France introduces you to the Médoc region not only with tastings held in famous and less well-known vineyards, but also through encounters, interaction, unusual and unique experiences and tours. You will then explore Paris from a dif-ferent angle during dinner on a "bateau mouche" on the Seine or strolling through the markets. Discover, be surprised, learn while having fun throughout the journey between the Médoc and Paris, with wine as the main theme.www.winetravelinfrance.com

Wine passport: Welcome to the land of the Grands Crus: 2 days/1 night in the heart of the Médoc, in a guest house with a spa and a deli-cious breakfast at Pauillac. A tour and tasting of a Grand Cru Classé, a tour of a lovely fam-ily vineyard and strolls between the Gironde and the vines are all on the agenda. www.winepassport.fr

the France passion stopover guide 2015: The France Passion Guide 2015, a real passport for motorhome owners for peaceful, friendly stopo-vers, offers 1,850 stopovers, of which over 200 are new: 800 wine-growers, 850 livestock and arable farmers, and 200 craftsmen wel-come curious travellers with a taste for dis-covery wherever they go. www.france-passion.com

houlala "route des vins de Bourgogne in 7 days": With friends, as a couple or as a group of up to 10 people, the "Routes des Vins d’Houlala" are for you. The tours include unique encounters and events with selected wine-growers. We also offer bookings at the best hotels and guest houses in the region burst-ing with French charm. www.houlala-bourgogne.com

our fav uriTes

newfor 2015


diaryfor 2015

Millévin 2014 in Avignon (Vallée du rhône)

alsace vineyards marathon: The Alsace Vine-yard Marathon will be held on 20th and 21st June 2015. A celebration of sports, gastronomy and conviviality, and an opportunity to discover the vineyards of Alsace, the wine-growers and the whole region through the 17 villages along the route. 2015 will be the 11th edi-tion of this event which has become one of the highlights of the Alsace Region.www.marathon-alsace.com

and also slowUp on the Alsace wine route: on 7th June 2015 the Alsace wine route is closed over a 31-kilometer stretch is opened to cyclists walkers and roller-skaters only, with breaks to enjoy some of the local wines and speciali-ties, plus entertainment and more.www.slowup-alsace.fr

Gourmet Aperitif: On 15th May 2015, the "Vignerons Indépendants" (Independent Wine-growers) open the doors of their vineyards to the new generation and to those wishing to acquire an insight into the wines of Alsace. www.route-des-vins-alsace.com

the eguisheim wine growers festival: On 29th and 30th August 2015, the largest wine festival in Alsace will be held in the village of Eguishe-im, the birthplace of the Alsace vineyards. www.ot-eguisheim.fr

diarydates to remember

Wine and grape harvest festivals • Sporting events • Concerts • Events in the vines • Festivals • Exhibitions • Light and sound shows

diaryfor 2015


armagnac the Flamme de l'armagnac: Each year, from the end of October to mid-January, the whole of the Gascogne region lives and breathes the distillation of Armagnac. The accompanying festivities are not only wonderful convivial occasions but also events, meetings and discoveries, more particularly the dinners organised around the still at various properties.www.gers-tourisme.fr

and also Jazz in Marciac: Since 1978, from the end of July to mid-August, the festival in Mar-ciac has been host to the greatest names in jazz. Pending the unveiling of the festival programme, Marciac has been organising a busy cultural season since 2011: Jacques Weber, Michel Jonasz or Harry Allen & the Barcelona Jazz orchestra on stage to name but a few.www.jazzinmarciac.com

Vineyards Marathon the Flamme de l'Armagnac

diaryfor 2015


Beaujolais les sarmentelles du Beaujolais & Beaujolais nouveau: Each year in Beaujeu, the histori-cal heart of the vineyard, the new Beaujolais Nouveau is born and November 2015 is no exception. The festivities begin with a wine tasting competition, then the enthronements are followed by a dinner and show. The festi-val continues with a torchlight procession and ends with the spectacular broaching of the Beaujolais Nouveau with fireworks and free tasting of the new vintage. www.sarmentelles.com

and also the Beaujolais Nouveau Marathon: On 21st November 2015, the Beaujolais Nouveau mara-thon takes the runners through 13 villages in the Beaujolais region. www.marathondubeaujolais.org

Bergerac jazz en chais All year long, "Jazz en Chais" of-fers concerts in the heart of the wine-producing estates. On the agenda, food, wine & music! www.jazzpourpre.com

and also the independent wine-producers' picnic: From 23rd to 25th May, bring your picnic, the wine- producer provides the wine! www.vigneron-independant.com/pique-nique

Jazz en Chais (château Ladesvignes)

Bordeauxthe 2015 grands crus weekend, Bordeaux: The Grands Crus weekend (30th and 31st May 2015) works along the same lines as the "primeurs tastings" where the new vintage is presented to the professionals each spring, still in the barrel. In this case, the tasting is aimed at the general public and it is the vintage which has just been bottled (this year the 2012 vintage) which is offered. The 2,000 visitors then continue the festivities with dinners organised at the wine-producers' estates and visits of storehouses. http://fr.bordeaux-tourisme.com

and also Médoc Marathon: On 12th September 2015, the contestants will run through the vineyards and pres-tigious châteaux of the Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Es-tèphe, Médoc and Haut-Médoc appellations, starting and finishing at Pauillac. The race will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.www.marathondumedoc.com

Bordeaux celebrates wine: From 23rd to 26th June 2016 on the river banks classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, lovers of wine, gastronomy and culture are invited to share four days of cel-ebrations and discover the architectural beauty of the town, the vineyards surrounding it and the many assets of an exceptional regional terroir.www.bordeaux-fete-le-vin.com

the Miroir d'eau (Bordeaux)

diaryfor 2015


Bourgognethe hospices de Beaune Wine sale: On the third weekend in November, the most fa-mous charity wine sale in the world will be accompanied by numerous festivities: street shows, gala dinners and, of course, tast-ings in the City bustling with entertainment. www.beaune-tourisme.com

and also the transmâconnaise electrique: On the 4th July, the very first meeting of electric bicycles in France will take place in the vineyards, starting from Maçon. www.transmaconnaise.com

Vinestival in Mâcon: From 17th to 19th April 2015, a whole weekend will be dedicated to the discovery of the Maçon terroirs and the wine world. The pass will get you free access to the great French wine contest and tastings in the Maçon vineyards. www.macon-tourism.com

Fantastic Picnics: On the first week-end in Autumn, Bourgogne is organising over thirty unusual picnics for the Festival of Gastronomy. www.bourgogne-tourisme.com/decouvrir/incon-tournables/INCONBOU000V503M26/detail/dijon/fantastic-picnic-en-bourgogne

Bourgogne great wines festival: In November 2015, all the famous Bourgogne wines will be there: over 3,000 different wines offered for tasting during this fair. www.vins-bourgogne.fr

the saint-Vincent tournante: For two days (30th and 31st January 2016) fans of Bourgogne and its wines discover the heritage of one or two villages. www.st-vincent-tournante.fr

champagneBleu Brut expérience pommery #12: From 3rd October 2014 to 30th June 2015, to mark the 140th anniversary of the creation of Brut champagne, a homage is being made to its creator, Madame Pommery through an underground contemporary art exhibition. For the occasion you will discover the fun-damentals of the Champagne of today which were invented by Louise Pommery.

and also Hike around the "Cadoles": The hike around the "cad-oles", wine-growers little huts built of dry stone, starts in the heart of the Riceys. www.aube-champagne.com

Habits de Lumière in epernay: With street art shows, sound and light, fireworks, "Habits de Saveurs" culinary experiences, children's gour-met events, and a procession of vintage cars, the Capital of Champagne with its "Habits de Lumière" will be decked in lights. http://habitsdelumiere.epernay.fr

cognac and pineau des charenTes the Fête du cognac: From 23rd to 25th July 2015, three days of festivities based around Co-gnac’s river port will be the occasion for you to sample and savour the Charentes' gastronomy. Each evening, two concerts with famous artists set the quays on fire! www.lafeteducognac.fr

and also Cognac Blues Passions: As for the past twenty years, from 29th June to 5th July 2015, music takes over the town of Cognac with the greatest names in Blues. www.bluespassions.com

Fête du Cognac

sale at the Hospices de Beaune

diaryfor 2015


corsethe saint vincent des vignerons in ajaccio: The Confrérie des Compagnons du Sciacca-rellu d'Ajaccio and the wine-growers of the Ajaccio AOC, are honoured to invite you to their 14th Saint Vincent, the great wine-growers' festival which gathers all the participants in the wine trade.www.ajaccio-tourisme.com

and also Ajaccio AOC discovery evenings: The wine-growers are gathered under the banner of the Ajaccio AOC. Whether you be a layman or a wine buff, you can sip up glasses of wine of the 14 AOC vine-yards to the rhythm of the music.www.ajaccio-tourisme.com

jurathe "percée du vin jaune": On 6th and 7th February 2016 for the 20th edition, 40,000 peo-ple, will be gathering for a weekend dedicated to the love of wine, and will stroll through the streets of Lons-le-Saunier, glass in hand, during what is consided to be the leading wine-production festival in France. The inhabitants open their cellars, barns and garages to host 80 wine-growers who give tastings of the Jura wines. www.percee-du-vin-jaune.com

and also sud Revermont Jazz Festival: For three days each year, the festival offers the public the opportunity to discover and share the diversity of Jazz, leaving them enchanted by the "Sud Revermont". It's all happening from 9th to 11th October 2015.www.jazzenrevermont.com

languedocthe "estivales de montpellier": From 3rd July to 4th September 2015, the 10th edition of the festival will be held in Montpellier. On the agenda at the Estivales de Montpellier 2015 you will find many artists, tastings of local wines and specialities, an evening market with 150 stalls and much more…www.montpellier.fr

and also the L'Hospitalet Jazz Festival: Since 2004, at the start of August each year, the Jazz Festival at l’Hospitalet has been hosting great French and international names on its magnificent open air stage in the heart of the wine-growing estate and the protected Massif de la Clape. www.chateau-hospitalet.com

paristhe "Fête des vendanges de montmartre": Each year in October, the not-to-be-missed Fête des vendanges de Montmartre is back to celebrate the grape harvesting of the tiny vine-yard perched high on the hill of Montmartre in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. Come and enjoy several days of partying with the Paris-ians to celebrate the wine from the Clos Mont-martre with tastings, original and off-beat en-tertainment, concerts and fireworks!www.fetedesvendangesdemontmartre.com

Percée du Vin Jaune (Jura)

the Vines of Montmartre (Paris)

diaryfor 2015


provence tasty walks in pierrefeu terroir: In the unspoilt setting of the Château La Gordonne at Pierrefeu du Var, in the heart of the Côtes de Provence AOC, almost 30 wine-growers and 4 of the larg-est restaurants in the vicinity invite the general public to a 6-kilometre gastronomic walk be-tween vines and woodland. 5 culinary breaks and entertainment along the way.www.terroir-pierrefeu.fr

and also Picnic with the independent Wine-growers of Var & Bouches du Rhône: From 23rd to 25th May 2015, the Federations from all over France come together to organise a picnic at the properties of the Independent Wine-growers.http://pique-nique.vigneron-independant.com "Nuit des Vignades Côtes de Provence": On 17th July 2015 at Hyères, 60 wine growers will present and give tastings of their Côtes de Provence appellation wines. www.maison-des-vins.fr Art & Wine: From June to September each year, the Independent Wine-growers of the Var region play host to artists. The domains and Châteaux of the Var are metamorphosed into temporary art galleries just for thethe summer. Sculpture, paintings and other works rub shoulders with the wine cellars, storehouses and vines of Provence! www.art-et-vin.net

"Rallye de la sainte-Victoire" (Bouches du Rhône): The annual rally of the Wine-growers of Sainte-Victoire offers the opportunity to share the secrets of a great appellation with friends and family. Each team in turn travels round the vine-yards to discover the wine-themed entertain-ment on offer.www.vins-sainte-victoire.com

roussillon the "Fête des vendanges" in Banyuls: From 8th to 11th October 2015, as every year, the wine-growers of the Banyuls-Collioure Cru celebrate grape harvest. Banyuls, a vin doux naturel (sweet wine), local produce and tra-dition all come together to mark this special occasion. At the end of the day, traditional Catalan boats land on the central beach to bring ashore the "comportes" (harvesting contain-ers) filled with grapes.www.banyuls-sur-mer.com

and also "Les Amorioles" in Maury: On 24th May 2015, set off for a gastronomic walk through the Maury terroir with the wine growers of the appellation.http://maury-village.com

savoiegastronomic walk: In July, a gathering in the Savoie vineyards brings together hun-dreds of locals and tourists for awalk through the vines, interspersed with gastronomic surprises, musical and cultural entertainment highlightings of the region, local produce and the work of the wine-growners.

the Blessing of the Wine during the "Fête des Vendanges" (Banyuls)

Gastronomic walk in the vines

Provençal picnic

diaryfor 2015


sud-ouesT Wine festival in gaillac: From 1st to 2nd Au-gust 2015, as every year, visitors come and share a weekend in the stunning park of the Château de Foucaud, in Gaillac in the Tarn region. An aperitif in the shade of the park's one-hundred-year-old trees, a peace-ful lunch in the sunshine, an afternoon interspersed with musical airs from near and far, a friendly aperitif-concert, and more…www.vins-gaillac.com

and also "Lot of saveurs" in Cahors: At the start of July, "Lot Of Saveurs" stands for the delicious indulgence and conviviality which is so typical of the tradi-tional French meal. For three days, eat, cook and have fun! http://lotofsaveurs.fr/

val de loirevines, Wines and Walks: On 5th and 6th September 2015, around fifteen walks are organised through the vineyards in the Val de Loire to explore the countryside and its vines from Muscadet to Touraine in the company of wine growers. The walks are interspersed with short gastronomic breaks to enjoy the landscapes listed by UNESCO. The circuits are also enlivened by numerous musical, ar-tistic and educational entertainments every-one can enjoy. www.vignesvinsrandos.fr

and also FiAAC in Pouilly sur Loire in the Pouilly Fumé region: from 30th April to 3rd May 2015, the wine-growers of the FIAAC in the Pouilly Fumé region transform their wine storehouses into ephemeral art galleries. They invite art-loving customers to come and discover the works of the artist they have chosen to "support". They also present their various vintages to their visitors.www.lesrdvdupf.org

Vitiloire 2015: On 30th and 31st May 2015, come along to VITILOIRE when Tours celebrates the wines of the Val de Loire for its 13th edition of the festival! During this spring weekend, 150 wine growers and 10 famous chefs offer you a demon-stration of the art of living Tours-style.http://vitiloire.tours.fr/

"Les Caves etonnantes" in the Nantes vineyards: From June to October, "Les Caves étonNantes" is a very special programme full of exciting events to discover an exceptional heritage and know-how! Around fifteen wine growing partners have concocted this colourful programme: tastings with commentary, wine and food pairings, gas-tronomic walks in the vines and grape harvesting are all on the agenda.www.levignobledenantes-tourisme.com

Nocturnal tasting at the Château de Chenonceau: On 18th July 2015 don't miss this "Tasting under the stars" organised in the fairytale setting of the Château de Chenonceau. Come along as dusk falls and taste wines of the Touraine AOC during the summer Night Walk at the Château...In the illuminated gardens, among others you will meet the wine-growers of the new AOC Touraine-Chenonceaux. http://vintourainechenonceaux.fr Vines, Wines & Walks in saumur-Champigny (Val de Loire)

inauguration of the Wine Festival in Gaillac

diaryfor 2015


vallée du rhône the "Fascinant Week-end "vignobles & dé-couvertes": For savy wine-lovers, fans of cul-ture and heritage, contemplatives seeking fresh air, or family tribes with a passion for fun activities…All those on the look-out for a good deal will be won over by this fasci-nating weekend at the "Vignobles & Décou-vertes" destinations in Rhône-Alpes. www.fascinant-weekend.fr/#!accueil

and also "Les Vignes toquées": On 9th and 10th May 2015, as every year, the wine growers of the Costières de Nîmes AOC organise their gastronomic walk through the vines, in partnership with one of the region's Michelin-starred chefs. Walkers are guided along the paths to enjoy 6 tasting breaks. www.costieres-nimes.org

Nîmes toquées: In November 2015, an unusual walk is being organised in the town of Nîmes. On the agenda: 6 gastronomic breaks prepared by some of the great names in local cuisine, surrounded by the emblematic monuments of the Gard town. www.costieres-nimes.org

the pop-up wine bar: Each summer during the three weeks of the Avignon theatre festival, the Côtes du Rhône and the Côtes du Rhône Villages take centre stage in a pop-up wine bar from 7 pm to 11pm every evening. 2015 programme under way. For information on the 2014 programme:www.vins-rhone.com the pop-up wine bar (avignon)

Vineyards of the Villages sablet AOC (côtes du rhône)

deToursVineyards

detours inthe French vineyards

Alsace • Armagnac & Floc de Gascogne • Beaujolais - Bergerac • Bordeaux • Bourgogne • Champagne • Cognac & Pineau des Charentes • Corse • Jura • Languedoc • Provence •

Roussillon • Savoie • Sud-Ouest • Val de Loire • Vallée du Rhône


Maison Rémy-Martin (cognac)

With the many soil types, the vineyards of Alsace are the ideal place to grow many different varieties of grapes. They produce an incomparable range of wines, rich in fla-vours, from the driest and lightest to the richest and most full-bodied. This diversity means there is an Alsace wine to suit every occasion. Come and discover its landscapes, fortified castles and half-timbered houses as you follow the Alsace Wine Route from north to south.

5 reasons To visiT

travel the alsace Wine route. The Alsace Wine Route runs over 170 km along the foot-hills of the Vosges, right through the entire vineyard.

cycle on the vineyard cycle route. It is signposted with its own special logo and follows in part the "Euro Vélo 5" route linking Marlenheim to Thann.

Wander along the vineyard footpaths. The vineyard foot-paths and discovery routes are dotted with numerous information panels explaining the work of the wine growers and the art of wine-making in Alsace.

meet the wine growers in person. In their wine cellars you will discover their work and their passion. Par-ticipate in wine tasting sessions with commentaries or wine-themed evenings organised throughout the year.

discover an exceptional historical, architectural and na-turel heritage. All along the Alsace Wine Route come and discover the narrow streets adorned with flowers and the half-timbered houses in medieval villages, Roman-esque and Gothic churches and authentic castles.


alsace

deToursVineyards

15,500 hectares of vines.

150 bottles produced every year.

53 AOCs (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée).

119 wine producing villages.

170 kilometres of Alsace Wine Route.

2 destinations with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label: "Cœur d’Alsace" (The heart of Alsace); "Terre et vins au pays de Colmar" (The land and wines of Colmar).

CONSEIL INTERPROFESSIONNEL DES VINS D'ALSACEAurélia KUHN Anne [email protected] [email protected].: +33 (0)3 89 20 16 20

www.VinsAlsace.com

COMITé RéGIONAL DU TOURISME MIDI-PYRéNéESSandrine SOULERY [email protected].: +33 (0)5 61 13 55 20

www.tourisme-midi-pyrenees.com

deToursVineyards


armagnacArmagnac is produced by distilling white wine in a small traditional still. It is through its contact with the oak barrels during the long years it lies maturing that it develops its fragrance and takes on its amber colour. It is produced in accordance with AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) rules in place since 1936, as have the three terroirs where the vines are grown: Bas-Armagnac, Armagnac-Ténarèze and Haut-Armagnac.

700years of history: the first record of Armagnac usedates back to 1310.

6 million bottles of Armagnac drunk by consumers from more than 130 countries worldwide every year.

120 wine producers in the “Esca-pade en Armagnac” network. 5 reasons To visiT

1,700 years of history in Armagnac.

The magical Gascon welcome.

The breathtaking scenery.

The local gastronomy of world renown.

And many more things that can’t be experienced anywhere else!

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Pronounced with many different accents, in all latitudes and in all four corners of the planet, the Beaujolais name is known throughout the world.Its notoriety comes from its wine: the Beaujo-lais Nouveau of course, but also the ten oth-er types of Beaujolais and Beaujolais Villages.Wine growers, wine producers, craftsmen and innkeepers will gladly open their doors so you may enjoy a relaxing time full of discov-ery, encounters and celebration.

Beaujolais

5 reasons To visiT

Beaujolais is the vineyard of the town of Lyon = 30 minutes from Lyon town centre.

Leave the all-too-many pre-conceived ideas behind and discover authentic vineyards that are full of surprises.

Amongst the finest vineyards in the world with their many hillsides (also known as "heroic" vineyards due to the difficult working conditions) and their rich heritage.

A warm and charming welcome.

The excellent value for money of our wines.

INTER BEAUJOLAISMélina CONDY [email protected].: +33 (0)4 74 02 22 16

www.beaujolais.com

140 kilometres for the Beaujolais Wine Route.

10 Crus: Brouilly, Chiroubles, Côte de Brouilly, Fleurie, Juliénas, Morgon, Moulin à Vent, Régnié, Saint-Amour, Chenas.

150 wine-producing châteaux to be visited.

1 destination with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label: Le Beaujolais des Pierres Dorées.

BergeracThe proud city of Bergerac, on the banks of the Dor-dogne river, has a wonderful old town centre. The lit-tle streets and squares hold many surprises. There is every chance you will come face to face with Cyrano!

Around Bergerac there are vineyards as far as the eye can see, magnificent châteaux and remarkably well-preserved medieval country houses. Welcome to the Bergerac region, where there is a certain pa-nache to its way of life.

About the vines… You will find an abundance of sen-sory adventures and a wide variety of wine production with 5 colours and 13 AOCs. There really is a lot to see! Monbazillac, Pécharmant, Saussignac, Montravel. Robust red wines, fruity rosé wines, dry white wines and sweet wines… Each wine tasting experience has its own flavours and fragrances, directed by wine growers passionate about what they do. Then let yourself be tempted by a stroll through the vines, a visit to the cool storehouse and even a bite to eat accompanied by a nice bottle!

5 reasons To visiT

The ancient buildings: a remarkably well-pre-served historical heritage.

The love of good food: the Art of Good Living is practically a philosophy here!

The great outdoors: there is so much to do: mountain biking, hiking, cycling, canoeing, horse-riding!

Take your mind off things: the ideal destination to take some time out.

The easy access: an airport with destinations across Europe, the local train linking to the TGV high-speed train, the A89 motorway only 15 minutes away from Bergerac.

2nd

largest vineyard in the Aquitaine region with 11,000 hectares divided between the two banks of the Dordogne river.

13Appellations d’Origine Contrôlée (Pécharmant,Monbazillac, Montravel, etc.).

900wine growers and 150 wine traders.


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BERGERAC TOURIST OFFICE - SUD DORDOGNEMarie Cécile [email protected] Tel.: +33 (0)5 53 57 03 11

www.bergerac-tourisme.com


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From the Pyrenees, where the source of the Garonne river is found, to the Atlantic coast into which the Gi-ronde estuary flows, the waters help to shape the Bor-deaux vineyards. Over the centuries, alluvial deposits and Garonne gravel have enriched the soil and subsoil of the Bordeaux region to make it the exceptional terroir it is today, producing the likes of Blaye, Margaux, Pauillac, Pessac-Léognan, Saint-Emilion, Saint-Estèphe, Saint-Ju-lien, Sauternes to name but a few. These terroirs are not to be missed when travelling the Bordeaux Wine Route. But let's not forget the other less-known but no less in-teresting wines from the Aquitaine region such as Duras, Bergerac, Tursan, Armagnac, Jurançons and Irouléguy in the foothills of the Pyrenees.

Bordeaux

5 reasons To visiT

Popular wines of world renown: Médoc, Saint Emil-ion, Sauternes, etc.

Many sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites: Bordeaux, Saint-Emilion and its landscape, the stages of the Pilgrimage Route of Santiago de Com-postela, the Lascaux Caves in Dordogne and more.

High quality gastronomy: foie gras from the Landes region, oysters from the Bay of Arcachon, Agens prunes, Périgord walnuts, dishes with Piment d’Espelette - chili peppers peppers in the Basque Country.

250 km of white sandy coasts along the Atlantic Ocean, the Great Dune of Pyla overlooking the Bay of Arcachon and famous seaside resorts ideal for holidays with family and friends: Biarritz, Arcachon, Biscarrosse, Lacanau.

Warm and sunny weather all year long.

150,000 hectares. The largest area of vineyards in France.

no.1French region in terms of the number of Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC). 77 appella-tions in Aquitaine, 60 in Bordeaux.

1billion bottles produced annually (8.6 million hectolitres).

5billion Euros turnover annually.

COMITé RéGIONAL DU TOURISME D’AQUITAINEYasmine-Delia GREIFENSTEINyasmine.delia.greifenstein @tourisme-aquitaine.frTel.: +33 (0)5 56 01 73 91

www.tourisme-aquitaine.fr


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BourgogneIn Bourgogne, wine has a place of honour and is enjoyed in the company of others.In 2014, over 500 wine tourism professionals (accommodation, restaurants, wine cellars, cultural and heritage sites, leisure activities, outdoor activities, events) from six regions were awarded the "Vignobles et Découvertes" quality label, guaranteeing a high quality welcome to tourists. The holders, particularly knowledgeable when it comes to everything wine related, are eager to pass-on their knowledge, are very authentic and have a genuine interest in the natural, cultural and human heritage.

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Because Bourgogne counts no less than 33 Grands Crus.

Because the most prestigious wine in the world, the Romanée Conti, comes from Bourgogne.

Because the Wine Routes of Bourgogne can be explored by car, by bike, on foot, via the canals, by motorbike or even on horse-back.

Because the "climats" of the Bourgogne vineyards are candidates for inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage list .

Because in Bourgogne, every season 16 Chapitres are celebrated by the famous Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin at the Château du Clos de Vougeot.

BOURGOGNE TOURISMEChristine Mü[email protected].: +33 (0)3 80 280 299

www.bourgogne-tourisme.com

6great production regions: Chablis andGrand Auxerrois; Côte de Nuits and Hautes Côtes de Nuits; côtes de Beaune and Hautes Côtes de Beaune; Côte chalonnaise; Mâconnais; Pouilly.

4,000 wine growing estates.

250kilometres of vines waiting to be tasted.

100 AOCs including 33 Grands Crus - 200 million bottles produced a year.


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A single word to refer to both a region and the wine it produces. Champagne is not Champagne if it doesn't come from the Champagne region. Come and discover the secret of the intimate un-ion between Champagne and its region. Come and visit the vineyards and the places where the world's most prestigious wines are produced. Follow the Champagne Tourist Route! It offers those who love the countryside, heritage and terroir over 600 kilometres of sign-posted road itin-eraries through the vineyards. It provides an op-portunity to meet the wine growers and Cham-pagne houses, who will be only too pleased to welcome you and share with you their passion and know-how.

champagne

5 reasons To visiT

Less than an hour away from Paris, the vine-yards of Champagne can be reached by car, TGV high-speed train and plane.

Get your taste buds tingling with refined gastronomy: Pink "Biscuits roses de Reims", Chaource cheese, pork andouillettes… and of course, Champagne!

The rich heritage of the Champagne region: Troyes and the Cité du Vitrail (City of stained glass), Reims, the city where the kings of France were crowned, as well as 6 sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Sites of exceptional natural beauty with the Great Lakes and the Regional Nature Parks.

The Champagne Tourist Route.

350 million bottles producedevery year. 1 bottle opened somewhere in the world every 2 seconds.

3main varieties of grapes: Pinot Noir for the aromas of red fruit and the full bodied flavour, Meunier forroundness and Chardonnay which allows the wine to age well.

7 destinations with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Bar, Massif de Saint-Thierry/ Vallée de l’Ardre, Vallée de la Marne, Coteaux Sud d’Epernay/ Côte des Blancs, Coteaux de Vitry.

COMITé DéPARTEMENTAL DU TOURISME DE LA MARNECélia DAHAN [email protected].: +33 (0)3 26 69 51 06

CHAMPAGNE-ARDENNE TOURISMEGuillaume [email protected] COMITé DéPARTEMENTAL DU TOURISME DE L'AUBELaetitia [email protected]


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cognacCovering almost 80,000 hectares, the Cognac vine-yards are the biggest white grape vineyards in Eu-rope. The region includes almost all of the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments, covering over one million hectares. The Cognac region has 6 Crus, each being the ex-pression of a different soil, area and landscape.Cognac is produced by blending eau-de-vie of differ-ent Crus and ages. This step requires an exceptional "nose", memory and subtlety. Blending is entrusted to the Maître de Chai (Cellar Master) who will mar-ry the eau-de-vie, balancing the combinations and harmonising the flavours to create not just Cognac, but one UNIQUE Cognac.

5 reasons To visiT

The festive season at the distilleries:From Decem-ber to February, the distillers invite the public into their distilleries shrouded in a pleasant warmth.

The great houses of Cognac such as Baron Otard, Camus, Courvoisier, Hennessy, Martell, Meukow, Rémy-Martin.

Discover the town of Cognac, a town which has been awarded the "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" quality label, and the birthplace of François 1st, the town where it all began.

Discover Saintes, which also holds the "Ville d'Art et d'Histoire" quality label, the relics of its Gallo-Roman past and its Romanesque architecture.

A navigable river which flows through the vineyard to the ocean.

79,000hectares split into 6 Crus: Grande Champagne – Petite Champagne – Borderie – Fins Bois – Bons Bois - Bois Ordinaires.

155.6million bottles exported in 2013/14 (or 97.5% of produc-tion) for 2.1 billion Euros in turnover.The biggest market remains the USA, followed by Asia and the United Kingdom.

5,000wine-growers and 50,000 people work in the Cognac industry.

CHARENTE TOURISMEFrédérique BRUNEAU [email protected]

www.lacharente.com


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Corsican wine growers are the heirs to wine-making skills dating back to antiquity - six centuries BC the Greeks were already crazy about the wine from Alalia (Aleria). Over the last few years the wine-growers have been able to develop a "quality" approach to their wine-making. The development of native noble varieties of grape is "a real bastion against uniformity in a world where the tendency to concentrate on just a few types of vine is widespread". This, combined with the great diversity of the terroirs and perfect mastery of new tech-nologies has ensured the originality of their wines has come to the fore.A unique Corsican style is born, fashioned by this beautiful sun-drenched and windswept mountainous island. With its fine, powerful reds with their great ageing potential, dis-tinctive rosés, legendary Muscats and superb white wines that are amongst the best Mediterranean wines, Corse fully deserves its place in the family of great wines.

corse

3 reasons To visiT

Charming accommodation in the vineyards that are true havens of peace.

Mediterranean vineyards with lots of originality and the only island vineyards in France.

Great wines are born out of warmth and mildness… Corse holds the record for being the sunniest place in France.

3rd largest wine-producing island in the Mediterranean behind Sicily and Sardinia.

104private wine cellars (wine makers), 4 co-operative wine cellars, 160 grape suppliers (wine growers).

370,000 hectolitres produced in 2013.

9 AOCs, including one for vins doux naturels (sweet wines),the Muscat du Cap Corse.

2,885 hours of sunshine per year – the highest in France.

AGENCE DU TOURISME DE LA CORSEDenise [email protected].: +33 (0)4 95 51 77 91

www.visit-corsica.com

JURA TOURISMEMariette [email protected].: +33 (0)3 84 87 08 72

www.jura-tourism.com

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juraSwitch on your GPS (Gastronomic Positioning Sys-tem) and travel the Jura vineyards from Salins-les-Bains to Saint-Amour. With its wine-producing vil-lages and characterful small Franche-Comté towns, its plains and hillsides, as well as encounters with its wine-makers in the 135 wine-producing estates open all year round, Jura is a favourite destination for gour-mets and nature lovers! The "epicurious" are also in for a treat with the star produce of the region, "Vin Jaune" and "Vin de Paille". Jura wines constitute the widest range a vineyard can offer and are the perfect accompaniment for other local produce such as the famous Morbier and Comté cheeses or Bresse poultry.

2,000hectares of vineyards (the smallest area of vineyards in France).

7AOCs including 4 geographi-cal AOCs (Arbois, Château Chalon, l’Etoile and Côtes duJura) and 3 AOC produce: Macvin du Jura, Crémant duJura and Marc du Jura.

150vineyard professionals (restau-rant owners, hotels and inns, tourist offices, wine makers, etc.) with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label.

5 reasons To visiT

7 AOC Jura wines and 4 Michelin-starred chefs.

An offering with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label.

A rich and lively heritage waiting to be discov-ered (events and activities throughout the year, traditions, folklore, grape picking, and more).

Villages full of character, two of which (Baume-les-Messieurs and Château-Chalon) have been awarded the title of "Plus Beaux Villages de France" (most beautiful villages in France).

Exceptional, even exotic, landscapes (waterfalls, remote areas right in the heart of the vineyards) changing with the seasons.

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In the 240,000 hectares over which the 18 Languedoc appellations are produced, no one wine resembles another. There has only been one common factor since antiquity: the Mediterranean sea. This is the reason for the mild, clear winters, the russet of the hot, dry summers, the fragrances of the gar-rigue and the sea spray carried by the winds. From Nîmes to the borders of the Aude de-partment, from Montpellier to Carcassonne, prepare yourself for fascinating experiences in the Pays d’Oc region.

languedoc

5 reasons To visiT

Lots of wine-producing estates just wait-ing to be discovered.

Quality wines.

The near omnipresent sunshine!

A warm welcome attentive to your needs.

Quality accommodation in an intimate and very special setting.

no.1

wine-producing region in the world.

240,000 hectares of vineyards.

25,000 wine-makers and 2,500 private wine cellars.

2destinations with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label: La Narbonnaise en Méditer-ranée and Pays de Thau.

SUD DE FRANCE DéVELOPPEMENTMélanie BOISSET [email protected] GéRARD [email protected].: +33 (0)4 67 200 220

www.destinationsuddefrance.com

CONSEIL INTERPROFESSIONNEL DES VINS DE PROVENCEDelphine [email protected].: +33 (0)4 94 99 50 27

www.vinsdeprovence.comwww.routedesvinsdeprovence.com

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provenceProvence, that generous, luminous, welcoming land of contrasts, is home to wine growers who bear the stamp of their terroir, and whose wines reflect this. Hence, the best way for you to discover Pro-vence wines is to visit the region's many wine cel-lars and soak up some of this culture. Come and dis-cover famous and less well-known wines, chat to the Provençal wine-makers and learn the secrets they will be only too happy to share with you.

26,000hectares covering 3 departments (Var, Bouches du Rhône and Alpes-Maritimes).

1,195,000hectolitres produced, giving over 160 million bottles.

35%

of the production of AOC rosé wines in France. Provence, the leader in France.

5.6%

of the rosé wines worldwide are produced in Provence.

2destinations with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label: Pays d’Aix Sud Luberon and Provence Verte.

5 reasons To visiT

Travel the Provence Wine Route: from the gates of Nice to the Camargue, the Provence Wine Route includes almost 430 wine-growers and co-operative wine cellars all working to provide a high-quality welcome offering visitors a personalised tasting of their wines with a commentary.

From mansions in Aix-en-Provence, Montagne Sainte-Victoire and its artist, Cézanne, to the Roman am-phitheatre in Fréjus… The Wine Route is a fabulous voyage through the heart of Provence.

Tastings with commentary, visits of wine cellars and storehouses, walks through the vines, bed and breakfast or self- catering accommodation as well as home-cooked meals.

Coastal sites, famous tourist towns, hill-top villages, places steeped in history.

Imagine… you have just bought olive oil and tap-enade at a little oldy-worldy market… all you need to do now is to savour them with a nice bottle of wine, the cloudless blue skies overhead and crickets singing in the background. Provence, a temple to the art of living.

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COMITé DéPARTEMENTAL DU TOURISME DES PYRéNéES-ORIENTALESFrance [email protected].: +33 (0)4 68 51 52 65

www.tourisme-pyreneesorientales.com

roussillonThe Côtes du Roussillon wines come from a region of blazing ochre soil with ancient roots from which they draw their richness in every nuance of red, rosé and white. At the heart of the valleys of the Eastern Pyrenees there are three Wine Routes run-ning through the vineyards eager to show you the extraordinary diversity of the wines and terroirs of the Roussillon region: the "Vallée de l’Agly", the "Vallée de la Têt" and the "Aspres, Albères, Côte Vermeille" Wine Routes.

13AOCs, from 15 different grape varieties; the Côtes du Roussillon Les Aspres appellation, created in 2003, are red wines and re-quire maturing for at least twelve months.

118municipalities in the EasternPyrenees covering 5,830 hectares.

23Catalan wine merchants who have grouped together to organise visits of wine-producing estates and tastings.www.cavistes-catalans.com

1destination with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label: "Per-pignan Méditerranée Rivesaltes".

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The Mediterranean with its long beaches of fine sand, intimate rocky inlets, animated fishing ports and marinas.

The Pyrenees… A remarkably well-preserved environment where winter skiing gives way to the peaceful joys of hiking or trout fishing in the summer months.

Terroirs with varied scenery… Here and there, the landscape alternates between vines, olive trees, orchards and wonderful gardens.

The cultural heritage is like a vast open-air museum: medieval castles, abbeys, churches and priories… Romanesque art, Baroque art, Gothic art, in brief a land steeped in history.

Perpignan… A town drenched in sunlight, glowing with the colours of the South.


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3 AOCs (representing 21 Crus and twenty or so varieties of grape).

2,000 hectares of vineyards.

112 visits and cultural sites open to the public.

2destinations with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label: Cœur de Savoie; Savoie lac du Bourget.

SAVOIE MONT-BLANC TOURISMECorinne [email protected].: +33 (0)4 79 85 92 16

www.savoie-mont-blanc.com

savoie monT Blanc

The landscapes of the Savoie region, at the heart of the Alps, are universally renowned for their beauty. Summer and winter alike, they welcome nature lovers and sports fans, who, be-tween two hikes or two ski slopes, are able to discover another of the region's treasures, the Savoie wines. A Wine Route with three itineraries in spectacular and contrasting landscapes is punctuated by wine-growing estates and wine cellars that can be visited… and of course wines that can be tasted.

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nature that is not only spectacular, but also accessible and unspoilt. A land of lakes and mountains to which people flock to admire the Mont Blanc, Lake Annecy or Lake Bourget.

local produce and gastronomy. Here, the cheeses need no introduction. Wine and cheese complement each other perfectly, whether it be in a wine cellar, a high mountain pasture or at one of the 36 Michelin-starred restaurants in the Savoie Mont Blanc region.

a region that lends itself to sports and fun activities. Throughout the year, the Savoie Mont Blanc region provides a fabulous playground for outdoor activities, for both beginners and experts alike.

the excellent welcome you will receive in the Savoie Mont Blanc region thanks to the quality of its accommo-dation, the many Tourist Offices and all the other profes-sionals who provide activities throughout the year.

proximity. Less than 3 hours from Paris on the TGV high-speed train, the Savoie Mont Blanc region ben-efits from a motorway network that makes it a close neighbour of the three major cities of Lyon, Geneva (Switzerland) and Turin (Italy).

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sud-ouesTFrom the edge of the Massif Central to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and all the way to the Pyrenees, the vine-yards of the Sud-Ouest region cover 12 departments.Stretching the length of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage routes and made up of thirty or so inter-nationally renowned appellations (Cahors, Gaillac, Fronton, Madiran Saint-Mont wines and Côtes de Gascogne, to name a few).

5 reasons To visiT

Easy access: 5 airports, 4 of them with inter-national destinations, 7 motorways, numerous international train lines (Toulouse/Barcelona: 3 hours away).

Famous and welcoming: 25 sites of world renown (Toulouse, Canal du Midi, Cahors, Albi, Lourdes, etc.).

Culturally rich: 170 museums, 200 festivals, 31 villages ranked among the most beautiful villages in France ("Plus beaux villages de France"), 33 monuments listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO, and more.

A love of gastronomy, the pillar of the regional identity: 120 certified local products, 26 Michelin-starred chefs such as Michel Bras who counts 3, refined produce like foie gras, Roquefort and the Quercy black truffle.

Many enjoyable activities in the countryside: 28,000 km of sign-posted footpaths such as the GR10 long-distance path that runs the length of the Pyrenees. The Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage Route, 300 km of waterways including the Canal du Midi, 23 ski resorts, 4 Nature Parks, 40 golf courses.

COMITé RéGIONAL DU TOURISME MIDI-PYRéNéESSandrine SOULERY [email protected].: +33 (0)5 61 13 55 20

www.tourisme-midi-pyrenees.com

4th

largest wine producing region in terms of turnover and volume with 3 million hectolitres of wine produced every year.

20%

of dry white wines (the Gers de-partment is the leading producer of white wine in France) - 80% of red and rosé wines.

5,000wine growers, 23 cooperatives.

15 AOC or AOP vineyards.

4destinations with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label: "Pays des Bastides" (fortified towns) and the Gaillac vineyard, Cahors-Mal-bec wines, Gascogne-Armagnac wines, "les bons crus d'Artagnan".

85 AOCs (Appellations d’Origine Contrôlées).

no.1producer of white AOC wines.

no.1AOC region for sparkling wines (outside Champagne).

8 destinations with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label.

COMITé RéGIONAL DU TOURISME CENTRE - VAL DE LOIRESebastian [email protected].: +33 (0)2 38 79 95 00

INTERLOIRE Antoine WAë[email protected].: +33 (0)2 47 60 55 31

AGENCE RéGIONALE DES PAYS DE LA LOIREVirginie [email protected].: +33 (0)2 40 89 89 87

BUREAU DES VINS DU [email protected].: +33 (0)2 48 78 51 07

www.valdeloire-france.com

Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 2000 for its scenery and châteaux, the Val de Loire cultivates the art of living. Its royal river links the Val de Loire vineyards spreading from Sancerre to the Atlantic. Whether you are looking for wine cellars, châteaux, inns, gastronomic res-taurants, gardens or picturesque villages, the many tour-ist routes invite you to discover the treasures of this great wine-growing region.

val de loire

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Wines and châteaux:The Val de Loire invites you to travel to the heart of French History where great wines will amaze you with their diversity and authenticity.

Wine and cycling: Over 800 km of cycling routes along the Loire river: “La Loire à Vélo” is a unique sign-posted trail in Val de Loire where you can cycle in complete safety.

Wine and loire: The backbone of the vineyards, the Loire is listed as a World Heritage site and has been shaped by man for over a thousand years. The vines and wine are the living reflection of this.

Wine and gastronomy: The wines from the Val de Loire are the perfect companions for a wide variety of dishes, from local goats’ cheese (Ste Maure, Selles sur Cher, Valençay and Chavignol) to fish from the river, as well as seafood and, seafood and exotic dishes.

Wine and towns: Nantes, Angers, Saumur, Tours and Sancerre are each home to a Maison des Vins. Each year, they welcome tens of thousands of visitors who simply need to follow the trail of the wines they like.


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INTER-RHôNELaure [email protected].: +33 (0)4 90 27 23 15

www.vins-rhone.com

vallée du rhôneAuthentic, secretive, festive and contrasting: the Vallée du Rhône vineyards are definitely varied. It is the second largest wine-growing region in France and should be sampled and experienced to unearth its unexpected treasures. Along its 13 Wine Routes, wine-producing estates, undulating footpaths, and historic villages follow on one after the other. Only a few hours from Paris, experience the legendary holiday route of the French, under the blue skies and bright sunshine of southern France.

2ndlargest region of AOC vine-yards in France, both in size and volume of wine produced.

450wine tasting cellars along the Wine Routes.

400million bottles sold per year to over 160 countries.

7destinations with the "Vignobles & Découvertes" quality label.

5 reasons To visiT

Visit Avignon, capital of the Côtes du Rhône wine region.

Travel the Wine Routes by car, on foot, on horseback... or in the skies!

Participate in one of the 300 wine-related events.

Succumb to the local delicacies. The region is not only known for its wines, it also produces many other products (olives and olive oil, truf-fles, fruits, goat cheeses, etc.).

Arouse your curiosity and visit the many dif-ferent sites and monuments in the heart of the vineyards (e.g. Palais des Papes, Pont du Gard, Grotte Ornée du Pont d'Arc, and more).

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Press Kit – Wine tourism in France – Atout France – 2015.

Photo credits / Cover: Getty Images / Contents: Inter Beaujolais - Istock - Atout France/Olivier Roux / Reports and cross-con-tent topics: p.2: 123RF - p.3: CDCHS/V. Sabadel - p.4: S. Millot/Coll. CDT Marne - p.4: Charente Tourisme/S. Laval - p.5: Alain Doire/Bourgogne Tourisme - p.6: Marie-Cécile Grasseau - p.6: JD Billaud/Nautilus - p.7: Michel Joly - p.10: Le Clos des Terres Soudées - p.11: Julie Rey - p.11: CRTA/Les sources de Caudalie - p.11: Michel Redde - p.13: Jean-Pierre Lamarque/Sté DE MOUR - p.13: C.Manquillet/Coll. CDT Marne - p.13: Inter Beaujolais - p.13: Julien Salaud - New for 2015: p.14: Cité des Civilisations du Vin/XTU - p.16: S. Millot/Coll.CDT Marne - p.16: Hôtel Vertigo - p.17: Paul Palau - p.17: Martell/S. Laval - p.18: De Vinis Illustribus - p.19: Château des Comtes de Challes/Florian Trèves - p.19: C-Mouton - p.20: Istock - p.20: Interhône - p.21: Atout France/Olivier Roux – Agenda: p.22: Interhône - p.23: cc Molsheim - p.23: Château de Laubade - p.24: Château Ladesvignes - p.24: Alain Béguérie - p.25: Alain Doire-Bourgogne - p.25: Aline Aubert - p.26: Bertrand Picault/Jura Tourisme - p.26: Istock - p.27: Mairie de Banyuls - p.27: CCC Chautagne - p.28: I.V.S.O - p.28: Interloire Stevens Fremont - p.29: Jérôme Ubassy - p.29: Christophe Grilhé - Detours in the vineyards: p.30: Rémy Martin/S. Charbeau - p.31: Atout France/Franck Charel - p.32: Michel Carossio/Collection BNI Armagnac - p.33: Atout France/Olivier Roux - p.34: Joffrey Revoy - p.35: Atout France/Olivier Roux - p.36: Alain Doire/Bourgogne - p.37: Didier Guy - p.38: Charente-Tourisme - p.39: Sylvain Alessandri/ATC - p.40: Stéphane Godin / Jura Tourisme - p.41: Paul Palau - p.42: CRT PACA - p.43: CIVR Banyuls Vignes - p.44: Savoie Mont Blanc Craih - p.45: CRT-Midi-Pyrénées/Dominique Viet - p.46: J.S Evrard - p.47: Christophe Grilhé.

Press kit Wine tourism in France Articles 6 PRess kit - Wine tourism If you like wine and would like to acquire an insight or if you wish to enhance your knowledge to bet-ter appreciate

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