As the cultural capital of the world and the largest country in Western Europe, France can boast a fantastic selection of food, scenery, and history, making your trip unforgettable wherever your destination may be.
From the bustling streets of Paris and the stunning views from the Eiffel Tower to the luxury retreats of the Cote d’Azur or the French Alps, there is so much to see and explore.
This romantic country boasts more than 250 types of cheese produced in more than 20 regions, with a long tradition of producing quality wine. Enjoy the rich cultural and historical offer in a fantastic selection of museums, including the Louvre (70% of all visitors to the Louvre want to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece – the Mona Lisa).
This country is a world tourist destination with around 89 million visitors each year flocking to the land of the Gauls to visit the country’s extraordinary sights.
The vast majority of them come for one thing only – the wine!
In order to fully experience what the country has to offer in terms of wine, you need to plan your trip at the right time of the year. Since we’re talking grapes, the fall seems like the best season to travel and fully experience the story behind its making.
At this time of the year, vineyards are bustling with activity, while at the same time there are no large numbers of tourists, traffic jams, and long lines in museums and restaurants. Again, if you want to see the true face of autumn in this beautiful country, the Champagne region should be on your priority list.
Recognize the name, don’t you?
Magical bubbles that tickle people’s palates are usually either liked or disliked. Under the influence of various sparkling wines that can be found on the market, which are often rather sweet or bitter and not even similar to real champagne, you can get the wrong impression of this royal drink that was served in Reims during the coronation ceremonies.
Although viticulture in this region began in the time of the Romans, who planted the first vineyards here around the 5th century, later in history, efforts were made to reach the red wines from Burgundy, but the climate and soil did not favor the same quality and fullness.
So, in case you haven’t considered visiting at this time of the year, here are all the reasons you should…
1. It’s the best excuse to have champagne for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Did you know that walking through Reims, you will come across a winery at every corner? Moreover, this magical beverage is drunk here instead of coffee, tea, juice, or wine. So, you take a walk towards Chocolate & Pastry workshop Reims in the morning, to have a morning glass of wine, and a delicious pastry for breakfast. A perfect start to the day.
2. Its history is all about the kings
Many would only think that this region is about the champagne, but what they do not know is that the kings of France were crowned in the capital of the region for so many centuries. During the ceremonies, it was only natural to drink locally produced wines, and what better than champagne? It was what made this beverage so famous and luxurious.
3. It’s near the capital
When traveling anywhere, you want to be located not far from the biggest attractions a country has to offer. This region is a perfect starting point for wine tours, but also a great one to take a tour and visit Paris. It’s just a short car ride away, and it would be a pity not to visit.
4. Take a walk down the most expensive street in the world
We are all familiar with how a single bottle of champagne can cost a fortune. Now, imagine why the most expensive street in the world is located right in this region. There’s a city, some call it the second capital of the region, which has an avenue safeguarding more than 200 million bottles of this drink beneath it. For this reason, it is called the most expensive street in the world.
5. Try out the food
Some may think that using this type of wine for cooking is a sin, but that only means you haven’t been to the region yet. Some gastronomical specialties cooked in this region would never be so tasty if it wasn’t for champagne. Here, you not only get to drink it but also eat it.
6. It’s UNESCO protected
Since we’re talking about history and culture, you won’t be surprised by the fact that most of the wine cellars in the area are under the protection of UNESCO. In a way, you are experiencing how the culture of winemaking has begun since some of these are very old and definitely authentic.
7. Learn how it’s made
The whole point of traveling to this region, at this time of the year, is not only to taste but also to take a sneak peek into how locals produce this valuable liquid. As you travel just when the grapes are ripe for the autumn sowing, you can witness a whole lot more than when you travel there in some other season.
And while you’re at it, make sure you visit at least a couple of castles. To complete the whole royal experience. Did you know that this country is home to thousands of castles? Some are like fortresses in medieval times, others were built as royal palaces, and many were the homes of the French nobility.
Today, these relics of its long history give us a glimpse into the past. These wonderful, opulent buildings with still opulent interiors and beautifully manicured grounds are sure to amaze any traveler.
