food and wine lover's france - overview

Hemingway once said, "Oh, to be young and in Paris." And while that’s certainly an appealing prospect, we say "Oh, to be hungry and in Burgundy, or Alsace, or Champagne," where food and wine replenish the spirit as much as the body.

Our journey starts in Dijon, once the seat of the powerful Burgundian Dukes. A city blessed with superb art and architecture, Dijon is best known as an Epicurean paradise, and you’ll eat well here whether you choose a Michelin-starred restaurant or a simple brasserie.

The Route des Grand Crus which winds for 25 miles between Dijon and Beaune is lined with some of the most highly esteemed wineries in the world. This is the legendary Cote d’Or, where Grands Crus such as Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, and Romanee-Conti are produced.

With its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and flower-filled courtyards, Alsace seems to have been plucked from the Black Forest. During its long history the region has been under German rule, as the crisp Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris produced here reveal.

Postcard perfect vineyard villages, cozy winstubes, and charming hotels make the Alsace Route des Vins a joy to explore. And Strasbourg, the cosmopolitan capital of the province, is an exciting cultural crossroads.

The capital of Lorraine, Nancy is one of the best cities for Art Nouveau in the world. Spend time enjoying its Belle Epoque splendor before driving to the Champagne region, where 80% of the world’s bubbly is produced.

Explore the ancient cellars -- and taste the wares -- of the fabled Champagne houses on the Route du Champagne including Moet et Chandon, Perrier-Jouet, Mumm, Piper-Hiedsieck, Veuve-Cliquot-Ponsardin, and Taittinger. And visit the magnificent Cathedral and museums of Reims before returning to Paris.

Burgundy

Strasbourg