There’s a reason France is practically synonymous with wine. From sun-drenched Provençal hills to misty Loire Valley châteaux, the French wine lifestyle is about more than sipping Pinot, it’s a celebration of culture, terroir, and time-honoured tradition.
If you’re moving to France or planning a wine-fuelled journey, choosing where to go (or live!) can feel like trying to pick a favourite child. So we’ve uncorked a list of France’s 10 best wine regions, complete with tasting notes, lifestyle perks, and why each one might be your next home or holiday base.
Table of Contents
Bordeaux region
Welcome to royalty. Bordeaux is arguably the most iconic wine region in the world, producing legendary reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blends.
But beyond the big names, Bordeaux is a thriving city, loved by expats for its walkability, riverfront charm, and direct train to Paris in 2 hours.
Best for: Wine snobs (with love), elegant living, international connections. Don’t miss: Médoc, Saint-Émilion, and Graves wine routes.
Burgundy (Bourgogne)
If Bordeaux is bold, Burgundy is refined. This region is famed for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, grown in small family-run estates with centuries of heritage.
The area oozes charm, expect vine-covered villages, stone cottages, and slower rural living. Dijon and Beaune are particularly popular among retirees and foodies.
Best for: Lovers of nuance, food & wine pairing perfection, countryside life.
Champagne region
Yes, real Champagne only comes from Champagne. If bubbles are your beverage of choice, this is your holy land.
It’s not just about fizz, Reims and Épernay offer a high quality of life with access to Paris, and the surrounding villages are surprisingly affordable.
Best for: Celebrators, history buffs, and anyone who thinks Wednesday is a valid excuse for Champagne.
Alsace
Alsace combines French wine tradition with German influence, making for a crisp, aromatic white wine scene (hello, Gewürztraminer).
Colmar and Strasbourg look like they belong in a storybook, and property prices are more affordable than the national average.
Best for: White wine lovers, charming villages, cross-border explorers.
The Loire Valley
If castles and Sauvignon Blanc are your thing, Loire Valley is paradise. The region offers a huge diversity of wines, from zesty whites to delicate rosés and sparkling Crémant.
It’s also one of the best places to buy property in France, with lower prices and a strong expat presence.
Best for: Families, château-chasers, and nature lovers.
Provence & Rosé all day
Picture this: rolling lavender fields, hilltop villages, and a chilled glass of pale pink Provençal rosé in hand.
Provence isn’t just about summer sipping, it’s a lifestyle. The region offers Mediterranean sunshine, rich local markets, and a high-end expat community, especially near Aix-en-Provence and the Luberon.
Best for: Sunseekers, creatives, and lovers of long, lazy lunches.
The Rhône valley
Flowing from Lyon to Avignon, the Rhône Valley is famous for Syrah and Grenache reds, spicy, rich, and warming.
The southern Rhône (think Châteauneuf-du-Pape) is dotted with postcard-perfect villages, while the north is closer to vibrant cities like Lyon.
Best for: Red wine fans, adventurous eaters, and mountain-meets-vineyard vibes.
Languedoc-Roussillon: The best wine value in France
Once considered France’s “wine lake”, Languedoc is now one of the most dynamic regions, with biodynamic wines, modern estates, and stunning coastal landscapes.
Better yet? Property here is among the most affordable in France, making it a favourite among expats and retirees on a budget.
🔗 Explore more: Top 3 Most Affordable Regions in France for 2025
Best for: Budget-conscious wine lovers, sunshine chasers, and digital nomads.
Southwest France (Sud-Ouest)
Often overshadowed by Bordeaux, the Southwest delivers bold reds, sweet whites, and rustic country life at a slower pace.
Explore Cahors (Malbec’s ancestral home), Gaillac, or Jurançon for unique wines and a cost of living that’s hard to beat.
Best for: Off-the-beaten-path expats, wine adventurers, and lovers of tradition.
Corsica
Yes, France has an island wine region, and Corsica’s wines are as rugged and beautiful as its landscape.
Grown from indigenous grapes like Nielluccio and Sciaccarellu, the wines are earthy, fresh, and a little wild. Just like the island itself.
Best for: Nature lovers, expats seeking isolation, and bold palates.
Final pour: Which wine region is right for you?
Whether you dream of a vineyard view or just want better wine with dinner, France’s wine regions offer more than great bottles, they offer entire ways of life.
Each region brings its own blend of culture, climate, affordability, and community. Want help narrowing it down?
🔗 Take our “Where to Live in France” Quiz
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