Côtes du Rhône, Ventoux, Luberon… flick the switch to slow tourism for the day or a weekend as you visit three estates devoted to organic wine. Come and meet the enthusiastic men and women who tend to the grapes in each of these hand-picked destinations as you soak up vineyard life in the Vaucluse. There is an oasis of calm in Côtes du Rhone with breath-taking views over the small chain of mountains known as the Dentelles de Montmirail and the Vaucluse plain below... It's in this staggering setting that Domaine de la Ferme Saint-Martin invites you to step into the shoes of an oenologist on a w ..read more

Who has never dreamed of waking up surrounded by unspoiled countryside with awesome views over famous vineyards? Many of the wineries in the Rhône Valley offer idyllic accommodation packages on their property. Here are three you simply shouldn’t miss in the Vaucluse. The Vaucluse produces nearly half of all the wine made in the Rhône Valley, and it’s home to three major AOCs: Côtes du Rhône (with its villages and wines), Luberon and Ventoux. Nothing beats escaping into the vineyards if you’re criss-crossing the region’s wine routes and discovering the distinctive characteristics of these appel ..read more

The Mâconnais white wines produced by Maison Auvigue from its home in southern Burgundy are its calling card, the apotheosis of the vineyard’s major appellations. This family-run business, which started life trading in wine, fell deeply in love with the terroir of Burgundy as it gradually made the move towards growing vines. Four generations later, the estate now boasts 8 hectares stretching out over the land of the Pouilly-Fuissé appellation.   As pioneers of the plot-by-plot approach, members of the Auvigue family have always been deeply committed to retaining the authentic character of ..read more

The hinterland of south-west France is bursting with vineyards and handsome stone architecture lining the rivers that criss-cross Nouvelle-Aquitaine. We put the spotlight on seven delightful villages overflowing with fine wine and spirits. The first stop on our road trip are the shores of the Gironde estuary. With its ever-changing scenery of salt marshes, salt meadows and dead cliffs, Mortagne-sur-Gironde will tempt you to taste the good life. Pay a visit to the Château Beaulon, a listed monument, just 15 minutes south of the enchanting village and port. Take a stroll through the grounds of t ..read more

Nothing beats slowing right down so you can revel in the spellbinding charm of the vineyards of Cognac. Discover the region in “slow style” with a whole host of activities organised by Explore Cognac. As the headline act of the Charentes region, Cognac isn’t just a spirit with a world-famous reputation! Behind the name there’s also a town that’s officially known as a “City of Art and History”, a vineyard and a diverse heritage that is well worth the detour.   There are all sorts of ways you can set out to explore the riches that shape the world of Cognac. Soft-mobility experiences are mus ..read more

Domaine Jeannin-Naltet has been producing wine in Côte Châlonnaise since 1858. Blessed with extraordinary potential, the estate enjoys a unique status in the region’s vineyards. And for good reason! This family business is mainly classified as Mercurey Premier Cru, and it has the monopoly of the Clos des Grands Voyens climat, a crown jewel among the fields of vines.   The estate welcomes the general public for tours of the cellar by appointment and tastings in line with the opening hours - all with the aim of promoting this matchless terroir, which is enriched by a deep attachment to the ..read more

With its rich mosaic of vineyards, Burgundy never ceases to bowl over lovers of fine wine! The Sept Fontaines hotel can be found at the crossroads of Chalonnais and Mâconnais, where it is ideal for discovering the region. This four-star hotel complex in Tournus has chosen a place rich in history as its abode: in the 17th century it was home to a maison de charité or religious hospice. The immense building boasts well-preserved rooms with fulsome volumes from this far-flung past, where nowadays modern comforts rub shoulders with bourgeois luxury chic. Everything has been designed to create a se ..read more

Now that autumn’s here, Le Fascinant Week-end is back! As we’re in the middle of October, the time is right to showcase Provence’s vineyard destinations alongside its regional and local network with a thousand-and-one unusual things to do. The wineries dotted across the vineyards of Aix-en-Provence and Salon-de-Provence Terres de Provence play host to crowds of curious visitors during four days of celebrations, a time for meeting people and sharing.   And what’s on the agenda? Gastronomic and wine-themed excursions, music and wine events, meetings with local winegrowers, and wellness even ..read more

The O'61 and 0'23 Hautes-Côtes de Beaune gîtes, two wonderful vineyard houses, are just right for large groups or couples – and all a stone's throw from Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus! Everything has been designed to make you feel at home… but even better in this little patch of paradise! All that’s left is to lay down your hat and let yourself be swept off your feet by the cottage comforts, the peace and quiet of the surrounding vineyards and the numerous attractions in the locality.   And, so you don’t have to worry about any logistics, the host even offers meals. What’s on the menu ..read more

The Atlantic Loire Valley is a land of wine par excellence, boasting no fewer than 17 Loire Valley Wine Routes and ten or so bike itineraries through the vineyards for you to encounter the region’s winegrowers. In the Vallée du Loir, at the centre of a triangle connecting Le Mans, Saumur and Tours, a 16-km circuit will tempt you to pedal up and down the vineyards of Jasnières. Riding along the small rolling paths, this day out promises to be fascinating and fun in equal measure as you meet the local winegrowers and artisans whose passion energises the region.   Setting off from Nantes, a ..read more