Champagne, Alsace and the Rhone Valley
An illustrious region by any standards, Champagne fosters a prestigious name and the charisma to match. A patchwork of vineyards, villages and cities, Champagne quite literally sparkles. From cellar visits to Michelin-starred restaurants, of which there are many, days of indulgence are counter-balanced with forest hikes, lake sailing and 5000 kilometres of sign-posted footpaths. Alsace is a popular tourist region for the same reasons it produces the finest wines; dry days and long summers. Bordering Germany and flirting with Switzerland, influence is notably in the Riesling and Gewürztraminers, as well as the enchanted forests, fortified castles and medieval townships.