Discover charming villages, scenic areas, and wine regions beyond the well-known tourist trails.
A Journey Through Charming Villages and Wine Regions in France
Discover France in a unique way by exploring some of its most enchanting corners. This journey takes you through picturesque villages, breathtaking landscapes, and some of the world's most renowned wine regions. From the idyllic Normandy coast to the heart of Bordeaux's vineyards and the majestic castles of the Loire Valley, this experience is full of culture, flavors, and history.
Honfleur: an idyllic start in Normandy
Your trip begins in Honfleur, one of Normandy’s most picturesque harbor towns. Stroll along the charming Vieux-Bassin harbor, surrounded by colorful facades and small restaurants serving fresh seafood. From Honfleur, you can easily take day trips to:
The dramatic cliffs of Étretat, offering spectacular views of the English Channel.
Omaha Beach, a historic site pivotal to the D-Day landings of World War II.
Camembert, where you can visit the museum dedicated to the iconic cheese and taste authentic, locally produced Camembert.
Vitré: a step back to the middle ages
Next, head to Vitré, a quaint town that feels like stepping into a fairytale. With cobblestone streets and an imposing castle, Vitré is a dream for history enthusiasts. While here, you can also:
Try a traditional galette, a savory buckwheat pancake that’s a regional specialty.
Visit the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel abbey, just a short drive away.
Explore the elegant Christian Dior Museum in Granville, celebrating the famous fashion designer.
Bordeaux: world-class wine and culture
Continue your journey to the vibrant city of Bordeaux, known as the wine capital of the world. Here, you can:
Visit the innovative wine museum La Cité du Vin, which blends history, art, and technology.
Wander through the charming old town and savor local delicacies at some of the city's top restaurants.
Relax by the Garonne River and soak in the city's elegant atmosphere.
Saint-Émilion: vineyards and relaxation
A short drive from Bordeaux takes you to Saint-Émilion, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. Here, you’ll stay at Château Latour Segur Suites & Spa, where luxury and history come together. Enjoy:
Wine tastings of world-class vintages directly from the estate.
Relaxation at the estate’s spa, with views of the beautiful vineyards.
Cycling through the rolling countryside or a guided tour of Saint-Émilion’s historic center.
Azay-le-Rideau: Loire valley magic
Heading north, make a stop in Azay-le-Rideau, in the heart of the Loire Valley, renowned for its spectacular castles. Visit the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, a Renaissance castle that appears to float on water. In the area, you can also:
Taste the white wines and local cheeses of the Loire Valley at a cozy winery.
Visit the historic village of Oradour-sur-Glane, a poignant World War II memorial.
Troyes: a colorful finish
End your journey in Troyes, a city with stunning medieval architecture and charming timber-framed houses. Here, you can:
Enjoy champagne tastings in the village of Montgueux, renowned for its high-quality sparkling wines.
Stroll through the colorful old town and discover local delicacies.
Relax at a champagne bar and reflect on the highlights of your trip.
Practical information
Transport: Fly to Paris and rent a car to enjoy this flexible journey. The roads are well-maintained and easy to navigate.
Pack your bags and set off on an unforgettable journey through France’s most charming corners – an experience you’ll treasure forever!
[@portabletext/react] Unknown block type "undefined", specify a component for it in the `components.types` prop
Get the best deals with our Price Match Guarantee and choose payment options that fit your needs. We accept all major payment methods for a safe and easy transaction.
Trusted by travellers worldwide
With over 30 years of experience, Sembo is part of the globally trusted Stena group. We’re recognized for our expertise and backed by industry-leading accreditations, especially in car travel.
Easy travel planning
Plan your trip quickly with our simple booking system. Use Amelia, our AI Trip Planner, to compare prices and find the best deals, with the security of our package protection plan.
Travel your way
Choose from a wide range of hotels, airlines, vacation rentals, and activities. Our platform offers flexibility and sustainable travel options, so you can travel how you like.