13 Dreamy French Towns That Wine Lovers Should Visit

Wine trips in France don’t always mean Bordeaux or Paris. The real magic often lives in the smaller, quieter towns where locals still press grapes by hand, and the vineyards spill into cobbled lanes. If wine is on the itinerary, these 15 small towns are worth veering off the main road for.

Riquewihr, Alsace

Vines creep right up to the edge of this village, and some tasting rooms sit just feet from the nearest grape rows. Here, riesling shows its range, from lean and mineral to rich and spicy. Houses date back to the 1500s, many with cellars underneath. You can cover the whole village on foot in under an hour.

Cahors, Lot

Before Argentina took over, Cahors was malbec’s kingdom. Known locally as côt, the grape here produces dark, tannic wines with black fruit and licorice notes. Cahors is also a visual standout. The Valentré Bridge spans the Lot River in three fortified arches. Tasting rooms like Château Eugénie pair scenic views with deep pours of red so bold they’re often dubbed “black wine."

Chinon, Indre-et-Loire

Unlike flashier Loire destinations, Chinon quietly excels at cabernet Franc. Earthy, peppery reds are the hallmark, though small batches of white and sparkling wine also exist. Its riverside location and views of the imposing medieval fortress give the town cinematic flair. Local vineyards like Domaine de Noiré make organic wines and host relaxed tastings. .

Clisson, Loire-Atlantique

When French sculptor François Lemot rebuilt Clisson in the 1800s, he gave it a Tuscan look with red tile roofs and Renaissance arcs. Muscadet thrives nearby, made from melon de Bourgogne grapes that yield bright, briny whites perfect with oysters. Domaine Brégeon is one stop that stands out for its clean, mineral-driven wines made using traditional methods.

Bergerac, Dordogne

Bergerac rarely draws the wine pilgrims who crowd nearby Bordeaux, which is a mistake. Its wines span sweet Monbazillac to structured Pécharmant reds, grown just outside town. The compact center has cobbled lanes and a central square, Place Pelissière, surrounded by local wine bars.

Eguisheim, Haut-Rhin

Eguisheim’s streets form concentric circles, a design that guides visitors past pastel homes, stork nests, and tasting rooms. This is pinot gris and muscat country, and wineries often sit behind wooden shutters and stone facades. It’s a quieter stop on the Alsace Wine Route, but one that regularly earns votes as France’s most charming village.

Montreuil-Bellay, Maine-et-Loire

Montreuil-Bellay has its own castle, and inside, they make wine. The specialties are Saumur and Crémant de Loire. These use cabernet Franc, chenin, and chardonnay grapes for red, white, and sparkling varieties. The château’s cellar offers tastings from estate vines, while canoe rentals on the Thouet River add a scenic twist.

Hautvillers, Marne

No signs scream “birthplace of Champagne,” but this is where Dom Pérignon worked centuries ago. The abbey is still here, along with producers who make elegant, understated wines. Tasting rooms tend to be small, and many focus on grower Champagne not found in stores. It’s common to taste three or four cuvées side by side.

Saint-Émilion, Gironde

Beyond the postcard streets and bell tower views are vineyards that have made this area famous. Merlot grows particularly well in the limestone soils. Some châteaux are within biking distance from the town center, and a few offer walk-in tastings. The local wine school even hosts blending classes for visitors interested in trying their hand.

Olmeto, Corse-du-Sud

Corsica’s southern coast is steep, windy, and perfect for grapes. Olmeto sits above the sea with scattered vineyards below. Locals favor native grapes like sciaccarellu and niellucciu, which produce structured reds with herbal notes. Vermentino shows up too, often under the name malvasi. Here, what you drink is exactly what’s made nearby.

Cognac, Charente

While the town shares its name with the world-famous brandy, Cognac also produces light, dry wines under the IGP Charentais label. Ugni blanc and colombard grapes are used both for distillation and drinking. Pineau des Charentes, a fortified wine-brandy mix, is a local favorite. Visitors can tour legacy distilleries like Rémy Martin or Hennessy.

Rasteau, Vaucluse

This southern Rhône village sees long, hot summers and rugged soil. Grenache is everywhere, and is used for both dry reds and a fortified wine called vin doux naturel. The wines tend to be powerful, with ripe fruit and warm spice. Most tasting rooms are modest, often attached to the family home.

Beaune, Côte-d’Or

A working town that runs on wine, Beaune is all about pinot noir and chardonnay. Many négociants, or wine merchants, operate here, along with historic producers like Maison Louis Jadot. The Hospices de Beaune building holds a charity wine auction each year, drawing attention worldwide.

Villeneuvette, Hérault

Originally built for textile workers, this village now sees more visitors than looms. Syrah, carignan, and grenache grow nearby, and wines are poured in a seasonal courtyard bar with mismatched tables. A Tuesday evening organic market runs through summer, where locals sample and sell their bottles. Some winemakers live nearby and may pour at the event.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vaucluse

A ruined papal castle towers over Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the birthplace of Rhône prestige. The wines are complex blends, with up to 13 grapes allowed per bottle. The rocky galets roulés soil helps grapes ripen evenly. Many producers run tasting rooms in cellars carved into stone, offering generous pours with no need for formal appointments.