The Territory - French Terroir
Their craftsmanship and their showcasing of the natural features of their region allow them to celebrate a culinary and wine heritage of great richness.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: the passion for wine
This part of the French vineyards, with a reputation that has spread beyond the borders of France, needs no introduction. Its major appellations, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune, Hospices de Beaune, Meursault, Châlons-sur-Saône, etc. are on the menu of the greatest gourmet restaurants of the world. To discover them, have a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant or go to a winery for a tasting. You will learn about wine-making methods or how to match wine with a dish. It's also an opportunity to taste the delicious local gastronomy: Burgundy snails, beef bourguignon, truffles, nonettes, etc.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: a contrasting territory
The next unmissable stopover for a discovery of the French vineyards is the region Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. On the menu of the visit, varied landscapes, an exceptional natural and cultural heritage with vast, protected areas, gentle hills, charming villages, and its capital Lyon.
AOC Beaujolais, Juliénas, Brouilly, Côte de Brouilly, Saint-Amour will ideally accompany specialties and traditional dishes of the region: Dauphiné ravioli, Bresse chicken, nougats, etc. The detour through Lyon lets you to discover its “bouchons”, typical restaurants of the city, with on the menu: saucisson lyonnais, cervelat with truffles or pistachios, pâté en croûte, plain or pike dumplings, etc.
Bouches du Rhône: a wine-growing land soaked in sunshine
Hills carpeted with scrubland, creeks with turquoise waters, Mediterranean vegetation with intoxicating scents or the old port of Marseille testify to the strong identity of this French terroir.
It is under this mild climate that are born the wines from recognized appellations such as the Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône, Tavel, Vacqueyras, etc.
If you are in the area during the harvest season, don't miss this tradition that the local winegrowers are so keen to share. Gastronomy is not left behind with unmissable local dishes: bouillabaisse, Provençal stew, fougasse, sardines, anchoïade, etc.
Gard: country of land and water
To pursue your reconnection with nature, make a stopover in the Gard. Garrigue, rocky limestone landscapes, horses and bulls in the Camargue and traditional villages steeped in history, the region is a paradise for lovers of unspoilt nature.
After a hike or a walk along the Mediterranean, treat yourself to typical dishes: bull gardiane (bull in sauce simmered with red wine), cod brandade, sweet Cévennes onions stuffed or in pies, or gariguette strawberries. To accompany these French terroir dishes, you have the choice between several local wine appellations such as Camargue, Cévennes or Costières-de-Nîmes.
La Vallée de la Gastronomie – France® selects its partners with the greatest care
To make your discovery of the French terroir an unforgettable experience, La Vallée de la Gastronomie – France® offers you a wide selection of accommodation, restaurants, and activities. All are carefully chosen for their impeccable quality. Get inspired from our wide range of proposals and organise your tailor-made stay.