FRENCH ACTIVITY GUIDE 2017


La Grotte de Saint Marcel d’Ardèche


The Goudurix rollercoaster – one of the many thrill-rides in Parc Astérix


WINE TOURS France is synonymous with classic vin. After all, who hasn’t heard of Champagne or Bordeaux? These iconic drinks are of course named after the French areas in which they were conceived and are still produced to this day. Whether you’re a connoisseur of red, rosé, white or sparkling, L’Hexagone showcases the crème de la crème with vineyard and tasting tours across the regions. The country’s 350+ AOC/AOPs (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée/ Protégée) signify just how many areas are entitled to deliver these agricultural delights. Last year was a good one for wine, as La Cité du Vin museum opened in Bordeaux to champion the region’s winegrowing heritage. However, there are several exciting developments this year, too. The 2000 Vins d’Ardèche (Ardèche wines) Association is forming a new ‘Vignobles et Découvertes’ route, showcasing the IGP Ardèche, AOP Côtes du Rhône and AOP Côtes du Vivarais labels. The Ardèche also has 14 cooperatives, 60 winegrowers and a flurry of tourist attractions coming together in a united front to promote the area. If that wasn’t enough, the


Bourgogne Wine Board (BIVB) recently approved a project named ‘Cites des Vins de Bourgogne’, exhibiting the region’s unique history, culture,


gastronomy and UNESCO World Heritage List. The project comprises tours, tastings and seminars based in Mâcon, Beaune and Chablis, intended to inspire visitors and revitalise tourism in one of the world’s most praised wine regions. Then there’s the Bordeaux Wine Festival. A biannual staple, next year’s show will take place from June 14 to 17, 2018. Obtaining a vineyard pass grants access to unmissable tours of the grape-bearing vines in this esteemed region and the opportunity to meet experts behind the scenes. This all- encompassing festival is a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds; transforming the Palais de la Bourse’s façade into a fabulous light show every evening while French flag-coloured fireworks pop and sizzle over the Garonne.


THEME PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS Contrary to popular belief, it’s not all about Disneyland Paris. France is a nation of divertissement and one would be hard-pressed to find more entertaining spectacles than its variety of theme parks, from immersive historic recreations to a technological wonderland. This is the perfect year to visit too: several sites are celebrating milestones in 2017, including Le Puy du Fou, a retrospective attraction located in Les Epesses, Pays de la Loire. This year is


❯❯ Apr/May 2017 FRANCE TODAY ❘ 147 -------------


Visite oenologique gourmande Du 4 avril au 12 Novembre


------------- Route touristique des


Gorges de l’Ardèche 07700 Bidon 04 75 04 38 07


grotte-ardeche.com


IMAGE © PARC ASTÉRIX


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