French Wine Regions: Things To Do

Sleep in a Loire Valley Château A number of Loire Valley Chateaux have been converted to hotels, but the gothic-renaissance Château de La Verrerie feels like a staying at a private home – because it is. It’s still the residence of the Comte Beraud de Voguë and his family. Château de La Verrerie; Aubigny-sur-Nère; Oizon; Loire; 011-33-2-4881-5160; www.chateaux-france.com/verrerie

Have lunch and a swim Take a break from exploring the Languadoc at La Compagnie des Comptoirs, a moderately priced gourmet restaurant next to a private beach. La Compagnie des Comptoirs; La Grande-Motte; Route des plages; Le Grand Travers; Languedoc; 011-33-4-6712-1369; www.lacompagniedescomptoirs.com

Travel in style on a luxury barge Traveling the extensive canal network by private barge is a relaxing and elegant way to tour Burgundy; book well in advance. Abercrombie & Kent; 800-554-7016; www.abercrombiekent.com

Tour the caves of Champagne The art of champagne making is fascinating and the limestone cellars of some of the great producers are spectacular; Pommery is among the most beautiful. Reserve tours and tastings online. Pommery; 5, place du Général Gourard; Reims; Champagne; 011-33-3-2661-6255; www.pommery.com

Explore the Traboules of Vieux Lyon Walking tours of Vieux Lyon take you through the “traboules,” hidden passageways through fascinating gothic and renaissance buildings and courtyards. Offered daily through the Lyon tourist office. Lyon Tourist Office; Place Bellecour; Lyon; 011-33-4-7277-6969; www.en.lyon-france.com

Experience Provence in peaceful Saint-Rémy The village of Saint-Rémy boasts the hippest hotel in Provence: L’Hôtel les Ateliers de L’Image, in a converted cinema, offers cool style, fantastic views, a photo gallery, and a truly great private pool. L’Hôtel les Ateliers de L’Image; 36, Bd Victor Hugo; Saint-Rémy-de-Provence; 011-33-4-9092-5150; www.hotelinprovence.com