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Tips and Suggestions for Central France?

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    I have long wanted to travel to explore the vineyards of Central France and I think next year will be a good time for me to do so. If anybody has any good suggestions for places to stay and visit, please let me know. I'll be avoiding Paris this time around, so I'm open to all ideas. Thank you!

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    My best suggestion would be to use an on-site in France who can suggest an itinerary that includes vineyards and stays in various chateaux, arrange private tours, and even set up cooking classes and dining reservations at out-of-the-way restaurants in small villages you might not otherwise fine.

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    Do you have a more specific notion of "central France"? Do you actually mean near the middle of the country geographically, or just "not Paris"?

    The major wine regions that might be thought of as sort of in the middle of the country are Burgundy, the Rhone valley and Champagne. Other major regions like Bordeaux, the Loire valley and Alsace are near the edges of the country.

    Each of these regions has their own appeal, and depending on what you like in terms of wine and what kind of other sights you're interested in, you could plan a trip around one or more. The Loire valley is full of castles; the Rhone valley is littered with Roman-era history; Alsace has a strong German influence. Each of the other regions has its own character and opportunities--I'd probably figure out a general area of the country you are interested in and ask for some suggestions specific to that area.

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    I do mean, geographically. It has to do with my location relative to other surrounding countries and regions as a second stop, and I won't be deciding on that second stop for a few months. A central location helps keeping options open for what's close by. I also mean, "not Paris" because I've seen my fair share of the city, which I love.

    Burgundy and the lower Loire Valley sound enticing to me so, any specific suggestions of places to stay or eat there would be most welcome.

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    We spent time in France last May, and spent time in the area you mention. We stayed at the Hotel Diderot in Chinon in the Loire Valley for a few days. Chinon is centrally located to visit chateaus, and the hotel, a 17th century townhouse, is located in town near the river and restaurants. Rooms vary in size and quality, but we would return. We ate at local restaurants in Chinon- good quality and prices compared to Paris. We next stayed in Sarlat-en-Perigord providing access to the Dordogne River valley. This area was particularly beautiful and interesting, with beautiful gardens at Chateau Marqueyssac. Our hotel was the Hotel Le Renior- nothing outstanding, but in town with numerous restaurants nearby. Sarlat is the center for foie gras. Numerous appealing restaurants on side streets and the main square, plus a few highly rated restataurants named in standard tour books that we did not try. We favored sidewalk dining at informal local cafes. We also visited Toulouse further south, but would not return. It was a crowded city and held little appeal. If you reach that far south, consider Albi and Carcassone for hotels and inns. Good luck.

    Thanks from: weigela
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    I'd highly recommend taking a barge trip through the French canal system as an excellent way of seeing the French countryside and visiting some of the best wine making areas in the heart of the country. These barge trips are usually quite luxurious (and quite expensive). Typically, the barges carry only a few passengers who, over the course of a week, are treated to the ultimate in French cuisine and wine, while leisurely exploring areas that would be extremely difficult to reach by car or by train. We've already taken such trips in the Burgundy and Champagne areas. French Country Waterways, a U.S.A.-based organization, does an excellent job in planning these trips.

    Thanks from: weigela
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    I don't have great suggestions for either the Loire or Burgundy exactly, but near Burgundy you have Lyon, with its long culinary tradition and host of Michelin-starred restaurants. I haven't eaten at any of the famous places in Lyon, though, mostly because I get the impression that many of them are past their prime.

    One place nearby that is definitely not past its prime is Troisgros (http://troisgros.fr/) in Roanne, a couple of hours out of Lyon. It's a fairly nice hotel and an excellent restaurant, and probably worth making the trip for if you do end up exploring Burgundy.

    Thanks from: weigela

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