Cheat-sheet: Our Guide to French Wine

By Megan Hills

Santé! Use our guide to French wine as your cheat-sheet when visiting Paris!

Heading to the French capital? Then you will surely be indulging in a glass or two of vin... But with talk of terroir, appellation, body and regions, how do you choose what to order? Don't fret! We've broken it down in our easy-to-use guide to French wine, from popular wine regions to wine and food pairings, we've got you covered. Santé!

Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC)

The French are incredibly serious about their wine and the regulations surrounding it are unsurprisingly strict. Unlike the rest of the world which generally classifies wine by the grape, French wine is defined by the regions the grapes were grown in and more specifically, the terroir or quality of conditions they were planted. The AOC (or the Appelation d'Origine Contrôlée) is a system which defines which wines are allowed a particular region classification. It's also generally known as the AOP in the rest of the EU.

Popular Wine Regions

Bordeaux As one of the most famous French wine regions, Bordeaux is one of the most prolific with thousands of bottles produced a year. Divided by the River Gironde into two different areas, the most popular wines from the Left Bank are earthy Cabernet Sauvignon blends while the Right Bank is best known for its fruitier Merlot blends. Burgundy Burgundy, or Borgogne, is best known for its high quality wines and is filled with smaller vineyards (some of which even have their own region classifications). Located in Eastern France, a fantastic bottle of red wine from the centre of Burgundy can cost a pretty penny but will last a good twenty to thirty years. Red wines like Pinot Noir and Beaujolis aren't the only standouts - Chardonnay is also a popular choice here. Champagne Only wines from this region are allowed to call themselves Champagne and while it's home to a number of different kinds, it is best known for its sparkling wines. Created through a complex double fermentation process which dates all the way back to the 12th century, high quality sparkling wines from Champagne are more expensive than other kinds named Cremant from the rest of France. Loire This valley is located in the northwestern part of France and is known for its light, aromatic wines - perfect for a hot summer's day. Sauvignon Blanc originated here and is befittingly one of its most popular wines, alongside Muscadet and Chenin Blanc. It also produces a wide range of sparkling wines, second only to Champagne.

Wine and Food Pairings

Seafood Muscadet, Sancerre, Chardonnay, Chenin, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling Meats Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Bourgogne Poultry Merlot, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, Bourgogne Blue Cheese Merlot, Syrah, Sauternes Soft Cheese Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc

Tips for Visiting a French Wine Bar

  • Someone else will come around to pour your wine, so don't worry about it. However if you really want to pour your own, never pour more than two thirds of the glass.
  • Wine bars are a great choice when you're looking for a meal or snack outside of regular dining hours, as they tend to be open later.
  • If you're going to clink glasses, it's important to look someone in the eye while doing so and to only clink alcoholic beverages.
  • While the occasional ice cube in a glass of rosé on a hot day is acceptable, avoid asking for ice and watering down your wine.

Wine Tastings

Paris is home to a number of amazing wine tastings for everyone from the novice to the expert. The self-guided tour at Les Caves du Louvre is one of the most atmospheric, located in their historic cellars and hosted by a trained sommelier willing to share some of their best secrets. Running for an hour, guests can take a free bottle home and can even add on a cheese platter to enhance their experience.

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Unmissable: the top exhibits at the Louvre Museum

The Paris Pass has asked four Paris-based bloggers to give us their tips and hints about the best exhibitions and things to see in the Louvre Museum. As the largest museum in the world it’s believed that it would take 100 days to be able to see every piece of art hung across the many galleries – an indication of just how much there is to see! With the help of these four bloggers, we’ve whittled down the what-not-to-miss exhibitions on your visit to the world renowned Musée du Louvre. Take it from the Parisians, they know what they’re talking about! Parisianist Our unmissable exhibit at the Louvre museum is actually a room. The Cour Marly is truly a fascinating place, where world famous sculptures blend seamlessly with the Louvre’s stunning architecture. Most of the white Carrara marble statues exhibited were ordered by 17th century French king Louis XIV to decorate the Marly Palace. Bathed in natural light coming from a glass ceiling, the Cour Marly is a quiet area far from the crowds and a perfect place to take a break. It becomes even more magical once the sun sets... Les Musées de Paris I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve visited the Louvre, and of the number of exhibits I’ve seen. But none can compete with the Salle Mollien, the stunning hall filled with masterpieces of French Romanticism. There’s no room in the museum I’ve spent more time in, and no collection moves me more. I love the Romantics partly for their profound depictions of passion and emotion, portrayed in faces, bodies and even nature. I love them for their exquisite use of colour and political or allegorical subjects. I love Delacroix’s generation-defining La liberté guidant le people and Ingres’ intimate La Grande Odalisque. But my favourite is Géricault’s monumental Le Radeau de la Méduse, the representation of the hellish real-life story of desperate shipwreck survivors perched on a makeshift raft. The painting serves up a visceral scene of suffering, yet despite Le Radeau de la Méduse’s inherent violence, the eye is drawn to the figures waving at a point in the distance: the possibility of hope. Louvre-Passion "A curiosity at the Louvre" - this work from the mid-sixteenth century is a double-sided painting by Daniele da Volterra (1509-1566). It was created in 1550-1555 and is called “The battle of David and Goliath”. In 1550, Italian painters and sculptors argued about their art. What was the most important, painting or sculpture? Volterra wanted to show the superiority of painting and painted this work on both sides of a 440-pound slab of slate. The piece was offered to King Louis XIV and installed on a swivelling base, so the king could look at both sides while seated in his armchair. Nowadays “The battle of David and Goliath” is displayed in the “Grande Galerie” of the Louvre museum. The Culture Trip The imposing figure raised high above the spectators, standing tall in a staircase of its own - the Winged Victory of Samothrace is a spectacular sight. The goddess Nike dominates the space in a celebration of sea battle, her graceful balancing act of stillness and violence assuring us of victory. Although made of marble, the astonishing craftsmanship lends the sculpture a light, dynamic spirit where stone becomes silk, and the halls of the museum transform into a fleet upon treacherous seas. This Hellenistic masterpiece, created around 200 BC and retrieved from the Aegean island of Samothrace, is an unmissable part of the Louvre, and a real treat for anyone interested in Ancient Greece.
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20 Interesting Facts About the Louvre

We've done some research and found out 20 interesting facts about the Louvre Museum to top up your trivia. From quirky history and heritage, to impressing visitor stats, read on to learn about one of Paris' most famous attractions.
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Paris Airport to City Travel Options
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Paris Airport to City Travel Options

If you're flying to Paris this year, you'll need to know what travel options you have to get from the airport to the city! In this guide, we'll break down the best ways to do it - best take some notes. Including: Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Train Paris Visite travel pass Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Buses Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Rideshare Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Taxis Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Private transfer Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Train If you fly directly to Paris, you'll likely land at Charles de Gaulle Airport. It's Paris' only public airport, and nearly every international flight will land there. Thankfully, train services run directly from the airport to the city center, so catching a train is definitely an option. It's called the RER B, and we're going to learn all about it down below. All three terminals have train stations, and you'll find it easy enough to follow signs to find them. If not, there are information kiosks dotted throughout the airport that can help. However, if you land in Terminal 3, you will need to take a 5-6 minute shuttle bus to get to the nearest station, but they're free and run constantly. The trains themselves depart every 10-15 minutes, so you won't have to wait long. It won't take you long either, as a train from Charles de Gaulle to the city center should take around 25-30 minutes, depending on your destination. But what about cost? Well, adult tickets cost under €12, and kids travel for €8, which makes it a very cost-effective mode of transport. It is worth noting that you cannot book these tickets in advance. Instead, every station at the airport has ticket machines that accept international credit and debit cards. If you hate machines and would rather avoid using our future overlords, kiosks with humans are also at each station. God bless the human touch. Paris Visite travel pass Of course, if you plan to spend a few days in Paris and want to avoid buying ticket after ticket, you could purchase a Paris Visite travel pass instead. Pick the number of days you want to travel and play a flat fee for unlimited rides on all public transport. With the Greater Paris Area ticket, you can use it to get from the airport to the city center. However, the Greater Paris Area ticket is more expensive than the Paris Only ticket, so it's worth weighing up the cost benefits of using the pass when compared to the RER B's ticket prices. As an example, a 5-day Paris Only pass costs under €44 for an adult, but increases to around €75 for the Greater Paris Area (which includes the airport). Describing the comparison can be tough, so your best bet is to check out the price comparison available on the passes website. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Buses If you don't mind taking the slower, longer option on this list, then all aboard the bus express! Well, it's just a bus, but you can still hum the children's song as the wheels go round and round. The thing is, the bus isn't even the cheapest option available. Tickets are €15-€18, so it's more expensive than the train. It also takes an hour to reach Paris, and that's on a good day. The problem with buses is they're prone to traffic jams, and Paris is a busy city. However, if you insist, you can catch the Roissy Bus from every terminal; they run from 6AM to 8.45PM, leave every 15 minutes, and you can buy your ticket from the driver. But really, considering the other options on this list, is it worth lugging heavy travel cases on board, only to have a longer, more expensive journey? We think not. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Rideshare In this digital age, rideshare services like Uber are all the rage. Not only can you book ahead of time, but you'll also know the likely exact cost of your trip, avoid any tomfoolery regarding meters, and can follow your journey through GPS. So, if you're okay with spending a bit more, you can get a direct trip from the airport to your hotel or Airbnb. Make sure you've got Uber or G7 (a Parisian booking app) installed before you book. Download them at home, or use the airport's wifi to get them when you land. Prices depend on the time of day and busyness, so we can't really give you an estimate. However, it should be close to €35-€40. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Taxis If you prefer old-school classic over new-age progress, you could get a taxi instead. You'll find taxi ranks outside each of Charles de Gaulle Airport's arrival halls - just follow the signs. There are some things to bear in mind when booking. Firstly, taxis are legally obligated to use meters, but that doesn't stop some shifty sorts from avoiding these and trying to scam unsuspecting tourists out of their hard-earned money. Always discuss the fee/meter with a cab driver before getting in. If they refuse to use the meter, move on to the next one. You could even report them to the taxi company if you want some sweet revenge. Depending on your destination, expect taxis to be between €50-€60. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Private transfer If you're looking for a more personalized experience, you can get a private transfer that'll pick you up from the airport, carry your bags to and from the car, and will tailor the experience to your needs. Fancy a chat? Most private transfer drivers speak fluent English, and they can fill you in on local hot spots or things to avoid. Need a bit of peace and quiet? Let the driver know, and they'll leave you to it. Such a personalized experience will set you back a few more euros, but you can book your trip months in advance, so you can remove the cost from your vacation allowance entirely! With services like Welcome Pickups, you'll pay just shy of €70 for the privilege. However, those extra €10-€20 might be worth it for peace of mind. Now you know how to travel to Paris, you may need some vacation inspiration to fill out your itinerary. With the Paris Pass, you can see all the city's best bits for one low price!
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