Rue des Vignerons is a platform that allows you to book visits to some of the finest wine estates across France.

Quai Cyrano is a shop window for the region’s wines and winner of the Wine Tourism Trophies Golden Prize 2020 in the “Promotion of a terroir” category.

With its iconic beret, famous pepper and countless “frontons” – courts where Basque pelota is played – the Basque Country has always been a land of tradition and character. Delve into the heart of this heritage during a visit to the Irouléguy wine region.

In the south west of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, nestled in the shadow of the Pyrenees, sit 250 hectares of vines that span 15 communes. In valleys beside the border with Spain, the white of the traditional houses stands in sharp contrast to the greenery of the countryside, surrounded by herds of goats and water that flows from the mountain peaks. Here you can almost sense the Basque soul as it echoes from one mountain to the next.

This natural paradise is also home to an extensive network of local artisans and producers. From AOC Ossau Iraty cheese to AOC Kintoa ham, this wine region proudly represents the very best of Basque gastronomy. The area’s towns and villages serve as a shop window for local handicrafts, with hand stitched espadrilles, colourful household textiles and Navarre pottery competing for attention alongside chocolate and soaps. Located on the Santiago de Compostela route, these villages also contain some stunning buildings, such as the Porte de Saint-Jacques, a gate classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and St-Étienne-de-Baïgorry church, listed as a historic monument.

First planted here in the Middle Ages to quench the pilgrims’ thirst, vines have since gained a firm foothold on the mountain terraces. This distinctive topography is ideal for organic, manual viticulture. All year round, 17 independent producers as well as the Irouleguy winemaking cooperative welcome you (between Saint-Etienne-de-Baïgorry and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port) and tell you all about this ancient know-how. Thanks to a sensory trail, discovery path and tasting areas, wine estates and other Vineyards and Discoveries (“Vignobles et Découvertes”)  certified facilities welcome visitors in the best conditions and explain the specificities of the vineyards.

In 2023, the Irouleguy winemaking cooperative won the “Outstanding Offer” prize of the Wine Tourism Trophies in the “Promotion of a terroir” category.

But to get a real sense of the Basque spirit that flows through this south-west corner of Nouvelle-Aquitaine you need to spend some time in the region. Hotel Arcé, which has been in the same generation for five generations, offers the very best in local hospitality, whether you stay for a weekend break or dine in its excellent restaurant. One thing is certain: you will return home enchanted by this special destination and with a deep appreciation for all that the Basque Country has to offer.

The mystery is in full swing in Jurançon! Come and try to solve try a special investigation on board a camper van or by car or electric bike, following one of three circuits (soon to be four) that criss-cross the vineyards of Béarn.

The vineyards of Jurançon offer a warm welcome to any wine detectives thirsty for adventure at the foot of the Pyrenees, beneath the terraces of the Château de Pau – the birthplace of Henri IV – and historic site of Nouvelle-Aquitaine!

Armed with a roadbook, set off to meet the region's winegrowers so you can conduct your investigations on the ground. You'll gather precious clues on a series of visits while having a fun time chatting to – and enjoying tastings with – the local producers.

Enjoy this Best Of Wine Tourism activity and get ready to explore the Jurançon vineyard with your magnifying glass!

The Plaimont vineyard boasts an expertise and way of life steeped in living traditions, With its warm and welcoming spirit, it invites curious guests to discover its wines.

Guided tours are run throughout the year introducing the vineyard to beginners and experienced wine lovers alike.

From the unmissable St. Mont Monastery to the region’s iconic châteaux, not forgetting the grape varieties typical of the local appellations, join us as we dive into the wine-growing culture of the South-West.

There are also thematic workshops where you can learn all about harvesting, blending or food pairings.

With its wine and gastronomic heritage, Plaimont reveals all the secrets of its terroir!

"I treat my vines with hardly any chemicals. Ladybirds are the best insecticide I know." It only takes Jean-Luc Matha a few minutes to bowl people over.

To understand the man he is, you should know that Jean-Luc has worked at Bruejouls, on the self-same 16 hectares of vineyards in Aveyron, for 35 years. So, he knows his land at least as much as he knows his profession — you could even say that Jean-Luc is the embodiment of the Marcillac valley. His moustache, his gift of the gab and his overall character are highly endearing. This simplicity, this love of the winemaker’s craft and the art of good humour are reflected directly in Jean-Luc’s wines. His Laïris and Pèirafi cuvées have even become emblematic of the appellation. And he also produces whites, rosés and a wine that you drink, as he himself says, when the main aim is to quench your thirst. Give him a call before dropping in on the estate. There’s no doubt that the smaller appellations always give us a pleasant surprise.

"I treat my vines with hardly any chemicals. Ladybirds are the best insecticide I know."

Tips nearby: 

L’Auberge de l’Ady: In Valady, 20 minutes northwest of Rodez, this is a lovely restaurant in a red-sandstone village. The cuisine is prepared with a passion, and is a modern vision of the traditional Aveyron terroir. The produce comes from local markets and farmers, such as foie gras with saffron, pork shank confit with green tea and verbena, and wild Skrei cod. There is an excellent wine list, especially for AOC Marcillacs.

Les Chambres de l’Ady: This auberge is in Valady with four comfortable and contemporary rooms in a vineyard setting in the heart of the AOC Marcillac. The inn is committed to an ecological approach, with — for example — bathroom products made from grape extract and organic vine water.

Located on the third terrace of the Lot, Le Clos d'un Jour was taken over several years ago by Stéphane and Véronique Azémar.

"When we moved to Clos d'un Jour in Duravel in 2000, there was no way we wanted any vintages marked by the flavour wooden barrels. Our research led us to be innovative, ageing the wine in ceramic jars, which means it can oxygenate without the wood aromas." And so was born the vintage Un Jour sur Terre — “One Day on Earth" — 100% Malbec, the appellation’s original grape variety. Stéphane and Véronique apply this technically sound approach to the entire wine-making circuit: they refrain from any chemical treatment and put Ouessant dwarf sheep to work clipping the vines. So, the wine has a concentrated, fruity and wood-free taste in the mouth. This is an adventurous explorer-certified visit, and is only 40 minutes west of Cahors!

Tips nearby: 

La Table de Haute-Serre: This restaurant, housed in an old winery, is based in Cieurac in the Château de Haute-Serre, five minutes from Cahors. While the decoration is a contemporary mix of wood and metal, the food is a mix of bistro and gastronomic, with novel interpretations of traditional recipes using produce from the Lot terroir. It is one of the area’s best establishments.

Hostellerie Le Vert: In Marroux, 30 minutes east of Villeneuve sur Lot, housed in an old winery from the 17th century. There are four cosy bedrooms upstairs in the large house and two rooms made from natural Lot stone in the farm tenant’s house with a terrace or garden area. The setting is peaceful and natural, and gourmet cuisine is served in the restaurant.

Prenons la route pour un peu d’exploration et un peu d’œnologie! Nous partons pour le Pays Basque, le domaine mourguy à Ispoure pour être précis.

Ils produisent ici Irouléguy depuis l’Antiquité, un vin qui provient de l’un des plus petits vignobles de toute la France. Bien que le climat local se prête assez bien à la culture de la vigne, on ne peut pas en dire autant de la terre elle-même. Il faut beaucoup de passion et d’abnégation pour travailler sur les raisins Tannat, Cabernet Franc et Cabernet Sauvignon cultivés dans des parcelles en terrasses à plus de 600 m d’altitude et sur des pentes allant jusqu’à 60%. Passez quelques jours dans la maison familiale des Mourguys, et leur amour pour leurs racines – à la fois littérales et métaphoriques – sera bientôt clair à voir. Inutile de dire que la vue depuis les chambres d’hôtes est impressionnante. Pierre et Florence, propriétaires et vignerons, élèvent également des ânes : ils se feront un plaisir de vous les prêter pour une balade dans les majestueuses collines environnantes parsemées de vignes afin que vous puissiez soulager votre dos et les membres inconstants de vos enfants. C’est calme ici, c’est relaxant, et c’est à seulement cinq minutes de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.

Conseils à proximité:

Hôtel Les Pyrénées : Cet hôtel quatre étoiles, situé dans le centre de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, est affilié aux Châteaux et Hôtels de Collection. C’est un relais de poste rénové avec des chambres contemporaines, dont certaines donnent sur le village et la citadelle. Vous trouverez également un restaurant étoilé au guide Michelin servant des produits frais et une cuisine raffinée.

Clos Mirabel: Un superbe manoir modernisé du 18ème siècle à Jurançon situé dans un parc privé de six hectares. Le Clos Mirabel, situé entre mer et montagne, dispose de cinq gîtes et de six chambres d’hôtes haut de gamme. Il bénéficie d’une vue exceptionnelle sur les Pyrénées, et est l’endroit idéal pour les familles ou les couples. Le bon endroit, en bref, pour toutes les saisons.