In Alsace and Champagne, winemakers whose values are rooted in a deep respect for the soil, invite nature lovers, gourmets and those keen to try something new to dine with them in the open air.

In spring and in autumn, the Cathar Country and Fenouillèdes Train Rouge Special (Red Train Special) takes 22 passengers on an amazing sensory journey into the heart of the Agly Valley.

While the voice of the tour guide, the melody of a harp and the gentle sounds of nature fill the ears, the eyes take in the Cathar fortresses that rise proudly out of the vines.

Taste, smell and touch are stirred by the gourmet meal prepared by a local chef, paired with local wines, during stops in stunning locations.

This sensory adventure, with its unique flavours and tastes, continues during a visit to one of the valley's winemakers with a tasting of regional wines, including the Maury hors d’âge, served with appetizers.

After touring the vineyards – where the vines are grown in accordance with Terra Vitis integrated agriculture – head for the cellars of Domaine Gérard Brisson, home to a sublime 18th century vaulted maturing cellar!

Once you're familiar with the traditional winemaking and working methods, you can discover the wonderful world of wine and cheese pairings thanks to our passionate producers.

The estate team will explain all about the history of the wines and cheeses. They will then introduce you to the specific tasting techniques with delicious and unforgettable pairings between the estate's wines and hand-picked regional cheeses.

It's an all-embracing food and wine experience that will serve as inspiration for your own celebratory meals!

One of the Jura’s most prominent figures, Louis Pasteur left his mark on the world of wine with his work on fermentation. Follow in his footsteps on the Route Pasteur.

With its waterways lined by idyllic forests and slopes dotted with vines, this 47 km route passes through several key sites that played a key role in the life of this famous scientist. Joining the northern section of the Jura Wine Route, this tour combines a dive into the incredible destiny of the French scientist with a foray into the wine region.

In Dole, on the fringes of the wine tourism route, you’ll find Louis Pasteur’s birthhome. Now a museum, it makes the perfect starting point for those keen to immerse themselves in the life of a great man whose presence can still be felt across the region. Explore the biologist's life through the large collection of personal items and a host of fun activities. The exhibits cover some of his revolutionary medical and scientific discoveries, such as the rabies vaccine.

In Arbois, capital of the Jura wine region, you can visit Louis Pasteur’s house, unchanged since the late 19th century. Discover Pasteur's day-to-day life and research work, from his bedroom to his personal laboratory, in this authentic setting. It was here, amidst the peaceful rows of vines, that he carried out his pioneering pasteurisation work by studying the fermentation and vinification processes. His experiments on grapes and wine also paved the way for the core principles of modern oenology.

Louis Pasteur's experimental vineyard is still carefully maintained in the clos de Rosières, in the village of Montigny-lès-Arsures, where the Jura’s five iconic grape varieties grow on a half-hectare plot of land. From the north to the south of the wine region, this rich terroir is cultivated thanks to the know-how of talented winemakers. Vins Jaunes and Vins de Paille are the most famous wines produced in a region that has no fewer than 7 AOC.

Follow in the footsteps of Louis Pasteur and uncover the pleasant surprises that lie beneath the region’s history, science and vines.

Traditional cooperative cheese dairies known as fruitières à Comté have been a Jura fixture for hundreds of years. Today, four “fruitières vinicoles”, or wine cooperatives, operate on similar lines, pooling resources to support an entire sector.

An enduring bond with and passion for the product is the hallmark of the Jules Gautret brand, whose mark of excellence can be found in each of its bottles of cognac and Pineau de Charentes.

Stubborn and adventurous, Louis François Jules Gautret was only 21 when he founded his cognac house in 1847. In 1959, the Jules Gautret brand joined the Océalia cooperative to share its values of daring, adventure, terroir and sharing with a wider audience. But its family spirit remained as strong as ever. Meticulous attention is still paid to the choice of terroirs, and distillation is always carried out with respect for these exceptional products, including manual cutting, barrels from the best Charentais cooperages and five customised ageing cellars. All combined with the know-how of 270 talented and passionate winegrowers.

Caves Jules Gautret is a major centre for the production and ageing of cognac, Pineau and Charentais wines, and serves as the local short supply-chain sales network for exclusive products in both Charentes departments. Six tasting experiences are offered by the St Sulpice de Royan and Siecq sites, available from April to September, and by appointment all year round. White, rosé, red, fruity, tannic or acidic, there’s something for everyone. And kids will love the tasty organic grape juice under the brand Respectu Terrae.

Both sites also offer a wide range of activities, from a tasting workshop for new vintages to a women’s night, cold meats and cheese pairing, and the famous “10 divine dishes”, where guests sample 10 dishes, each served with a different wine.

At Caves Jules Gautret, good things never have to end. When leaving the stores, interactive terminals suggest recipes based on the wines you purchased. And visit the“La gazette” section of their website to find seasonal recipe ideas and continue the fun you had in-store from the comfort of your own home.

La Flow Vélo® is a 290km cycle path that runs from Thiviers to Île d’Aix and offers cyclists a leisurely cycling trip through the Périgord and Charentes countryside.

The route consists of approximately 10 stages packed with a wealth of cultural and historic sights.

Once past Angoulême, and heading towards Saintes and Rochefort, you can stop off in the heart of Cognac’s wine region. In the town itself you’ll find trading houses – maisons de négoces – from some of the most famous names in the world of cognac, while out in the vineyards, winemakers and cellarmasters invite you to discover their family traditions.

Be sure to get off your bike and uncover the secrets behind the “l’eau-de-vie of the Gods” and the know-how behind its distillation before you set off to explore the charms of the Charentes from the comfort of your saddle.

Stunning Domaine d’Ognoas, with its rich built heritage, forest and vines, is the perfect destination for wine lovers, all year round.

On the banks of the Charente, behind the silhouette of the 19th century château with its modern extension, the Courvoisier cognac house holds the secrets of a time-honoured savoir-faire.

Come and visit this remarkable destination and discover the amber-scented universe of cognac on an introductory tour. Wander through the museum and the aging cellars before wetting your lips with a shot of spirits.

The range of à la carte tasting options includes the Café Courvoisier experience, a powerful but delicate blend of chocolate, VSOP and XO cognacs and coffees specially made for the occasion with a local roaster.

You’ll soon agree, the pleasure of the senses at Courvoisier is best savoured in small sips... Just one of the thousand ways to discover Charentes!