" Connoisseurs have many options for learning about wines. Now it’s time for stronger drinks to step into the limelight. "
With thousands of vineyards, domaines and cellars across France, there is no shortage of opportunities for tasting wines and learning about their production. But the country also makes magnificent liquors – drunk neat or on the rocks, mixed with water or in cocktails.
Spiritourism fills the niche for those who wish to immerse themselves in the world of distilled beverages. Join us on a whirlwind tour of some of the country’s top spirits.
The cooler northern climes produce delicious apples, some of which are turned into crisp ciders. When distilled and aged, this beloved beverage becomes calvados, named after its département along the English Channel. When in Normandy, make time to visit calvados distilleries and estates. They’re open all year round, although a prime time for spiritourism is autumn: apple-picking season.
Made from grain alcohol and juniper berries, genievre is produced mainly in Pas-de-Calais. Labourers used to fortify themselves with gin-spiked coffee, but today genièvre is enjoyed as an apéritif or digestif. If you find yourself in this area, head to Houlle or Wambrechies for a tour of the few remaining gin distilleries in France.
The middle of the country is renowned for its exceptional wines. Thus, it’s little surprise that some of the finest spirits also come from this area. Practically synonymous with art de vivre, cognac is a double distillation of white wine. The four great houses – Hennessy, Martell, Courvoisier and Rémy Martin – are found in or near the commune of Cognac in Charente, and welcome visitors for tours and tastings.
The Loire Valley is the birthplace of triple sec, a liqueur made from three kinds of orange peels and is supposedly distilled three times. Cointreau and Combier are among the top producers of this spirit. When in Angers or Saumur, book a tour to see how these venerable orange liqueurs are made. Note: Grand Marnier is actually a blend of cognac and orange liqueur, and the private distillery is in – where else? – Cognac.
Winemaking results in plenty of grape skins and pips, and from these remains comes pomace brandy. The Italians call it grappa, while in French it’s marc, produced from Alsace and Burgundy to Provence and Languedoc. This heady, earthy spirit is seldom exported, making a tour of a marc distillery quite a mark of distinction for foreign visitors.
Armagnac shares many similarities with cognac, but it is distilled only once before being aged in oak barrels. The southwest – Gers, Landes, Lot-et-Garonne – is where to discover France’s oldest spirit. And it’s so easy to do, as more than a hundred Armagnac producers have banded together to offer not only visits and tastings, but also expositions, workshops and sip-and-stay packages.
Paris 75015 , France
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5, based on 1091 reviews
French, Terrace
At FRAME, we are committed to sharing the best of French cuisine. Welcome to FRAME Restaurant & Bar ! Fancy a relaxed, gourmet get-together at the foot of the Eiffel Tower ? Embark on a gastronomic road trip in the 15th arrondissement of Paris.
Paris 75015 , France
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5, based on 471 reviews
Italian, Rooftop
IlVolo means 'the flight'. Birds, the bar's emblem, take flight from our nest formed by the metal rooftop structure. Admire the view of the Eiffel Tower while sipping cocktails from Matthias Giroud and Mediterranean tapas and antipasti from Italian chef Denny Imbroisi.
Paris 75011 , France
Rating: 4 stars out of 5, based on 412 reviews
Bistronomy, Terrace
Head to Le Génie sous les Étoiles for an authentic and timeless experience! This restaurant & cocktail bar, located in the heart of La Bastille district of Paris, charms diners with its fresh cuisine and generous brunch. Check out this unique and unusual restaurant in Paris.
La Roche Sur Yon 85000 , France
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5, based on 438 reviews
Mediterranean, Terrace
Chic tropical design inside, a plant-filled patio outside, and a culinary adventure guaranteed at our central La Roche-sur-Yon bar and restaurant. Discover our global cuisine and creative cocktail list over a family meal, a lavish Sunday lunch or a concert with friends. Welcome to the jungle!
Paris 75018 , France
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5, based on 114 reviews
Cocktail bar, Terrace
Do you dream of visiting Paris' best-kept secret for a drink or snack? You'll be blown away by our bar and its plant-filled terrace! Speak'art offers a slice of paradise in the heart of Montmartre, away from the crowds and noise, where you can relax, chat with friends, brunch in the sun, and more!
Montpellier 34000 , France
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5, based on 101 reviews
Regional, Rooftop
Lyon 69002 , France
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5, based on 254 reviews
Thematic cuisine, Terrace
A wind of change is blowing in Lyon! La Mère Vittet, a real gastronomic institution locally, has given way to Mademoiselle Simone, its jazzy alter ego. Around the piano, amid flavours from across the globe, after-work events, concerts, games evenings and theatre sports ensue in a cheerful, colourful setting.
Bordeaux 33000 , France
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5, based on 212 reviews
French, Rooftop
If Mama Restaurant Bordeaux were a person, she would be one of those old-school mums who looks after all the neighbourhood kids. But this bar and restaurant in the heart of Bordeaux has much more to offer than just cocktails and homemade food. Rooftop, table football, ping-pong, concerts... Come on over, you'll love it here!
Monaco 98000 , Monaco
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5, based on 526 reviews
International, Terrace
It's always party time at Nikki Beach Monte-Carlo! Located on the rooftop of the Fairmont Hotel in Monaco, our pool-party restaurant-lounge welcomes you for a chic, trendy and glamorous experience that will leave you with unforgettable summer memories.
Monaco 98000 , Monaco
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5, based on 372 reviews
Japanese, Terrace
Welcome to the temple of fusion cuisine, where Asian flavours meet South American accents in the luxurious Fairmont Monte-Carlo Hotel in Monaco.
(*) Average meal price calculated on the basis of starter and main course or main course and dessert, excluding drinks, menu and promotional offers. The average price is an estimate only, calculated according to the prices provided by the restaurant. Depending on the country, the average price may or may not include all taxes. ↩
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