The Alps & Savoy
The French Alpes and Savoy is a region which lies to the east and south of Burgundy towards the border with Switzerland. Jura and Savoie produce a range of wines which are distinctively different from other parts of France.
The region includes Franche-Comte which includes beautiful natural scenery including forests, lakes and rivers, and mountains and charming local wine villages. There are 2 sub-regions: the high valley of the Saône with its wide, gently rolling countryside, while the Jura Mountains are dramatic with forests, sheer cliffs and deep gorges. Plenty of sports activities are available including skiing in winter, fishing, rambling and sailing in summer. The main towns are Besancon, Chateau Chalon.
This is the area of Jura wines, Vin de Paille and Kirsch.
Further south and dominated by Mont Blanc is Savoie (Savoy) which includes a mountainous region with the three natural parks (Vanoise, Chartreuse and Bauges); alpine lakes for fishing, swimming or sailing : Chambéry, Aix-les-Bains, Annecy and Albertville are the principal towns. The wines are classified under 2 local appellations: Crépy AC and Seyssel AC, and two regional appellations: Vin de Savoie AC and Roussette de Savoie AC.
Try B&B Burgundy where you can also get good advice on vineyards and other attractions to visit in the region.
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