Bugey-Savoie: the Tour de France from a wine perspective

After an exceptional stage through the heart of the Rhône Valley , new challenges await the Tour de France riders before they climb into the Alps . Let's head out for our final wine-themed escape through the vineyards of Bugey and Savoie !

A journey through the heart of the vineyards of Savoie and Bugey

Before tackling the Alpine stages, the riders will be able to enjoy a brief respite, even though the route holds some major surprises with its highly contrasting terrain. In the heart of these rolling landscapes, so beloved by cyclists, our final stages of the Tour de France also promise some wonderful discoveries and wine-related surprises.

• A stop in the Bugey vineyards: While many cyclists come to tackle the summit of the Grand Colombier, wine lovers also come to appreciate the charms of the Bugey vineyards and their many wines. Ideally located between Lyon, Bourg-en-Bresse, and Chambéry, this vineyard covers only 500 hectares but boasts a great diversity of geology and climate.
• A stop in the Savoie vineyards: As we approach the first slopes of the Alps, we encounter numerous wine tourists eager to discover the diverse terroirs of Savoie, and particularly its white wines, which represent 70% of production. Like the neighboring Bugey vineyards, the Savoie vineyards boast highly varied climatic and topographical conditions.

Characterized by a great diversity of terroirs, these two vineyards are home to numerous grape varieties, including several local varieties that contribute to the distinctive character of the regional wines. Among the local varieties, Mondeuse stands out for red and rosé wines, while Jacquère , Altesse , and Roussette are notable for white wines. Wine enthusiasts will also find well-known varieties such as Gamay, Chardonnay, and Chasselas .

Tour of the main appellations of Savoy and Bugey

After this wonderful wine-tasting escape, let's take a look at the stage rankings. The vineyards of Bugey and Savoie have been rewarded with 5 regional appellations thanks to the determination and hard work of the men and women who work every day in the vineyards and cellars.

A stop in the Bugey vineyard : We discover the Bugey AOC and the Roussette-du-Bugey AOC, followed by other appellations within these controlled designations of origin.

Stage in the Savoie vineyard: Same situation in the classification, we find the AOC Savoie and the AOC Roussette-de-Savoie.

A surprise in the overall ranking: The Seyssel AOC is found both in the Bugey vineyard and in the Savoie vineyard.

Gourmet stops in Savoy and Bugey

To enjoy our last wine and gourmet getaway, Savoie and Bugey are full of many gastronomic specialties that will delight our taste buds and accompany the wines of the region.

Starting from the 15th stage in Bourg-en-Bresse, we can sample the famous Bresse chickens , but we also find a wide variety of seafood such as carp, pike, perch, and crayfish. The latter are used to prepare the renowned Nantua sauce, often served with quenelles. As cheese and wine lovers , we then indulge in the diverse cheeses offered by the Bugey and Savoy regions. These include Ramequin du Bugey, Bleu de Gex, Beaufort, Reblochon, Abondance, and numerous Tomme cheeses.

Finally, we could not talk about Savoy without mentioning its mountain specialties such as the famous Savoyard fondue , the sweet and savory farçon, polenta or crozets offered in a gratin or to accompany meat in sauce.

Stage commentary: A popular spot for cyclists, the Grand Colombier offers exceptional panoramic views of the Bugey vineyards, sure to delight all wine lovers. While awaiting the Alpine stages, the Savoie vineyards hold some wonderful surprises for the taste buds, with their typical white wines as well as their red and rosé wines.

Quentin (Les Grappes)