Bellet, Bandol, Côtes de Provence: a wine-tasting day with a private chauffeur from Cannes

From Cannes, the vineyards are never far away: in the hills of Nice, in the Var around Bandol, or in the Provençal hinterland. A day of wine tasting there is a fine plan, on one condition: nobody should have to get back behind the wheel after the last cellar.

This guide covers three appellations that are easy to reach from Cannes, how to plan the day, the French drink-driving rules and what you need to know to bring your bottles home.

Three appellations within reach of Cannes

Bellet, the vineyard of Nice

Bellet is an appellation apart. According to INAO, the French public body in charge of designations of origin, its vineyard lies entirely within the commune of Nice, on the hills overlooking the left bank of the Var. The vines are grown on terraces, between 200 and 400 metres above sea level.

The reds and rosés are shaped by two grape varieties typical of Nice, braquet and folle noire; the whites combine vermentino and chardonnay. If you are staying in Cannes, it is an easy outing to combine with a visit to Nice.

Bandol, the land of mourvèdre

The Bandol appellation covers 8 communes in the Var, around Bandol. Its signature grape is mourvèdre, and its red wines are aged for at least 18 months in wood. A day in Bandol lends itself to an unhurried programme: two or three visits and a lunch.

Côtes de Provence, the largest

According to INAO, Côtes de Provence is the largest of the Provençal appellations: 84 communes in the Var and the Bouches-du-Rhône, with the exception of one commune in the Alpes-Maritimes. It is produced mainly in the Var. The choice of estates is wide, so you can build an itinerary around your own tastes.

Planning the day

• Choose one or two appellations, not three. Bellet is in Nice, Bandol is in the Var: from Cannes, they lie in opposite directions. One area per day works best.
• Make appointments. Some estates only receive visitors by appointment, and opening hours can change with the season: check with each estate before setting your programme.
• Book lunch. A table near the estates you visit saves time on the road in the middle of the day.
• Leave some margin. Two visits, a lunch and the drives easily fill a whole day.
• Note your appointments and addresses. Send them to us when you book, with your preferred departure time.

Tasting without driving

In France, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.5 g per litre or more, which equals about 0.25 mg per litre of exhaled air. For holders of a probationary licence, the limit drops to 0.2 g/l (about 0.10 mg/l of exhaled air).

• Between 0.5 and 0.8 g/l: a fixed fine of €135, 6 points off the licence and a possible licence suspension.
• From 0.8 g/l: a criminal offence, punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a €9,000 fine, with 6 points off the licence and suspension or cancellation of the licence.

These are the rules published by Service-Public, the official website of the French administration. With a chauffeur, the question no longer arises: you taste, they drive.

Choosing your vehicle

With a chauffeur, you need not worry about the road or about parking. Describe your programme to us (estates, timings, lunch, number of passengers): we give you a fixed price per vehicle, confirmed in writing before you book, with VAT, tolls and parking included.

• Executive (Mercedes E-Class or EQE): up to 3 passengers.
• Van (Mercedes V-Class): up to 7 passengers, for a family or a group of friends.
• Luxury (Mercedes S-Class or BMW i7, the latter 100% electric).

Child seats are provided on request. If you return late, a night supplement of €15 per transfer applies between 10 pm and 7 am. For an overview of what we offer, see also our Wine tours page.

Bringing your bottles home

By car, your purchases travel with you to your hotel or villa. If you are flying home, check your airline’s rules on liquids in the cabin and on checked baggage before you buy.

Between European Union countries, wine bought for your own use is not subject to excise duty in the country you return to. The EU sets guide levels of 90 litres of wine per person, of which no more than 60 litres of sparkling wine. Above these, customs may ask you to prove that the wine is for your own use. Each country may set higher levels: check the rules of the country you are returning to. For a country outside the European Union, check with its customs authorities.

Frequently asked questions

How many estates can we visit in a day?

Two or three, with a lunch, so that you have time to enjoy each visit.

Which vehicle should we choose?

Executive (Mercedes E-Class or EQE) for up to 3 passengers, Van (Mercedes V-Class) for up to 7 passengers, or Luxury (Mercedes S-Class or BMW i7, the latter 100% electric).

Can we bring children?

Yes. Child seats are provided on request: give the children’s ages when you book.

How is the price set?

The price is fixed per vehicle and confirmed in writing before you book, with VAT, tolls and parking included. A night supplement of €15 per transfer applies between 10 pm and 7 am.

Official sources

• INAO — Bellet ou Vin de Bellet rouge, product sheet (in French)
• INAO — Bandol rouge, product sheet (in French)
• INAO — Côtes de Provence rosé, product sheet (in French)
• Service-Public — Drink-driving: limits and penalties (in French)
• European Commission (Your Europe) — Alcohol, tobacco and excise duties

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Please drink responsibly.