Category Tourism, Organisations & Operators, Food & Beverage

As the first leaves return to the vines, Charentes slips into one of its most appealing seasons. Spring remains something of an insider’s secret. Between April and June, this quietly compelling French destination near Bordeaux offers something increasingly rare: space, authenticity and the freedom to savour it at your own pace. The roads are quieter and the experiences – from tastings to tours – feel more personal. With seasonal direct flights from the UK to La Rochelle, just a 2h30 train ride from Paris, and straightforward rail connections between Angoulême, Saintes and Cognac itself, exploring the region is sustainable and effortless.

You probably know Burgundy’s world-class wines, but there’s another local treasure waiting to be discovered: the blackcurrant. Between Dijon and Nuits-Saint-Georges, Burgundy has unveiled a new foodie tourist itinerary that may soon become one of the region’s signature experiences: the Route du Cassis, or Blackcurrant Route. Stretching over 55km, the route makes Burgundy’s iconic blackcurrant a cultural symbol in its own right, uniting heritage, flavour and wellbeing. Set off along this delicious new trail and dive into the history and know-how behind this little fruit, grown in the region since the 17th century.

Tripadvisor®, the world’s largest travel guidance platform, today announced its first Travelers’ Choice® Awards category for 2026: Best of the Best Destinations, celebrating the places that travelers around the world love most.