Den Franske Vinhandel, Roskilde
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
Den Franske Vinhandel is a characterful wine and delicatessen shop on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, a short stroll from the cathedral. Since the 19th century, this vaulted cellar and street-level store have specialised in wine, spirits and gourmet treats, with an impressive stock of 30,000–40,000 bottles. Shelves are lined with fine French labels alongside bottles from across the world, while the in-house coffee roastery supplies fragrant beans and loose-leaf tea. It is as much a sensory experience as a place to pick up a special bottle or beautifully wrapped gift.
A brief summary to Den franske vinhandel
- Skomagergade 3, Roskilde, 4000, DK
- +4546350060
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
- Saturday 9 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Plan a visit when the cellar is used for tastings; the combination of historic vaults and thousands of bottles offers a memorable setting for exploring new wines.
- Ask staff for local pairing suggestions if you are buying wine for Danish dishes or a picnic near the cathedral; they are used to tailoring recommendations.
- Buy coffee beans on days when roasting has recently taken place—the aroma is strongest and you can often discuss roast styles while you choose.
- If you need a gift, let the team assemble a basket with wine, chocolate and delicacies; they can adjust to your budget and wrap it for easy presentation.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Den franske vinhandel location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Den franske vinhandel
A historic wine house in the heart of Roskilde
Den Franske Vinhandel occupies one of Roskilde’s oldest commercial addresses on Skomagergade, the city’s central pedestrian street just moments from the cathedral. The business traces its roots back to 1868, when this stretch of cobbled street was already a busy trading route. Step inside today and you feel that long continuity: creaking floors, rows of wooden shelves and a steady murmur of conversation around the counter all hint at a century and a half of local shopping habits. The name suggests a purely French focus, and indeed classic French regions are a stronghold here, but the shop has evolved into a broad specialist wine merchant. Pallets and racks span Europe, the New World and beyond, yet the atmosphere remains distinctly old-world, with handwritten labels and stacked wooden cases giving the room the air of a small urban wine cave.A cellar packed with tens of thousands of bottles
Beneath the ground-floor shop lies the true treasure: a large, atmospheric cellar where up to 40,000 bottles are stored. Low ceilings, cool air and the faint smell of oak and cork combine to create the feeling of being in a traditional winery rather than a high-street shop. Here, fine and rare wines share space with more accessible everyday bottles, all stacked methodically in long rows. This cellar is not just storage. It also serves as an intimate venue for tastings and private events, with space for a couple of dozen guests at candlelit tables among the bottles. The setting underscores the seriousness with which wine is treated here, while remaining welcoming to those still learning their way around grape varieties and regions.From freshly roasted coffee to gourmet delicacies
Although wine and spirits dominate, Den Franske Vinhandel is equally proud of its gourmet groceries. Counters are piled with quality chocolate, liquorice, sweet treats and savoury snacks suitable for pairing with wine or building generous gift baskets. The visual effect is that of an adult sweet shop, where every shelf offers another temptation. A distinctive feature is the in-house coffee roastery, a tradition that has been maintained for around a century. Arabica beans are roasted in small batches several times a week, filling both shop and street with a rich, toasty aroma. Alongside the coffee you will find jars of loose-leaf tea in many varieties, further reinforcing the shop’s role as a broader delicatessen for the city.Gifts, presentation and local traditions
Over the decades, Den Franske Vinhandel has become a go-to address for gifts in Roskilde, whether for family celebrations, corporate occasions or seasonal hampers. The staff are adept at assembling custom gift boxes and baskets, combining bottles, chocolates and specialty foods into carefully presented packages. Ribbons, tissue paper and decorative boxes line the back of the shop, ready to be turned into something special. Because of its long local history, the shop is woven into local traditions around holidays and celebrations. Many residents associate the address with picking up festive wines, hostess gifts or coffee for special breakfasts. For a visitor, this makes the shop a revealing window into everyday Danish rituals around hospitality and good food.An inviting stop on Roskilde’s pedestrian street
Located mid-way along Skomagergade, Den Franske Vinhandel is easy to combine with sightseeing around the cathedral and the old town. The shopfront, with its displays of bottles and hampers, encourages browsing even if you are not planning a major purchase. Inside, the layout invites slow exploration, from the shelves of spirits and liqueurs to the wall of wine and the counters stacked with delicacies. Although it is fundamentally a retail space, the atmosphere is unhurried and conversational. Browsers can linger, compare labels and enjoy the sensory experience of a traditional wine and delicatessen store in a compact Danish city. Whether you leave with a single bar of chocolate, a bag of freshly ground coffee or a carefully chosen bottle for the evening, the visit adds a flavourful dimension to any walk through Roskilde’s centre.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det Kongelige Palæ i Roskilde
0.2 km
Baroque palace where Danish royalty met democracy, now a vibrant hub for art and culture.
Skänk Beer & Wine bar
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Experience Aarhus’ celestial heritage at the Ole Rømer Observatory, where history, culture, and astronomy converge for hands-on stargazing and exploration.
Roskildekrukkerne
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Three colossal ceramic jars rising from a mirrored basin transform Roskilde’s station square into an open-air monument to a thousand years of city history.
Sct Hans Have
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Explore Aarhus’ signature waterfront, where innovative architecture, lively promenades, and maritime history create Denmark’s most vibrant urban shoreline.
Masterhøj udsigtspost
3.6 km
Bronze Age mound commanding 360-degree views of Roskilde, fjord, and medieval heritage.
Køge Nord
16.8 km
A soaring timber‑lined footbridge and high‑speed rail hub turning everyday commuting into a slice of contemporary Danish architecture and panoramic landscape.
Ølstykke bypark - Bebyggelsen Søhøj Park ligger nord for byparken, fjern ALT med Søhøj også naturlegeplasen
17.2 km
Discover Ølstykke Bypark, a green haven offering tranquility and recreation in the heart of Ølstykke, perfect for families, nature lovers, and community events.
Køge Å
18.8 km
Explore Skagen’s maritime history with hands-on exhibits and live marine engines at Maskinrummet, an atmospheric museum in the heart of the harbour.
Roskilde Fjord
18.9 km
Discover Roskilde Fjord: A blend of Viking history, serene landscapes, and outdoor adventures awaits in this captivating Danish destination, easily accessible from Copenhagen.
Køge Ås
19.8 km
Striking lighthouse at Denmark’s northern edge, offering panoramic views, interactive birdwatching, café, exhibitions, and a window into Skagen’s wild coastal nature.
Gerlevparkens Venner
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Discover Denmark's horticultural heritage at Gerlevparken near Jægerspris: explore unique rose collections, a diverse tree collection, and tranquil gardens maintained by dedicated volunteers.
Bronzestien - Køge Ås
20.8 km
Stroll through ancient landscapes along Køge Ås, where prehistoric burial mounds and glacial history meet serene Danish woodlands near Køge.
Gammel Køgegård
20.9 km
Discover the enchanting world of teddy bears at Skagen Bamsemuseum, a must-visit attraction in Denmark's northernmost town.
KØS Museum of Art in Public Spaces
21.3 km
A must-visit in Skagen, Denmark, the Bamsemuseum enchants visitors with a vast collection of teddy bears and playful exhibits, celebrating nostalgia and Danish culture.
Mindesten for Træskoslaget
21.3 km
A modest memorial stone in central Køge marking the 1807 “Clogs Battle,” where local militia faced British troops during the turbulent Gunboat War.
Unmissable attractions to see
Stændertorvet
0.1 km
Historic heart of Roskilde where cathedral views, markets and daily city life meet on a broad, atmospheric square framed by shops, cafés and civic buildings.
Byens Hus
0.1 km
Community-powered civic townhouse in Roskilde’s old city hall, where history, democracy and everyday cultural life share the same welcoming rooms.
Domkirkemuseet
0.2 km
Intimate museum spaces inside Roskilde’s UNESCO-listed cathedral, revealing the hidden stories behind royal tombs, brick Gothic architecture and a millennium of Danish faith.
Roskilde Cathedral
0.2 km
UNESCO-listed brick Gothic cathedral and royal mausoleum where a thousand years of Danish history, architecture and monarchy meet under soaring red-brick vaults.
Gravmonument over Frederik IX
0.2 km
Et stille, åbent kongeligt gravsted ved Roskilde Domkirke, hvor sømandskongens enkle sten, nordatlantiske materialer og moderne murværk møder udsigten mod fjorden.
Rektorkilden
0.3 km
Explore experimentation and innovation at Roskilde’s Museum of Contemporary Art, where cutting-edge exhibitions and performances illuminate the evolving world of modern art.
Kildehuset
0.3 km
A modest former schoolhouse tucked into a cobbled lane, Kildehuset reveals Roskilde’s quieter side through small‑scale history and intimate streetscape.
Håndværksmuseet
0.3 km
An intimate upstairs museum in historic Roskilde, where traditional woodcraft tools and workshops trace the journey from forest timber to finely made everyday objects.
Roskilde Museum
0.3 km
Denmark's premier city museum revealing a thousand years of history in two heritage buildings.
Maglekilde
0.3 km
A modest timber wellhouse over Roskilde’s most powerful spring, where centuries of mills, spas and industry once turned the steady flow of water into the city’s lifeblood.
Sct Hans Kilde
0.3 km
A tiny historic spring tucked behind Roskilde’s houses, Sct. Hans Kilde offers a brief, tranquil glimpse into the town’s medieval, church-linked water heritage.
Klosterkilden
0.5 km
Explore the captivating Baroque landscapes, woodland walks, and grandeur of Ledreborg Park, a serene 18th-century estate just outside Roskilde in Lejre.
Hestebrønden
0.6 km
A bronze horse fountain anchoring busy Hestetorvet square, Hestebrønden blends everyday city life with a quiet nod to Roskilde’s horse market past.
Roskilde Jars
0.6 km
Monumental ceramic sculptures greeting you at Roskilde’s station square, the Roskilde Jars fuse ancient jar symbolism with bold contemporary public art.
Sct Gertruds Kilde
0.6 km
A small, historic spring on Frederiksborgvej where Roskilde’s sacred past, urban growth and ever-flowing groundwater quietly meet at the edge of the city hillside.
Essential places to dine
Namaste - Restaurant Roskilde
0.0 km
Authentic North Indian cuisine in a beautifully restored historic building in central Roskilde.
Restaurant Upstairs
0.0 km
Elevated European dining in historic Roskilde, where seasonal ingredients and skilled craftsmanship meet Nordic warmth.
Café A Roskilde
0.0 km
Casual all‑day café on Roskilde’s main square, serving familiar brunch plates, burgers and drinks with outdoor seating and easygoing atmosphere in the historic center.
Cafe Vivaldi
0.1 km
Bright all-day café on Roskilde’s historic main square, mixing generous comfort food, relaxed drinks and prime cathedral-side people-watching.
Lenes Streetfood
0.1 km
Casual Danish street food served from a cozy kiosk on Roskilde’s historic Stændertorvet square, perfect for a quick, affordable bite between cathedral and city sights.
Restaurant Raadhuskælderen
0.1 km
Historic cellar dining beneath Roskilde’s old town hall, serving classic Danish smørrebrød and hearty dishes in a warm, modern-meets-traditional setting.
Basilico
0.1 km
Casual Italian comfort and generous pizzas in the heart of Roskilde’s old town, ideal for a relaxed, family‑friendly break between cathedral and shopping.
Restaurant Mumm I/S
0.2 km
Slow-food focused, seasonal small-plate dining in an intimate Roskilde townhouse with a leafy summer courtyard and a distinctly Nordic, wine-led evening atmosphere.
Halifax Burgers Roskilde
0.2 km
Casual build-your-own burger joint on Roskilde’s main street, pairing generous portions and craft drinks with a strong line-up of vegetarian and vegan options.
Marcella Pizza & Pasta - Restaurant Roskilde
0.2 km
Cozy Italian bistro in Roskilde’s main shopping street, serving Neapolitan-style pizzas, generous pasta dishes and easygoing, family-friendly comfort food.
Café Korn - Roskilde
0.2 km
Cosy all‑day café and brasserie on Roskilde’s main pedestrian street, serving hearty brunches, burgers and salads in a warm, grocery‑style setting.
Rib House
0.2 km
Hearty ribs and grill classics in a relaxed, family‑friendly steakhouse tucked into a central Roskilde courtyard near the city’s historic sights.
Florentz Cafe & Brasserie - Restaurant Roskilde
0.2 km
French-inspired café and brasserie in Roskilde’s historic Hotel Prindsen building, serving brunch, bistro classics and drinks on lively pedestrian Algade.
Nua Mama's Secret
0.3 km
Cozy Thai dinners with generous curries, sizzling stir-fries and vegan-friendly options in the historic streets of central Roskilde.
Bella-Capri Restaurant-Pizzaria
0.3 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort food in the heart of Roskilde, serving generous pizzas and hearty mains in a relaxed, family-friendly neighbourhood setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Den franske vinhandel
0.0 km
Historic Roskilde wine merchant with a cavernous cellar, freshly roasted coffee and gourmet treats, turning a simple shopping stop into a richly flavoured experience.
Normal
0.0 km
Brand-name products at unbeatable prices in central Roskilde's premier discount store.
Copenhagen Luxe Roskilde
0.0 km
Curated Scandinavian fashion in natural materials on Roskilde's pedestrian shopping street.
Boutique Dedenroth v / Helle Dedenroth
0.0 km
Owner-run women’s fashion boutique on Roskilde’s central square, offering curated, timeless clothing and a relaxed, personal shopping experience.
Bog & Idé
0.1 km
Central Roskilde’s cozy book and gift shop, where classic Danish bookselling meets games, stationery and everyday essentials on historic Stændertorvet.
Guldfuglen A/S
0.1 km
Traditional Roskilde jeweller on lively Skomagergade, offering classic jewellery, watches and personal service in a calm, central setting.
Perssons Roskilde
0.1 km
Contemporary fashion in the heart of Roskilde's historic shopping district.
Friluftsland
0.1 km
Specialist outdoor shop in central Roskilde, equipping you with quality clothing, footwear and gear for Scandinavian weather, local escapes and longer adventures.
Hobbii
0.2 km
Denmark's premier yarn destination where creativity meets expert guidance and community.
NORII Roskilde
0.2 km
A cozy Scandinavian womenswear boutique on Roskilde’s Algade, offering curated, timeless pieces and personal service in the heart of the historic city.
PURE Copenhagen
0.2 km
A cosy Roskilde boutique blending Scandinavian-inspired women’s fashion, personal styling, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel right on historic Algade.
Byline Denmark (tidligere Byline & Bisgaard)
0.2 km
A cozy courtyard boutique in the heart of Roskilde, blending Scandinavian fashion, accessories, and gift ideas in a calm, well-curated setting.
Metropol
0.2 km
Intimate Roskilde boutique in Djalma Lunds Gård, blending Scandinavian style, curated labels and a touch of vintage in a calm, welcoming shopping space.
Inspiration Roskilde
0.2 km
Scandinavian home inspiration in the heart of historic Roskilde's shopping district.
Bahne
0.2 km
Scandi-chic fashion, interiors and gifts gathered under one roof on Roskilde’s main shopping street, blending everyday practicality with laid-back Danish style.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
PROP Vin og Tapasbar
0.0 km
Intimate Roskilde wine bar pairing curated bottles with Mediterranean-inspired tapas in a candlelit room and sheltered courtyard, strictly for a relaxed 25+ crowd.
Gullanden
0.1 km
An unpretentious Roskilde pub with darts, DJ nights, cold beer and a loyal local crowd, where evenings stretch easily into the early hours.
Ruder Konge Bodega
0.2 km
A timeworn Danish bodega in central Roskilde, offering cheap beer, pool tables and unpretentious pub life just off the city’s main pedestrian street.
PAUSE
0.2 km
Intimate wine and beer bar in Roskilde's historic center, celebrating Nordic hospitality and craft beverages.
28 Live
0.3 km
A lively “youth club for adults” in central Roskilde, blending bar, games, live shows, sport and nightclub energy under one sociable roof.
Gustav Wieds - Byens Ølbar
0.4 km
Craft-focused neighbourhood beer bar in central Roskilde, combining eight rotating taps, a cosy wooden interior, jukebox tunes and billiards in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Klosterkælderen
0.5 km
Roskilde's premier craft beer cellar with 200+ beers and authentic Danish pub charm.
Georges Bodega
0.6 km
Old-school Danish bodega at Roskilde’s Hestetorvet, pouring cold beer from morning to late night with indoor smoking, local regulars and station-square views.
Copé Lounge
0.6 km
Urban lounge bar by Roskilde’s main square, blending backyard summer vibes, easygoing cocktails and cosy Danish hygge late into the night.
Mulligans Irish Pub
0.6 km
Authentic Irish pub in two storeys with live music, craft beers, and vibrant social atmosphere in central Roskilde.
Teatercaféen
0.8 km
Unpretentious local beer hall in Roskilde where everyday life, cheap drinks and warm conversation matter more than design or trends.
Roskilde Bodega
1.1 km
Classic Danish corner bar on Holbækvej with pool, darts, slot machines and a lively local crowd, offering an unpolished, authentic bodega atmosphere from day to late night.
Vinbaren Muicon
1.5 km
An intimate wine bar in Roskilde’s Musicon district, pairing cozy Nordic warmth with a curated wine list and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibes.
Musicon Mikrobryggeri
1.5 km
Local craft beer, stainless-steel tanks and live music energy in the heart of Roskilde’s creative Musicon district.
Charlie Chaplin
1.6 km
An unfussy neighbourhood bar in Roskilde, Charlie Chaplin pours cold beers and warm conversation in a relaxed local bodega setting far from the city’s tourist crowds.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
