A Culinary Journey through Lyon and Southern France - French Side Travel

A Culinary Journey through Lyon and Southern France

7 Days | Wine & Food

Experience the best of Lyon and Southern France's exceptional gastronomy

Luxury | From $9,399 pp

Your journey begins in Lyon, France’s culinary capital. It's a gastronomic adventure! Tour and taste the Beaujolais wine region, then take the highspeed train down into Provence. Visit the daily markets for some great, authentic food. Explore the historic villages of the Luberon and sample the iconic calisson.

Day by Day

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Day 1: Lyon

Private transfer

A driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination in a luxury vehicle.

Arrival at your accommodation

After the check-in, you will have the rest of the day to visit the surroundings.

Welcome to Lyon, the “culinary capital of France”

Lyon is an important cultural and historical center with unique geography; the city started flourishing as a Roman colony between the Rhone and the Saône rivers. The Croix-Rousse district is one of the most unique features of the city and was one of the reasons why the city was once known as the “silk capital of the world”, as the Croix-Rousse hill was home to the silk workers of the city up till the 19th century.

The 15th-century Romanesque-Gothic style Lyon Cathedral and the Croix-Rousse district of the city have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the treasury within the cathedral is a listed French National Monument. The Presqu’ile is at the heart of Lyon and occupies the area between the two rivers. During day time the area between Place Bellecour and Place des Terraux is wonderful for shopping, with all the big names and lots of interesting boutiques and designer shops.

The architectural highlights continue on the other side of the Saône river. The Romanesque-Byzantine Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which is probably the most spectacular and dominating landmark of the city, the Church of Saint-Just, Le Chevet de la Basilica, the Ancient Roman Theater, and the Metallic Tower of Fourvière, which is one of the most famous landmarks of Lyon, are all in this region.

One of the titles of Lyon is “culinary capital of France”. Lyon is famous for its gastronomy and offers some of the best French culinary delicacies. Furthermore, Lyon is located between two of the best wine-producing regions in France, the Cotes du Rhône and the Beaujolais. Be it the rejuvenating Beaujolais red wine or local delicacies like salade Lyonnaise, andouille, and marrons glace, you will find plenty to stimulate your taste buds among an extensive choice of restaurants.

Lyon also has a very old tradition of “trompe l’œil” mural art: the art of creating the optical illusion of a three-dimensional scene, which can really take you by surprise.
Lyon city in France

Restaurant Booking – Restaurant Jeremy Galvan – Dinner

Exalte all your senses and feel free at Jeremy Galvan, a 1 Michelin-star restaurant. The theme of the restaurant is dedicated to 4 elements: Earth and Fire, Water and Air. The intimate and warm ambiance will make you feel relaxed and at ease.

The chef Jeremy Galvan boasts of preparing innovative and daring dishes whilst appreciating fresh, local, and seasonal produce.

Day 2: Lyon

Private guided walking lunch tour

Lyon has been especially considered the French capital of gastronomy. From fine restaurants to the famous local bouchons, to street food, Lyon offers plenty of options for foodies. Anyhow, it is not easy to determine what to taste. With our local guide you will have an overview of Lyon gastronomy, and find a perfect place and the best thing to eat.

First, you will be offered several delicious starters which will awaken your appetite. An authentic Lyon sausage accompanied with potatoes will be served for lunch in a comfortable place.

Finally, you will be taken for a walk through the lanes and streets of Vieux Lyon and along the way get to taste sweet culinary treats.

Suggestion for the afternoon: Walks in Lyon at Tete d’Or Park, Banks of the river Rhône and River Sâone

The Parc de la Tête d’Or (“Park of the Golden Head”) is a 290-acre urban park in Lyon, France. It includes the Jardin botanique de Lyon as well as a lake where boating is permitted during the summer season. This park attracts a large number of visitors during the summer and it is a popular destination for joggers and cyclists. There is a small free zoo in the middle of the park that houses giraffes, deer, reptiles, primates and other animals. A velodrome, boules court, mini-golf and equestrian facility are also available, as well as a mini-train.

The Berges du Rhône (Rhône Banks) or Quais du Rhône (Rhône Quays) is a series of parks, quays, streets and walking paths that run along the river Rhône in Lyon. The modern Berges du Rhône were built between 2005 and 2007, resulting in the development of 10 hectares of land on the Rhône’s left and right banks, from Parc de la Tête d’Or to Parc de Gerland.

The Saône is an eastern French river. It is a right tributary of the Rhône, rising in the Vosges department at Vioménil and joining the Rhône at the southern end of the Presqu’île in Lyon. The name Saône is derived from the Gallic river goddess Souconna, which is also associated with a local Celtic tribe known as the Sequanes. Monastic copyists slowly changed Souconna to Saoconna, which gave rise to Saône. Brigoulus and Arar were two other ancient names for the river.

Day 3: Lyon

Full-day private guided Beaujolais Grand Cru wine tour

Enjoy an unforgettable tour of one of the most beautiful Beaujolais terroirs and savor this historical region’s richness.

From Lyon, your driver and your guide who is an expert in wine and the region, will pick you up from the hotel and drive you through the different vineyard routes, discovering unique landscapes and treasures of the area. Along the way, your driver-guide will brief you on the Beaujolais region, its wines, its appellation, and the villages you’ll pass through.

You will then stop at a medium-sized family estate, where you will learn about its history and wine-making, followed by a tasting.

You can take a lunch break that can be planned at one of Paul BOCUSE restaurants’ charcuterie suppliers, or at a semi-gastronomic restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Beaujolais mountains.

After lunch, you will visit a second local produce. You will discover a new facet of the “Gamay” grape variety. Your guide will reveal the secrets of the vineyard, from pruning to vinification followed by a tasting session

At the end of the day, on the way home, you will stop to enjoy the sunset (depending on the season) in one of France’s most beautiful villages. From the top of the hill, you can contemplate the valley and its vineyards.

Day 4: Lyon - Aix-en-Provence

Private Transfer to the train station

A private driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a luxury vehicle.

Direct Train from Lyon to Aix-en-Provence in First Class

Private Transfer to your hotel

A private driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a luxury vehicle

Welocme in Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence, the capital of Provence in the 15th century is surrounded by authentic Provencal houses, traditional French-style gardens, city squares bursting with flowers, ancient fountains, and shaded narrow streets.

The Cours Mirabeau is one of the most busiest and frequently visited places in the Provence region. Named after the Revolutionary hero the Comte de Mirabeau, this fountain-studded street is surrounded by Renaissance hotels, beautiful verdant trees, and elegant private mansions.

Stroll around the 17th and 18th-century houses, where there is plenty of authentic cafes, and labyrinthine boulevards. You can relax and smell the rich aroma of the coffee, listen to some upbeat techno music, while you spend your time in vibrant ambiance, and relish some of the typical Provencal delicacies.

Restaurant Booking – L’incontournable – Lunch or dinner

Enjoy a delicious meal whilst discovering the endearing surroundings of the lively Aix-en-Provence. Excellent cuisine and delicious drinks accompany you while you relax and enjoy the environment.

Restaurant Booking - L'incontournable - Lunch or dinner

Day 5: Lauris - Seguret - Sault - Lourmarin - Aix-en-Provence

Full-day private driver at disposal 

Harvest Mornings – Experience the winemaking process

Don a pair of boots and a pair of pruning clippers and get into the game of harvesting the delicious grapes. Pick a few rows of vines and bring them back to the cellar to discover how they will be transformed into wine.

You will also taste the juices during fermentation which will be followed by lunch in the vineyards, under the olive trees.

Suggestion for the afternoon : Perched Balcony Villages of the Luberon

You will discover some of the small villages of Provence, that are built from local stone. Some of the perched villages are Gordes, Lourmarin, Roussillon, Seguret, Les Beaux de Provence, Sault and Aurel.

A small village of Seguret which is clinging to a hillside and overlooking a vine-filled plain. Here you will see the houses built into the old ramparts. You can stroll through the narrow stone streets, then begin your walk to the chapel at the top to take in the view of the surrounding plain and the hills of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

The village Sault is known as the Lavender capital of Vauclause and it is located in the heart of the Albion plateau. Here during the seasons, you will witness the beautiful view of the lavender fields which will refresh your eyes and nose with its scent.

Lourmarin is recognized as one of the beautiful villages of France. This village is all about art. In every step at this village, you will find an artist. There are varieties of art work that is made. Learn some art and take it as a souvenir. You can also visit the famous 15th century: The Chateau of Lourmarin.

Day 6: Cassis

Private luxury tour to the East coast of Cassis

During this unique day, you will experience the amazing Provence wild seaside along with the Calanques National Park.

Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in the morning for a full day of sightseeing and experiences, in a luxury vehicle. First, you will immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful landscapes of Europe, the Calanques National Park, an impressive limestone natural cathedral. You will reach its turquoise Mediterranean waters, little hidden harbors, and secret beaches by boat, which is the best way to enjoy its spectacular beauty.

After enjoying the little Cassis village where the park ends, you will continue toward the Castellet village, one of the most beautiful and characteristic villages of France, where you can experience pure Provence bliss.

After Le Castellet, you will reach the region of Bandol, famous for its vineyards, especially for the Rosé. You will have the opportunity to discover the backstages of an enchanting Domaine hidden in the hills, with a private wine tasting by a passionate winemaker. He will be happy to share with you – part of – its know-how and secrets to get this perfect balance and character from Provence … While tasting wine, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the colored rocky massif of Sainte-Baume.

At the end of this well-rounded day, your driver guide will drive you back to your hotel.

Day 7: Southern France

Private Transfer to the train station or the airport

A private driver will pick you up and drive you safely to your destination, in a luxury vehicle.

End of Our Service

Your journey with us has come to an end. We hope to see you soon!

Map

About This Tour:

    • Enjoy 24/7 English-spoken telephone assistance while traveling
    • This itinerary includes transport, activities, guides, accommodations with breakfasts, and other listed services
    • Price is in USD per person, assuming double occupancy. Note that prices and availability are subject to change.

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