Transfer to your accommodation from Lyon train station

A private driver will pick you up at the railway station and drive you safely to your accommodation.

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.

Private Half-Day Tour of the Beaujolais Wine Region

Your chauffeur and private guide will meet you at your lodging for a tour of the Beaujolais vineyards.

This is a day of wine and history. Discover the region’s spectacular nature, historical heritage, fine wine, and delicious regional specialties. Head north of Lyon for a drive through the Beaujolais vineyards. The landscape offers some breathtaking views.

Unique in the region, the villages with their ochre stones reveal their warm colours and their play of light.

In this context, you will follow an introduction to tasting in the heart of the vineyards. You will learn everything about the notion of terroir that makes the uniqueness of the different vineyards so unique, while tasting different wines accompanied by a Viennese pastry.

You will also discover the narrow streets and medieval charm of the village of Oingt, a 12th century village classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France.

The route then continues through the exceptional panoramas of Beaujolais to reach the last stage of the tour. A visit to a winegrower’s estate will complete your oenological approach. He will reveal the secrets of his know-how to you in a friendly atmosphere, before inviting you to a tasting of his wines with a mâchon. This traditional Lyon snack will allow you to discover local delicatessen and cheeses.

Private workshop of cheese and wine pairing

This private workshop will be taken by one of two friends named Antoine, a cream & cheese maker, and Quentin, a wine merchant. They will take you on a journey to learn about the region’s history and culture through cheese and wine. Here, you will have fun with cheese and you will discover the magic of pairing it with a multitude of surprising dishes like white, red, rose, sparkling wines, beers, jams, chocolates and much more.

At first, you will enjoy a welcome drink with a cheese pairing. Later, you will have a brief explanation about cheese and wine and then you will have 3 surprising cheese and food pairings.

At the end of your workshop, you can enjoy a regional charcuterie platter.

Shared guided tour of Saint Antoine Market and Cooking class

Along with your chef, you will first visit the Saint-Antoine market to finalize shopping the ingredients for your cooking class.

After reaching the kitchen, your chef will teach you how to make local recipes, traditional dishes from French gastronomy, as well as current and creative recipes. His expertise lies in revisiting French classic dishes with a touch of innovation that creates beautiful culinary surprises.

After the cooking class, you will get to eat the meal you prepared, which consists of a starter, a main course, and a “market cuisine” dessert, all accompanied by local wine.

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.

Full Day Great wines of Burgundy private guided driving tour

In this tour, you will explore the history and passion behind Burgundy wines and its region. Burgundy is famous for its appellations and its major wines as well as for its beautiful landscape of hills and cliffs.

The first visit will be to Côte de Beaune and its castles where you will discover the wine cellar dating from the 11th century and its most magnificent building. There, you can enjoy great wine from the Côte de Beaune vineyards.

You will then proceed to Beaune for lunch (lunch not included), where you can have the traditional food of Burgundy which is rich and flavorful. Beaune is a pleasant town which gathers many little treasures and rich historical heritages. You will have free time to discover the place,the principal attraction being the Hotel-Dieu and Notre-Dame Collegial Church.

In the afternoon, you will head to the Castle of Aloxe Corton, a beautiful property with a typical burgundy roof. After the visit of the Chateau, you can taste the wines of the estate in a classic Bourguignonne decor.

Finally, you will enjoy the last wine tasting in the center of the UNESCO listed “Climates”, in an unusual cellar of Gevrey, where you can savor delicious red wines.

Private Transfer to the Lyon Train Station

A chauffeur will meet you for a private transfer between your accommodation and the train station.