Rhône Wine Tour

After lunch, enjoy a Walking Tour of Lyon to clear the head and perk you up. Lyon’s old town or “Vieux-Lyon” as it is known locally is one of the largest old towns in France, remaining almost intact, and although it’s existence has been threatened over the years for sanitation reasons, has thankfully been immaculately preserved. Split into three districts named after saints, the name of whom a church or the cathedral in each district is called; St Paul, St. John, and St. George. All of which are striking buildings in their own right and worth a visit. “Cathédrale Saint-Jean” St. John’s Cathedral has a beautiful, grandiose façade, although it appears somewhat “short” because its towers are unfinished. The cathedral houses the 14^th century Lyon Astronomical clock, genuinely remarkable to see. (If you happen to be visiting in December the light festival is very pretty). The view of the city from the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is stunning and worth the climb. You will then settle into your immaculate and utterly delightful hotel, the Cour des Loges, enjoy a free evening to relax or catch up on jet lag.

After an outstanding lunch, head to the historic city of Vienne, stretch your legs, see the Ancient Roman theatre, and more. This city is full of Roman architecture, probably the most impressive is the Temple in the heart of the city, almost entirely intact and dating back to the 1^st Century or the all imposing, truly magnificent amphitheater from around 40-50 AD, which sits at the foot of Mt Pipet. It’s quite a sight and incredibly large, seating over 11,000 spectators. It is still used today during the summer Jazz festival. Then on to your elegant Relais & Chateaux hotel, Maison Pic.  You won’t be terribly hungry for dinner. A free evening to explore your captivating abode, impeccably decorated in a contemporary style, be sure to check out the enchanting gardens.

After lunch, stroll through the vineyards up to Chapelle de l’Hermitage with a local wine expert and enjoy a vineyard walk that concludes with a private tasting at a secret gem in the Hermitage appellation. Then chocoholics brace yourself because next up is a visit to the mythical Valrhona Boutique in Tain l’Hermitage, the “Rolls Royce of Chocolate.” Discover everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate from the bean to the bar and pick up some fabulous gifts; before heading to your gourmet hotel for a blowout dinner onsite at their 3 Michelin star restaurant. This restaurant has a fascinating history dating back to 1889 and has gained, lost, and regained its stars several times over the years. Prepare yourself for some electrifying creations such as Gillardeua Oyster with lovage and black cardamom ice cream and various beetroot textures or Duck Liver Crème Brûlée topped with green apple sorbet; there is a generous selection of sweet delicacies with which to finish including “Bitter Honey Chocolate” (just in case you didn’t sample enough this afternoon) this treat was created by Valrhona for Anne-Sophie Pic and is like a honeycomb served with Corsican bitter honey pannacotta cream and Hojicha Cubeb tea ganache – bliss!

Lunch follows and is a characterful affair at L’Oustalet in Gigondas, totally embracing the wine world in which it finds itself, this delightful restaurant set in an old stone house has its own vegetable garden, the resulting produce being used to inspire the seasonal menu. The wine list is extensive and fascinating to take a peek, but the pairings offered with the lunch menu is a great option. A little over the 10-minute drive away, you will visit Beaumes de Venise. Next, this enchanting hilltop village, full of caves makes for an interesting digestive stroll before you will have a fun wine tasting paired with Provençal bites such as tapenade and goat’s cheese, at Domaine de la Pigeade. The Muscat de Beaumes de Venise make for an interesting change. It is a fortified wine from either Muscat á petits grains blanc or noir, so it can range from an amber color to rosé or even purple. One last stop before heading to your hotel, at the stunning Domaine Montirius, this delightful family-run vineyard oozes love and harmony. You will be personally received and hosted by the owner Christine, who will introduce you to their range of wines from various appellations, including Vacqueyras, Gigondas, and Côtes du Rhône. A real treat! Then a 30-minute drive to your overnight destination Hotel D’Europe in Avignon. A historic building dating back to 1580 and also one of the oldest hotels in the country, it’s been beautifully restored and renovated and boasts a prime location both near the river and centrally located. Bon Soir!

After lunch, you will have a VIP tour at the terrific Chateau de la Nerthe, this mythical chateau was built in 1736 and is mentioned in documents as far back as 1560. Not only is it probably one of the oldest estates in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but is also famed for being the first estate of the region to export out of France. The estate changed hands a number of times, especially during the 19^th/20^th century. The current owners purchasing and renovating in 1986. All 13 of the permitted varieties are planted, producing 3 red and 2 white wines. You will hear the fascinating viticultural and vinification practices they use, ending with a tasting of their marvelous wines. Then before heading back to Avignon, pop into the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape itself, a pretty medieval village perched on a hill from where you can admire the luscious vineyards. Once back at your hotel, a free evening to relax or explore with our recommendations.

You will then visit Gordes, breathtakingly beautiful, considered not only to be the most beautiful village in Provence but in France. It is as equally striking being admired from afar as you approach it as it is fascinating to explore. Your chauffeur will also take you to the nearby Senanque abbey where the typical lavender field picture is taken. One last stop before heading back to Avignon at Roussillon; in total contrast to the white stone of the other villages, Roussillon is awake with color, a painter’s palette of color thanks to the neighboring ochre quarry, quite a sight off-set against the pine-covered hills and green valleys. Then a free evening in vibrant Avignon.

By lunchtime, you should have “walked up” an appetite, and you have a fabulous farewell lunch on the beautiful terrace of Mirande to look forward to. This is an extraordinary finale to this gastronomic trail; the setting is stunning, and each plate that is presented in front of you is a real work of art. Season dependent of course; but you can expect the likes of Partridge grilled and then lacquered with Hokkaido pumpkin chutney, Red Scorpion Fish in a saffron broth with crispy octopus or “Lemon Lightness” which is Chef Florent Pietravalle’s interpretation of a Lemon Meringue Pie – it just melts in your mouth! Then hop on the fast train to Lyon, settle into your delightful hotel in the old town. You will have a free evening to make the most of this fascinating city, with plenty of tips from us, of course.