Secrets of French Gourmet Tour: A Treasured Culinary Journey

Your 11-day France gourmet tour immerses you in the flavors of Paris, the Rhone Valley, and Provence, letting you step beyond sampling, and instead immersing yourself in the culture and cuisine. Your culinary excursion begins with your arrival in Paris. Your private transfer greets you at the airport and escorts you to a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city. Enjoy dinner at a stunning restaurant on the Champs Elysees before following your guide on the first of many France tours, beginning with an exploration of the shimmering lights of Paris. The following morning, you venture through the historic streets of the city on a guided tour of the history and cherished sweets of the city. Explore the chocolateries, followed by a private workshop led by a chef at the École Lenôtre cooking school.

The next day, your culinary tour guide leads you through the markets of the city. Take pleasure in the ambiance and culture of the market. Learn about the seasonal produce. Your tour continues with a cooking demonstration and lesson in a private kitchen to learn the wonders of Parisian favorites. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy the city. Your private transfer meets you at the hotel the following day in the early afternoon and escorts you to the train station for your first class high-speed train ride south to Lyon. Delight in a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant located inside a historic abbey.

Next, you tour Les Halles, the marketplace of Lyon, a city known as the “Culinary Capital of France.” Discover the remarkable history of the city through the Renaissance district and Roman archeological site. Continue to Beaujolais for a wine tasting of the Rhone countryside. The cruise ship departs from Lyon in the evening. Wake up in Viviers and explore the ancient and medieval history of the town located on the Rhone River, followed by a wine tour. Weigh anchor and continue to float down river, arriving in Arles.

Traverse the Roman streets and pass medieval homes in Arles. Visit a preserved abbey nestled in the foothills beneath the Saint-Paul de Mausole hospital. Van Gogh stayed in the hospital for more than three months. Delight in a memorable lunch at a restaurant known for serving Provencal specialties. In the evening, the boat drifts south toward Avignon. Spend the day discovering the treasures of Avignon and the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard. Witness the Palais de Pape and the excellent cuisine. Then you venture into the countryside to see the natural red hues of the village of Roussillon. The region of Chateauneuf-du-Pape contains celebrated wines and popular vineyards ready for you to visit on a tour of the area.

The boat travels back toward Lyon, docking in the Rhone Valley. Follow your guide on a walking tour of Tournon. Your market tour of Valence introduces you to the local specialties. Your guide takes you on a journey of flavors during a cooking demonstration, followed by a cheese-and wine-pairing course. The boat returns to Lyon on your final morning. Your private transfer greets you at the dock and escorts you to the airport for your flight home.