Burgundy to Provence - A Gourmet Journey

Days 1  Paris to Dijon      
Arrive in Paris this morning and head to Gare de Lyon to board your train to Dijon, capital of the Burgundy region. Check in to your hotel and follow the Owl’s Trail, a charming walk which takes you through Dijon’s historical centre. End at the Saint-Bénigne Cathedral and rub the famous owl statue, said to make all your wishes come true!          

Day 2  Dijon          
Discover the history of Burgundy’s culinary specialities at the fascinating International Food and Wine Centre, which features exhibitions, workshops and multiple restaurants where you can sample delicious regional delicacies including mustard, snails, gingerbread and wine.  

Day 3  Dijon to Lyon      
Pick up your car and spend the morning cruising through the picturesque vineyards and medieval villages of Burgundy on the Route des Grand Crus. The historic walled city of Beaune is one of France’s most important wine centres. Be sure to visit the 15^th Century Hospices de Beaune with its striking tiled roof before continuing your journey south to Lyon.    

Day 4  Lyon          
Spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage listed city centre of France’s third largest city before heading into the nearby hills to the medieval village of Pérouges. Sample the unique galette de Pérouges, a delicious crème brûlée tart, and the bugnes, delicious donuts flavoured with orange blossom.

Day 5  Lyon to Avignon        
Explore the quaint villages of the Rhône Valley and the Ardèche. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Le Pon’t d’Arc, is the perfect spot for a picturesque walk. The Ardèche is known for its chestnuts so perhaps sample a delicious marron glacé, a chestnut candied in sugar syrup, before continuing to Avignon in Provence.    

Day 6  Avignon          
Avignon is dominated by the dramatic 14^th Century Palace of the Popes, the vast building is the largest medieval fortress in Europe. Stroll the cobbled streets, hanging gardens and ramparts of the town.  Perhaps walk along the UNESCO World Heritage listed Saint-Bénézet Bridge famous for its reference in the French children’s song ‘Sur le pont d’Avignon’.  

Day 7  Avignon to Marseille          
Follow the river Rhône to the Carmargue wetlands south of Arles. This unique area is renowned for salt, and the regions distinct, nutty red rice. Amongst the dramatic pink salt flats, reeds and rice fields, the wetlands are a haven for wildlife, including wild white horses and in the spring and summer up to 50,000 flamingos.    

Days 8 - 9  Marseille  
From bouillabaisse to beautiful beaches, the port city of Marseille has a rich history and vibrant culture. Spend the next few days immersed in all the tastes and flavours this wonderful region has to offer.  Before enjoying your final meal of the holiday, be sure to savour a glass of Marseille’s famous Ricard Pastis as an aperitif.          

Day 10  Marseille          
Head to Marseille airport to drop off your car before your onward flight.