Treasures of Burgundy and Provence: Rhône & Saône

Experience a varied excursion through one of the most historically significant regions of Burgundy. In Cluny, step back into the world of the Middle Ages: around 1,000 years ago, the Cluny Abbey was the spiritual center of Europe, and its monumental church, Cluny III, was once the largest church in Christendom. Today, the impressive ruins of the abbey offer a vivid impression of the power, faith, and daily life of the monks. Stroll through the cloisters and explore the remains of the grand church, soaking in the unique atmosphere of this remarkable site.

The journey continues through the gentle vine-covered landscapes of Beaujolais and Mâconnais, passing picturesque villages, castles, and manor houses. Enjoy the stunning views of rolling hills adorned with centuries-old vineyards.

The highlight of the excursion is a visit to the Château de Pierreclos, whose origins date back to the 12th century. Discover medieval life in the vaulted cellars of the artillery tower, the armory, and the former dungeon. The guided tour provides fascinating insights into the history of the castle, its strategic importance, and the lives of its noble and resident families during the Middle Ages. This excursion is ideal for guests who wish to authentically explore Burgundy’s history, architecture, and picturesque landscapes.

Please note: The exact itinerary may be adjusted depending on the availability of group tours.

With its pastel buildings and tiled roofs, Mâconnais has a Mediterranean charm. From Mâconnais we will tour the Beaujolais and Mâconnais wine regions. We will make our way through the vineyards which grace the area, as well as the castles and stately homes which bear witness to the wealth of the region. A highlight of this excursion is the visit to Georges Duboeuf’s Hameau du Vin. In the unique setting of a 19th-century railway station, you can marvel at the wine making process: the transporting of grapes and wine, the winemaker’s tools and trade, the cellars, the winemaking processes, bottling and corking. Finish the visit with a tasting of Beaujolais wines, in a room housing a barrel organ called a “bouteillophone”.

After breakfast, take a scenic drive along France’s Burgundy wine route through Pommard, Volnay and Meursault. In Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you will enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful Hôtel-Dieu, founded as a hospice in 1443. Today, it covers a large area of the town with its museum, three courtyards, outbuildings, 15th-century bastion and hundreds of meters of cellars, which are notable for containing the personal reserve of the Hospices. The four buildings open to the public are situated around the Court of Honor and represent the Hôtel-Dieu of former times.

The great Salle des Pauvres (”hall of the poor”), is decorated with multi-colored beams which are unique in the world. Serenity reigns here which will leave no one unmoved. The rooms overflow with treasures: statues, furniture, pottery, paintings, tapestries and more. The kitchen has been restored to look exactly as it did in the 19th century. The polyptych of “The Last Judgement”, a masterpiece by the Flemish painter Rogier Van Der Weyden, is particularly well presented. Later, enjoy a wine tasting experience at one of Beaune’s famous cellars.

We leave Chalon-sur-Saône and drive to Brançion for a short photo stop before continuing to the Castle of Cormatin. Behind its understated exterior lies inestimable splendor. The castle is undoubtedly one of the most sumptuous castles in Burgundy, and, in addition, it boasts a Renaissance garden. The sculpted yews break up the symmetry as you enter this moated château. The rich, colorful interior reflects the French and more particularly, the Parisian fashion during the reign of Louis XIII. Built between 1605 and 1629 by the du Blé family, it chronicles the history of the arts at this time in France. The formal Renaissance garden has the “fountain of life” at its center. Beyond this is a maze with a charming wrought-iron aviary. From the top of this you can get an overview of the park.

Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers, but it is also the gastronomic capital of France. Its rich, ancient history includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites. The city tour begins with a coach trip to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The well-known pilgrimage church stands on a hill, offering an unforgettable view of the city. After you’ve had a look around on your own and enjoyed a drive along the banks of the Sâone, with views of various sights including the Cathedral of St. John and the Palace of Justice, you will have the opportunity to explore Lyon’s Old Town.

Take a gentle stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the famous Roman theatre and buildings showing the influence of the Italian Renaissance.

Lyon, thanks to its many local specialties, is known for its gastronomy.  In 1859 the first covered market in Lyon 'Les Halles de Lyon' was created. Throughout the centuries, the marketplace in Lyon has evolved, been re-built to today's standards, and gained a reputation for its high-quality gourmet goods. Michelin starred Chef Paul Bocuse, enjoyed shopping for his restaurants in this marketplace and in 2006, lent his name to Les Halles de Lyon, giving the final stamp of approval to the gastronomic excellence of the goods available. We invite you to explore the best producers of Lyon in Les Halles Paul Bocuse. The three-level market is made up of 56 traders - cheese makers, bakers, pastry chefs, delicatessens and wine merchants just to name a few. Follow your guides through this maze of merchants and taste the emblematic products of the world capital of gastronomy: wine, cheese, cooked mixed meats and pastries.

Today’s excursion is a guided walk through Avignon, also known as the “City of Popes” due to the role the city played in the Avignon conspiracy of the 14th century, when a pope abandoned Rome and fled to Avignon. Avignon’s lavish Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), is a fortress, church and palace all in one and was considered the center of the Christian world during the 14th century. From 1309 to 1377, seven popes resided in this impressive building, one of the world’s most fascinating examples of Gothic architecture. Another must-see is the Pont d’Avignon, a ruined 12th-century bridge that once spanned the Rhône and is immortalized in a folk song about dancing on the bridge.

The Pont du Gard is the greatest surviving stretch of a fifty-kilometer-long (thirthy one mile) aqueduct, built by the Romans in the middle of the first century to supply fresh water to the city of Nimes. With just a seventeen-meter difference in altitude between beginning and end, the aqueduct was quite an achievement for its time.Some miles further on, near the start of the aqueduct, lies the city of Uzès. This lovely old town perches on a hill above the River Alzon. Half a dozen medieval towers rise above its tiled roofs. The most fetching is the windowed, Pisa-like Tour Fenestrelle, tacked onto the cathedral. The narrow lanes are lined with Renaissance and Neoclassical houses which were once the residences of the 17th- and 18th-century bourgeoisie, who had grown rich on textiles.

Arles boasts a rich history. It was founded by the Gauls, who made it their capital. During the course of centuries, Arles was home to archbishops, became part of the Kingdom of the Franks and, later on, capital of the Kingdom of Burgundy. During our two-hour city walk, pass many ancient or Roman sights and monuments and see why UNESCO has chosen to declare Arles a World Heritage Site. A visit to the Roman arena is a must while in Arles. Why not take a break in the café that served as the model for Vincent Van Gogh’s “Café Terrace at Night”? While strolling through the city, you might even meet pilgrims walking the Way of St. James, which begins in Arles!

The Camargue is like a little country in its own right. Once you’re a few minutes south of Arles, you enter the unique atmosphere of the area, with its series of long, level roads criss-crossing the marshes and farmlands. For the protection of the exceptional fauna and flora, part of the Camargue was listed as a nature reserve as early as 1927. In 1970, the whole Island of Camargue (the delta of the Rhône River) was listed as the Regional Nature Park of Camargue. It is home to an astonishing range of wildlife, including the renowned Camargue bulls and horses that live in semi freedom, and many hundreds of species of birds.  You will also visit Saintes Maries de la Mer, located on the Mediterranean Sea where the Rhône joins the ocean. This village is steeped in history and boasts stunning beaches which meet the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Experience the unique natural landscapes of the Camargue on an active adventure with a guided bike tour through one of southern France’s most important nature reserves. This excursion offers impressive insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and distinctive landscapes.

From Arles, we begin with a bus ride to Salin de Giraud, the starting point of our bike tour. The ride takes us through the Tour du Valat Natural Reserve, primarily along flat paths that wind through wide, pristine landscapes of lagoons, salt marshes, and wetlands. With a bit of luck, you may spot typical Camargue wildlife such as flamingos, wild horses, or bulls in their natural habitat. Along the way, the guide provides fascinating information about the ecological importance of the reserve and the unique culture of the region.

This excursion is especially suitable for active guests who enjoy experiencing nature up close and love cycling in gentle, scenic terrain.

Level: ACTIVE, Moderate
Distance: approx. 20km / 12.5miles

The Ardèche Gorge is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Europe, its spectacular limestone cliffs tower up to 1,000 ft above the meandering river below. The entrance to the Ardèche Gorge is through the famous Pont d’Arc near Vallon which, at 192 feet is, according to the Natural Arch and Bridge Society, “the largest natural bridge in Europe”. You will take the famous Gorge Trail, from which you can see the harmonious meanderings of the river. Beautiful viewpoints such as the Pont d’Arc and Serre de Tourre offer the greatest views onto the canyon and the river Ardèche.

Starting from Châteauneuf du Rhône, we will take you by coach to the medieval village of Grignan, located near Mont Ventoux – the highest mountain in Provence, and  characterized by the Rennaissance castle of Grignan towering high above the town.

Explore the history of Grignan and the castle during this morning’s visit. The area around Grignan is especially famous for truffle cultivation. During your tour, visit a traditional truffle farm to learn more about truffles and a tasting.

This excursion combines sweet delights with historical flair: look forward to a visit to the famous Valrhona Chocolate Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the world of fine cocoa beans and, of course, taste them to your heart's content. Afterwards, discover the picturesque side of this charming little town on a guided tour of the old town of Tournon-sur-Rhône - with a view of the banks of the Rhône, narrow alleyways and plenty of southern French flair. Whether you enjoy the chocolate or the town's history first depends on the course of the day - either way, you are sure to have an atmospheric experience.