From Bocuse to Beaujolais

DAY 1 | November 18 (Wednesday): The Lights of Lyon & Beaujolais Nouveau Night

Welcome to Lyon!

Meet the group, comfortable transfer and check-in at the hotel. Time to freshen up after the journey.

19:00–19:45 | Evening Aperitif Walk

Our first introduction to Lyon. We will enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Rhône riverbanks, getting into the gastronomic spirit of the journey.

20:00–22:00 | Festive Dinner

Welcome dinner at a traditional Lyonnais restaurant. We will taste the famous quenelles de brochet — an incredibly delicate and airy pike soufflé, traditionally baked in an earthenware or cast-iron dish and served with a rich crayfish sauce.

We raise our first glass to the beginning of our journey.

22:15–23:45 | The Magic of Lyon by Night

An evening walk through the Presqu’île to the magnificent Place des Terreaux. City lights, festive excitement and anticipation of the autumn’s most important wine celebration.

00:00 | ✨ Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!

Together with hundreds of locals and visitors, we welcome midnight and take part in the spectacular official opening of the first barrel of Beaujolais Nouveau. We taste the legendary young wine of the 2026 vintage under the open sky!

DAY 2 | November 19 (Thursday): From the Secrets of Silk to the Masterpieces of Contemporary Art

08:30–09:30 | Elegant Breakfast at the Hotel

We begin the morning with aromatic coffee and crispy French croissants. Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended — a walk along historic cobblestone streets awaits us.

09:30–11:00 | The Magic of Fourvière Hill

Our day begins on the “praying hill,” the highest point in Lyon. Here we will discover the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a white stone architectural masterpiece glowing with golden mosaics inside. From the hilltop viewpoint, Lyon unfolds before us like an open book.

11:00–12:30 | The Secret Labyrinths of Vieux Lyon

We walk down through the centuries into the Renaissance district. We will discover the famous traboules — hidden passageways running through residential buildings and charming courtyards.

Our walk ends with a visit to an authentic silk boutique workshop. You will be able to touch the delicate fabrics and discover why Lyon silk was prized by royal courts throughout Europe for centuries.

13:00–14:30 | Lunch at Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse

We cross to the left bank of the Rhône and enter the gastronomic heart of France. Among displays of the country’s finest delicacies, we will enjoy a luxurious lunch: fresh oysters, foie gras, famous cheeses from Madame Richard and, of course, a glass of excellent French wine.

14:30–15:00 | Comfortable Afternoon Transfer

After our generous lunch, there is no need to walk. A comfortable minivan or taxi will take the group across the Rhône bridges to the quiet and elegant Ainay district.

15:00–16:30 | The 18th Lyon Biennale at the Musée des Tissus

The cultural highlight of the season! We enter a magnificent 18th-century mansion that has temporarily opened its doors for the Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art.

In these intimate and elegant rooms, contemporary art installations intertwine beautifully with the history of textiles, threads and light. Art that fascinates, inspires and makes you think.

16:30–17:30 | Coffee Break in the Antique Quarter

In November, darkness falls early, and by half past four the city begins to glow with evening lights. We will escape the chill in an elegant local Salon de Thé.

Over a warming tea or coffee, we will taste famous Lyonnais sweets — pastries and brioche with pink pralines — while sharing impressions of the day.

17:30 | Free Evening

Return to the hotel. Time to relax, enjoy some leisurely shopping or have a private dinner. After the lively Beaujolais Nouveau night, Lyon settles into a calm rhythm, making this evening perfect for slowing down and enjoying the city at your own pace.

DAY 3 | November 20 (Friday): The French Countryside, Goat Cheese & Historic Cellars of Beaujolais

08:30–09:30 | Breakfast at the Hotel & Check-out

09:30–10:30 | Scenic Drive through Beaujolais

Our journey takes us through the picturesque pastoral landscapes of the Beaujolais region.

10:30–11:45 | Morning at a Farm: Meeting a Cheesemaker

We begin our gastronomic day according to the traditions of French tasting — with a delicate and refined introduction.

We visit a charming local cheese farm. The owners will show us around, explain how famous French goat cheeses are made, and invite us to taste several varieties — from young and delicate cheeses to mature varieties with a distinctive character.

12:00–13:30 | Traditional Lunch in the Heart of Beaujeu

We continue to Beaujeu, the historic capital of the region, which only yesterday was filled with festive celebrations.

In a cozy local restaurant, we will enjoy a hearty farmhouse-style lunch featuring regional specialties — the perfect culinary foundation before our main wine tasting.

14:00–16:00 | Meeting a Winemaker: Secrets of Centuries-Old Cellars

After lunch, we meet a winemaker from a family with generations of wine-making tradition.

Descending into cool historic cellars, we discover that Beaujolais is not only about the light and youthful Nouveau, but also about deep, complex and elegant Cru Beaujolais wines, such as Morgon, Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent.

A thoughtful and authentic wine tasting awaits us, hosted directly by the producer.

16:00–17:00 | On the Road to Our New Home: Bourg-en-Bresse

After our warm welcome, we continue to Bourg-en-Bresse, the capital of the historic Bresse region, famous for its celebrated poultry and refined architecture.

17:00 | Hotel Check-in & Relaxation

We check into the elegant historic Hôtel de France, which will be our comfortable home for the next two nights.

Evening | Free Time

Time to relax after a day filled with flavors. You may enjoy a gentle evening stroll through the quiet streets of Bourg-en-Bresse, visit local shops or simply unwind in the cozy atmosphere of the hotel.

DAY 4 | November 21 (Saturday): Royal Love, Gastronomy & Fairytale Pérouges

08:30–09:45 | Morning in Bourg-en-Bresse

A leisurely breakfast at the hotel.

10:00–12:00 | Royal Monastery of Brou: A Masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic Architecture

The main architectural jewel of the region, recognized as one of France’s most beautiful monuments.

We will discover the touching, romantic and dramatic love story of Margaret of Austria and Philibert the Handsome.

12:00–14:00 | A Gastronomic Triumph at Auberge Bressane

Just across the street from the monastery is the renowned Auberge Bressane, famous for its refined regional cuisine.

A truly royal lunch awaits us. The highlight of the day is the legendary Bresse chicken (Volaille de Bresse) served in a delicate cream sauce with morels.

It is the only poultry in the world protected by an AOC designation, guaranteeing its authentic origin.

14:00–14:45 | A Journey Through the Centuries

After our luxurious lunch, we board our minivan and travel south toward one of the most picturesque corners of France.

15:00–17:30 | Pérouges — A Living Medieval Fairytale

We step back into the 15th century. Pérouges is a tiny fortified medieval town built entirely from rounded river stones.

There are no modern roads, signs or cars — only history frozen in time. It is no coincidence that films such as The Three Musketeers were shot here.

We will take a leisurely walk through the circular streets, admire the ancient lime tree on the main square and explore the charming workshops of local artisans.

16:30 | Traditional Pérouges Afternoon Treat

We will pause at a cozy local tavern to taste the famous Galette de Pérouges — a warm, crispy pastry made with butter, lemon zest and a caramelized crust.

Perfect with a cup of hot tea or a glass of the light local sparkling wine Cerdon.

17:30–18:15 | Return to Bourg-en-Bresse

Evening | Free Time

DAY 5 | November 22 (Sunday): Gourmet Souvenirs & New Discoveries

08:00–09:00 | Early Breakfast & Check-out

09:00–10:00 | Return Journey to Lyon

A comfortable morning transfer from Bourg-en-Bresse back to the left bank of the Rhône in Lyon.

10:00–11:45 | Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse: Take a Taste of France Home

The perfect final chapter of our journey.

Sunday morning at Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse has a unique atmosphere. We set off on a gourmet shopping experience to fill our suitcases with delicious French souvenirs.

Cheeses: A visit to the famous Madame Richard for the exceptional Saint-Marcellin or aged Comté. The cheesemakers will carefully vacuum-pack everything for a safe flight.

Meat delicacies: Traditional Lyonnais sausages with pistachios (Saucisson de Lyon) and pâtés.

Sweets: The legendary Coussins de Lyon, made with delicate marzipan and chocolate ganache, as well as pink praline sweets.

Wine: A couple of bottles of the complex Cru Beaujolais that impressed us during the tasting.

12:00 | Final Transfer

The journey to Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) takes approximately 25–30 minutes.

12:30 | Arrival at the Airport & Check-in

We arrive at the terminal exactly 2.5 hours before departure for our 15:05 flight.

Our gourmet journey comes to an end.

Until our next journey into the world of exceptional cuisine!