Your driver-guide will pick you up at your hotel in Lyon and head north, following the Saône into the Côte Dorée. Translated roughly as the ‘gilded coast’, the area is named after the warm, yellow stone that you’ll see in many of the historic buildings in the local villages. Here, you’ll stop at an AOC (Appéllation d’Origine Controlé) winery for a guided tour of the vineyards, followed by a tasting in the small cellar. Enjoy nibbles made from local produce as you explore the world of elegant, versatile gamay wine and get to know the winemaker (with translation from your guide).
After your tasting, your guide will suggest a restaurant where you’ll have a chance to sample the region’s cuisine and wine. Thanks to its acidity, gamay is known for its versatility and pairs readily with most dishes, even fish.
Once you’ve eaten, head to the Mâconnais region. This area is known for its white Burgundies — light, unoaked wines that are plumper than most of the area’s whites thanks to the warmer weather. Enjoy another tasting before your driver-guide returns you to your hotel in Lyon.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our France specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Annecy walking tour
A medieval city built around a hilltop castle and riddled with canals, Annecy is best explored on foot. On this walking tour, your private guide will reveal the history behind the rickety old buildings, fortifications and characterful cobbled lanes.
Burgundy, the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits
Explore the Côte d’Or region of Burgundy on this private, full-day tour. Your driver-guide will take you through the storied vineyards and prestigious appellations of the region, with pauses for tastings, lunch and a chance to explore an 11th-century wine cellar.
Geneva walking tour
A short hop from France lies the historic city of Geneva on the edge of its namesake lake. On this private guided walking tour, you’ll hear about Geneva’s international significance and its importance during the Protestant Reformation as you take in its old town on foot.
Gourmet walking tour of Lyon and Les Halles covered market
Discover why Lyon is known as the culinary capital of France on this private tour of its bakeries, markets, restaurants and delis. Learn about its renowned chefs past and present and sample some local delicacies such as praline brioche and coussin de Lyon.
Hiking near Mont Blanc with picnic lunch
Get out onto the trails and into the mountains around Chamonix on a full-day privately guided hike. You’ll ascend into the high meadows for panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the surrounding peaks, and return via another route passing a quiet mountain lake.
Mountains and glacier tour with cable car ascent
The alpine scenery of Chamonix is unveiled on this tour of the mountains and glaciers with a local guide. You’ll take in the views from the summit of the Aiguille du Midi and visit the ice cave in the Mer de Glace, France’s largest glacier.
Private boat tour of Lac d'Annecy with apéritif
Cruise along the scenic shores of Lac d’Annecy on a private boat on this evening cruise. Visit a smuggler’s cave and admire the turquoise waters then sip an apéritif as you watch the sun set behind Annecy.
