FRANCE - LYON & SOUTHERN BURGUNDY - May 19-29, 2026
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Lyon & Southern Burgundy
May 19-29, 2026 — 10 Days, All-Inclusive Lyon- one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. Home to truffles, morel mushrooms, Bresse chicken, Saint-André cheese, and exceptional Burgundy wines. A city rich in arts, culture, classic architecture, and the enduring legacy of Paul Bocuse. Experience the very best of French food, wine, and culture on this immersive ten-day journey through Lyon and Southern Burgundy. Stay in exceptional accommodations—including a private 15th-century château—and dine at two Michelin-starred restaurants alongside visits to legendary culinary institutions, traditional bouchons, vibrant markets, and local producers. And at the heart of it all: cooking together. Led by Chef Michael Howell, this is a deeply personal culinary adventure. Enjoy three nights in Lyon at the Carlton Hotel Lyon before settling into a stunning private estate in the Côte Chalonnaise for a full week. Explore wineries, history, markets, and fromageries by day, then gather each evening in your château kitchen to cook, share, and celebrate. Arrivals and departures via Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), with direct daily flights from Montreal. Cost 10 Days / 9 Nights — All-Inclusive €6,995 per person, double occupancy all-inclusive (approx. US $7,995) Single supplement: US $1,000 Itinerary subject to change. What’s Included Private transportation throughout • Airport transfers • Luxury accommodations • All meals, wines, and beverages • Exclusive tastings, tours, and admissions • Private guides and curated experiences Not included: Airfare, travel insurance, and gratuities for external guides. ✨ LAST-MINUTE OPPORTUNITY ✨ Due to a recent cancellation, one spot has just opened for two travellers sharing a room. Special Rate: €5,995 per person (double occupancy) Don’t miss your chance to join this unforgettable culinary journey! |
Day One
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Day two
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day Three
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Your Private Château in Southern Burgundy: Day 4-10 Accommodations
For one unforgettable week, enjoy exclusive access to the majestic Château Montsymond—your own private estate nestled in the Southern Burgundy countryside, just 30 minutes from Mâcon.
From this stunning home base, we’ll explore the region’s rich culinary and cultural landscape. Day trips include Beaune—home to the famed Hospices de Beaune—where we’ll taste some of the world’s finest Pinot Noirs, as well as visits to Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon for vibrant markets, elegant lunches, and a taste of living history. We’ll time our visit to the renowned market in Louhans to source the legendary Bresse chicken and ingredients for a truly regal meal back at the château.
Along the way, we’ll visit acclaimed wineries including Maison Marigny and Domaine des Deux Roches, shop for artisanal cheeses directly from local farms, and savour the rhythm of life in a historic château setting. We’ll conclude the week with an extraordinary farewell dinner at Michelin-starred Aux Terrasses before departing for Lyon airport the following morning.
For one unforgettable week, enjoy exclusive access to the majestic Château Montsymond—your own private estate nestled in the Southern Burgundy countryside, just 30 minutes from Mâcon.
From this stunning home base, we’ll explore the region’s rich culinary and cultural landscape. Day trips include Beaune—home to the famed Hospices de Beaune—where we’ll taste some of the world’s finest Pinot Noirs, as well as visits to Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon for vibrant markets, elegant lunches, and a taste of living history. We’ll time our visit to the renowned market in Louhans to source the legendary Bresse chicken and ingredients for a truly regal meal back at the château.
Along the way, we’ll visit acclaimed wineries including Maison Marigny and Domaine des Deux Roches, shop for artisanal cheeses directly from local farms, and savour the rhythm of life in a historic château setting. We’ll conclude the week with an extraordinary farewell dinner at Michelin-starred Aux Terrasses before departing for Lyon airport the following morning.
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Day FOUR
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DAY FIVE
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DAY SIX
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Mâcon & Château de Montsymond
After breakfast and check-out, we enjoy a scenic drive to Mâcon for a relaxed bistro lunch along the Saône. From there, it’s just 30 minutes to our home for the week: the magnificent Château Montsymond, nestled near the medieval hamlet of Vescours. Built in 1571 and beautifully restored, this private château sits on 17 acres and offers the perfect base to explore Southern Burgundy—or simply stay and indulge. Enjoy amenities including a heated pool, sauna, billiards room, walking paths, pond, games room, fitness space, and even mini putt. Settle in that afternoon before Michael Howell prepares a regal Burgundian dinner. Join in the kitchen or unwind with a swim, then gather for aperitifs and a memorable evening in this extraordinary setting. |
Cluny Abbey & Burgundian Wines
Enjoy a relaxed morning and traditional French breakfast before setting out to explore the remarkable Cluny Abbey. On a guided tour, discover the rich history of this extraordinary site—once among the most powerful monastic centres in Europe, and home to the largest church in the world until the construction of St. Peter’s in Rome. Following a leisurely lunch at the Michelin recommended Hostellerie D'Heloïse, we continue to the vineyards of Domaine Balandras, a charming family-run estate known for its elegant wines. We return to Château Montsymond in the evening to relax, enjoy a glass of wine, and gather for another memorable dinner together. |
A Day at Leisure: Château or Chalon-sur-SaôneToday is yours to enjoy at your own pace. Begin with a light brunch prepared by Michael Howell, then choose to relax at Château Montsymond—unwinding in the gardens, pool, and surrounding grounds—or join us for an optional afternoon outing. For those seeking a bit of adventure, we’ll head into Chalon-sur-Saône to explore its lively Sunday market, gathering fresh ingredients for the evening’s meal. We’ll also visit the fascinating Musée Denon for a guided tour, home to an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts. After time to stroll the town, we return to the château, where we’ll come together to prepare and enjoy a beautiful dinner showcasing the flavours of France.
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DAY SEVEN
MONDAY, MAY 25
Louhans Market & Beaujolais Wines
Today is a true celebration of Burgundy’s culinary heritage. We begin at the renowned market in Louhans, famous for its exceptional produce—including the legendary Bresse chicken. Wander the stalls, sample local specialties, and enjoy a relaxed market lunch in this charming town. In the afternoon, we journey through the rolling countryside to Domaine André Colonge et Fils for a tasting at this highly regarded estate, known for expressive wines that capture the essence of Beaujolais. We return to Château Montsymond with our market finds and vineyard treasures, ready to create a seasonal, market-driven dinner—shared with special guests for an unforgettable evening.
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DAY EIGHT
TUESDAY, MAY 26 A Day at Leisure at the Château Today is yours to fully enjoy the pleasures of Château Montsymond. Play a game of boules, cast a line in the pond, or unwind with poker, darts, or chess. Prefer something more active? Take advantage of the fitness room, pool, or sauna. Meanwhile, Michael Howell will be in the kitchen preparing a spectacular feast. This evening, we gather for a grand, elegant dinner—so dress the part and get ready for a truly memorable night. |
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DAY NINE
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Beaune — The Heart of Burgundy After breakfast, we take a scenic one-hour drive to Beaune, the historic capital of Burgundy. Here, we’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the iconic Hospices de Beaune—a centuries-old landmark deeply tied to the region’s wine heritage. We’ll sample local specialties, stroll the charming streets, and soak in the rich history of this remarkable town. In the afternoon, we visit the esteemed Maison Champy for a tasting of exceptional Burgundy wines. We return to Château de Montsymond for a relaxed evening and light supper. |
DAY TEN
THURSDAY, MAY 28 Château Leisure & A Michelin-Star Farewell Enjoy a relaxed morning at Château Montsymond—perhaps a stroll through its 17 acres of peaceful parkland, or simply time to unwind and take in the beauty of the estate. At midday, we head just minutes away for a memorable farm-to-table lunch at Ferme Auberge du Colombier, where regional traditions and local ingredients shine. Return to the château in the afternoon to relax and prepare for the evening. We then gather for a celebratory farewell dinner at Michelin-starred Aux Terrasses—a refined and unforgettable finale to our journey through Burgundy. |
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DAY ELEVEN
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Departures
After a warm and fond farewell to Château Montsymond—and the friendships, meals, and memories we’ve shared—we make our way to Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport for our return journey. Our morning transfer will have us arriving at the airport around 10:00 am. We recommend booking departing flights after 12:00 pm to allow for a comfortable check-in. As you head home, we hope you carry with you a taste of Burgundy, new connections, and stories that will linger long after the journey ends.
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Departures
After a warm and fond farewell to Château Montsymond—and the friendships, meals, and memories we’ve shared—we make our way to Lyon–Saint Exupéry Airport for our return journey. Our morning transfer will have us arriving at the airport around 10:00 am. We recommend booking departing flights after 12:00 pm to allow for a comfortable check-in. As you head home, we hope you carry with you a taste of Burgundy, new connections, and stories that will linger long after the journey ends.