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Lyon and Southern Burgundy
May 19-29, 2026 Lyon - one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. Truffles, Bresse Chicken, triple Cream Cheese, Burgundy wine. Arts and culture. This ten day all inclusive tour of Lyon and Southern Burgundy hits the high points - stay in luxurious accommodations including castles. 2 different Michelin starred restaurants - visits to temples of gastronomy, simple bouchons, markets. Oh, and lots of cooking together. Chef Michael Howell leads you on a Gallic culinary journey of a lifetime. We enjoy 3 nights in Lyon and then a week on a private estate complete with castle in the Cote Chalonnais. We will explore wineries and history, markets and fromageries and cook together in our glorious Chateau each evening Arrive and Depart from LYS (Lyon International Airport) - There are daily direct flights from Montreal, QC €6995/ppdo all inclusive (US$7995) US$1000 single supplement Itinerary subject to change. |
Vieux Lyon
Restaurant Chez Pimousse
Day One
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Hotel de Ville, Lyon
DAY TWO
WEDNESDAY MAY 20 After breakfast we will enjoy a guided tour of Central Lyon, strolling these stunning streets, making our way to the top of the West Bank before finishing at Cathedrale St Jean Baptiste. Then we will stroll the ancient streets and make our way to a local bouchon for a classic lunch , one of the most exceptional restaurants in France for a classic Brasserie Lunch. No reservations here. After lunch you have an option - enjoy Vieux Lyon on your own and maybe make your way to the 3rd arrondissement for some smart shopping. For those keen to work off lunch Michael will head down to the Jardin Des Curiosities for spectacular views over the city. We can stroll or cab back to our accommodations. That evening we visit the classic Brasseries Georges for a true Lyon dinner before heading back to our hotel |
Paul Bocuse mural near Les Halles de Bocuse
day Three
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Days Four to Ten
We have the majestic Chateau Montsymond all to ourselves for a week. It's our own private castle estate in the southern Burgundy country side about 30 minutes from Macon, France.
From here we will explore the region - including day trips to Beaune (to visit the famous Hospice de Beaune and taste the greatest Pinot Noirs), Chalon Sur Saone and Macon to visit their markets, lunch in style and experience living history. We will hit Market day in Louhans to find the illustrious Bresse Chicken and the ingredients for a regal meal back at the Castle.
We'll visit wineries like Maison Marigny and Domaine de Deux Roches, shop for local cheeses right on the farms, and enjoy the good life in a 16th century castle. We'll conclude our week with an exceptional farewell dinner at Michelin starred Aux Terrasses in Tournus before returning to Lyon airport on our final morning.
We have the majestic Chateau Montsymond all to ourselves for a week. It's our own private castle estate in the southern Burgundy country side about 30 minutes from Macon, France.
From here we will explore the region - including day trips to Beaune (to visit the famous Hospice de Beaune and taste the greatest Pinot Noirs), Chalon Sur Saone and Macon to visit their markets, lunch in style and experience living history. We will hit Market day in Louhans to find the illustrious Bresse Chicken and the ingredients for a regal meal back at the Castle.
We'll visit wineries like Maison Marigny and Domaine de Deux Roches, shop for local cheeses right on the farms, and enjoy the good life in a 16th century castle. We'll conclude our week with an exceptional farewell dinner at Michelin starred Aux Terrasses in Tournus before returning to Lyon airport on our final morning.
DAY FOUR
FRIDAY MAY 22
Chateau Montsymond
After breakfast and checkout, we will take a leisurely drive to the City of Macon. We will have lunch in Macon at a typical Bistro near the Saone River. After lunch it's 30 minutes to the Chateau near the medieval hamlet of Vescours for a week.
Chateau Montsymond is a splendid heritage castle built in 1571, restored to the max by its current owners. Set on 17 private acres it's perfectly located for an exploration of the southern regions of Burgundy but with plenty of reasons to stay on site as well: billiard room, sauna, heated pool, private walking paths, a pond to fish in, a games room, workout room, and even a mini putt!
Settle in that afternoon and then Chef Michael will prepare a regal dinner in Burgundian style. Come help in the kitchen if you wish, or enjoy the pool. We will enjoy aperitifs before dinner then sit down to luxuriate in this sublime property/
Settle in that afternoon and then Chef Michael will prepare a regal dinner in Burgundian style. Come help in the kitchen if you wish, or enjoy the pool. We will enjoy aperitifs before dinner then sit down to luxuriate in this sublime property/
DAY FIVE
SATURDAY MAY 23
Abbey de Cluny, Domaine de Deus Roche
This morning we get a little sleep in and enjoy a traditional French breakfast. We have planned an expedition to a famous abbey and then a tasting at a winery in St Veran.
We head off to the impressive Abbey de Cluny for a guided tour of this impressive piece of history. At one time in its 1000+ year history it was perhaps the wealthiest monastic house of the Western world. Its original basilica was the largest in the world until the construction of St Peters In Rome.
After the visit, We enjoy a local lunch and then head of about 25 minutes to Domaine De Deus Roches for a tour and tasting of this small but delightful family winery. Then Its back to the castle for wine and dinner!
SATURDAY MAY 23
Abbey de Cluny, Domaine de Deus Roche
This morning we get a little sleep in and enjoy a traditional French breakfast. We have planned an expedition to a famous abbey and then a tasting at a winery in St Veran.
We head off to the impressive Abbey de Cluny for a guided tour of this impressive piece of history. At one time in its 1000+ year history it was perhaps the wealthiest monastic house of the Western world. Its original basilica was the largest in the world until the construction of St Peters In Rome.
After the visit, We enjoy a local lunch and then head of about 25 minutes to Domaine De Deus Roches for a tour and tasting of this small but delightful family winery. Then Its back to the castle for wine and dinner!
Domaine de Deus Roches
DAY SIX
SUNDAY MAY 24
This is an option day. You can choose to enjoy the castle, the gardens and grounds or go out for an afternoon adventure. Chef Michael will prepare a light brunch at the Castle. For those that wish to remain at the Castle for the day, feel free to do so. For those feeling a little adventurous, we will take those interested into Chalon Sur Saone and take you to the Musée Denon for a guided tour in English. Created by Jules Chevrier in 1866 this is a fantastic small museum that houses almost 100,000 artifacts. M. Chevrier went on to co-found the Louvre in Paris! After the visit and a stroll around Chalon Sur Saone we'll make our way back to the castle and prepare a delicious dinner of French delicacies
SUNDAY MAY 24
This is an option day. You can choose to enjoy the castle, the gardens and grounds or go out for an afternoon adventure. Chef Michael will prepare a light brunch at the Castle. For those that wish to remain at the Castle for the day, feel free to do so. For those feeling a little adventurous, we will take those interested into Chalon Sur Saone and take you to the Musée Denon for a guided tour in English. Created by Jules Chevrier in 1866 this is a fantastic small museum that houses almost 100,000 artifacts. M. Chevrier went on to co-found the Louvre in Paris! After the visit and a stroll around Chalon Sur Saone we'll make our way back to the castle and prepare a delicious dinner of French delicacies
Marches de Louhans
Day SEVEN
MONDAY MAY 25
Louhans and Maison Marigny
Today is a Gastronomic day. It's off to the famous market in Louhans for Bresse Chicken and other goodies for dinner that evening. We'll have a lunch in town at the market, likely enjoying some famous roasted Bresse Chicken on a spit, a delicacy all over Burgundy at their markets.
After that we take a drive though the Burgundian countryside to Maison Marigny for a tasting of wines from this unique winery, making wines that are new in style while respecting the history of the region.
Then we make our way back with Culinary and vineyard presents for a special dinner with guests in the house.
MONDAY MAY 25
Louhans and Maison Marigny
Today is a Gastronomic day. It's off to the famous market in Louhans for Bresse Chicken and other goodies for dinner that evening. We'll have a lunch in town at the market, likely enjoying some famous roasted Bresse Chicken on a spit, a delicacy all over Burgundy at their markets.
After that we take a drive though the Burgundian countryside to Maison Marigny for a tasting of wines from this unique winery, making wines that are new in style while respecting the history of the region.
Then we make our way back with Culinary and vineyard presents for a special dinner with guests in the house.
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DAY EIGHT
TUESDAY MAY 26 LAZY DAY at the Castle. Let's play some Boules, or go fishing in the lake. How about Poker, or darts? Work off some of those French cheeses in the workout studios or sweat them out in the sauna. Want to use you brain? Challenge another guest to a game of chess. Chef Michael will also use the day for some serious cooking in preparation n for a grand evening meal. Let's get formal! |
Hospice de Beaune, Beaune
DAY NINE
WEDNESDAY MAY 27
Beaune - THE CAPITAL OF BURGUNDY
We drive about 1 hour after breakfast to Beaune and enjoy a guided tour of the Hospices de Beaune - a centuries old Hospital that has become the iconic landmark and ancestral home of the Wines of Burgundy.
We'll have a taste of some of the local prizes and explore the town and smell and view the history here.
Then its off to a quality burgundy producer nearby for a tasting of some burgundy jewels.
Then back to the castle for a light supper.
WEDNESDAY MAY 27
Beaune - THE CAPITAL OF BURGUNDY
We drive about 1 hour after breakfast to Beaune and enjoy a guided tour of the Hospices de Beaune - a centuries old Hospital that has become the iconic landmark and ancestral home of the Wines of Burgundy.
We'll have a taste of some of the local prizes and explore the town and smell and view the history here.
Then its off to a quality burgundy producer nearby for a tasting of some burgundy jewels.
Then back to the castle for a light supper.
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DAY TEN
THURSDAY MAY 28 Enjoy the Castle- After a leisurely morning - a walk through 17 acres of the Castle's parkland perhaps - We head to a local farm for lunch at Ferme Auberge de Colombier about 10 minutes from the castle. Back to the property to dress for dinner then we then enjoy a celebratory last meal at Michelin starred Aux Terrasses |
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DAY ELEVEN
FRIDAY MAY 29
Departures
we will make our way to The Lyon Airport - please plan your departures for any time after 12 noon
FRIDAY MAY 29
Departures
we will make our way to The Lyon Airport - please plan your departures for any time after 12 noon