France’s Finest

Discover why Beaujolais is one of France’s most beloved wine regions during this flavorful and scenic excursion. In full, it is larger than any single district of its neighbor, Burgundy. Vineyards stretch for four miles along the Saône, and the granite soils and warmer climate make it ideal for growing grapes that produce a light flavor. Join your guide for a scenic drive through the rolling hills of Beaujolais, where viticultural tradition runs deep. Then, stop at a local village and enjoy a stroll with your guide as you learn about the art of winemaking, perhaps hearing about the popular Beaujolais Nouveau and the coveted crus that are produced here. You will also stop at one of Beaujolais’s famous cellars to enjoy a tasting with a wine expert.

Sample Beaujolais’s most beloved culinary treasures during visits to a wine château and two working farms. With your guide, drive into the scenic countryside, learning about local agriculture along the way. At a picturesque château, visit a medieval wine cellar for a private wine tasting. Continue to a truffle farm, where you will have a lunch made with farm-fresh organic ingredients. Later, watch as the farmer’s dog hunts for truffles down in the soil. This highly prized fungus has been called the “diamond of the kitchen” for its rich, earthy flavor. Next, stop at a farm known for its biological agriculture and the production of sheep cheese. Explore the farm with your host and learn how the cheese is made. Then sample both fresh and more mature cheeses, with white wine if you wish. After this full day of French gastronomy, return to your ship.

Treat your taste buds to the culinary delights of Lyon, once hailed as the “world capital of gastronomy.” Meet your guide and embark on an insightful walking tour to sample regional delicacies. Enjoy a taste of Brioche à la Praline—a pure butter brioche packed with pounded pralines. Visit a renowned chocolatier and sample a selection of handpicked delights. Learn all about cheese and taste a variety of local favorites as you discover more about the maturing process, accompanied by a glass of wine. And visit a traditional bistro, where your guide will regale you with cultural anecdotes of Lyon’s famed dedication to France’s culinary scene. Here, you will savor a tasty platter of cured meats, pâté croute, terrine and grattons, a local delicacy made from pork rind. After your tasting excursion, return to your awaiting ship.