South of France Summer Road Trip

Accommodation: Prince de Galles (request early check-in). A beautiful hotel in a prime location. Early check-in recommended to relax post-flight.

Lunch: L'avenue at 1 pm. Tres tres chic. Expect a vibrant, upscale ambiance with a mix of international guests.

Activity: Paris exploration. Walk around the Eiffel Tower, but skip going up unless you’ve booked tickets in advance.

Shopping: Buy truffles and chocolates at Jacques Genin. Such delicious chocolates, perfect for gifts or indulgence.

Dinner: Le Chateaubriand. A unique, seafood-forward tasting menu featuring creative dishes like tartare with a vinegar shot and mackerel. Exceptional wine pairings, including an apple wine, are generous and can add up — drink responsibly!

Morning activity: Morning market tour and food tasting. Dive into Parisian culinary culture with a guided market tour. Discover fresh, seasonal produce, learn about local ingredients and savor artisanal samples during a curated food-tasting experience. Perfect for foodies looking to explore the essence of Paris.

Afternoon: Visit the Arc de Triomphe. No need to pre-book for this iconic landmark. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Champs-Élysées and beyond, or enjoy the grandeur from ground level for a quick yet memorable stop.

Evening: Seine River boat tour (1.5 hours). An enchanting way to experience Paris at night. For just 14 euros, enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Seine with stunning views of illuminated landmarks like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Bring a light jacket for cool evening breezes.

Dinner: Frenchie Restaurant. A trendy and modern dining spot offering creative dishes and an intimate ambiance. Their innovative menu highlights fresh ingredients and a unique blend of French and global influences.

Drive from Paris to Beaune (Burgundy)

Activity: Pick up rental car at 11 am and drive (3 hours).

Accommodation: Hotel Le Cep. A charming, antique-style hotel in Burgundy.

Beaune is a picturesque town with incredible scenery, renowned for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. The town’s quaint charm and walkability make it easy to explore without advance bookings. During the summer solstice, the usually calm streets come alive with music, street gatherings and magnums of rosé, creating a festive atmosphere. Don’t miss the Musée du Vin for a deeper dive into the region’s wine history.

Dinner: Ma Cuisine Beaune

Activity: Visit wineries and vineyards in the region. Discover the famous wines of Burgundy through guided tastings. Learn about the unique terroirs that make Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from this region so special. Many wineries offer tours with sommelier-led insights, enhancing your appreciation of Burgundy wines.

Lunch: Enjoy at a local bistro. Savor simple yet delicious French fare, with dishes perfectly paired with local wines. Be sure to try a Bourgogne specialty like escargot or boeuf bourguignon if available.

Afternoon: Explore the Hospices de Beaune. A must-visit historic landmark with stunning Gothic architecture. Take a guided tour to understand its significance in Burgundy’s winemaking history and its famous wine auctions.

Notes: The Hospices also host seasonal exhibitions, so check for any special displays during your visit.

Location: Lyon. Stay at Cour de Loges.

Morning Activity: Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Town). Wander through cobblestone streets, admire Renaissance architecture and visit the famous traboules (hidden passageways) that are unique to Lyon.

Lunch: Dine at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. A must-visit for food lovers, this gourmet market offers a variety of local specialties, including quenelles, saucisson and artisan cheeses. Perfect for a leisurely meal or tasting tour.

Afternoon Activity: Visit the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière. Perched on a hill with stunning panoramic views of the city, the basilica is a masterpiece of architecture. Take the funicular for easy access and enjoy the serene gardens nearby.

Dinner: Bouchon Comptoir Brunet. Renowned for being visited by Anthony Bourdain, Bouchon Brunet offers a quintessential Lyonnaise dining experience. Arrive early, as it fills up quickly. Highlights include an extraordinary tuna tartare and indulgent Lyonnaise dishes like a whipped hake pastry with butter-cheese sauce and a wild meat plate. The bread and olive oil are exceptional, rounding out a memorable meal.

Drive through the lavender fields of Provence to Cassis. Stay in Cassis for two nights by the beach.

Drive through St Tropez, stay for one night.

Drive to Eze through Villefranche-sur-Mer. Stay one day.

Stay in Eze at Hôtel Château de La Chèvre d’Or.