Things to do and see in La Vallée de la Gastronomie

WINE TOURISM

The Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne is a network of three tourist sites, each in a different Burgundy wine area: one in Chablis, one in Beaune and one in Mâcon. During the visits, you will enjoy “a true multi-sensory plunge into the world of wine and vines” through tastings, workshops, activities and guided tours.

www.citeclimatsvins-bourgogne.com

Divignes wine tours

In Beaune, in the heart of the Burgundy wine region, local wine expert Mathias Fasan offers wine tours across the Côte de Beaune. He picks you up from the tourist office before embarking on a series of tastings in various vineyards where you’ll discover AOC appellations and historic villages.

divignes.fr

Domaine de l’Odylée

This family-run vineyard in Violès, in the Vaucluse, has 17 hectares of vines, producing exceptional organic Côtes du Rhône. There are tours, tastings, blendings, workshops and exhibitions to enjoy.

lodylee.com/en

Grotte Saint-Marcel

This must be one of the most unusual ways of tasting wine. Accompanied by a guide, you explore the dark caves of Saint-Marcel to get your senses heightened ready to sip wines of the Ardèche. Open during July and August. Price €74.

www.valleedelagastronomie.com/en/be-inspired-gourmet-experience/speleoenology-r-in-saint-marcel-s-cave

FOODIE VISITS

Dijon’s Halles

This enormous food market, built in the 1870s, claims to be “the flagship of Burgundy gastronomy”. Tourists can meet a handful of the many producers who sell their wares here, followed, of course, by tasting sessions and the chance to shop for goodies.

www.valleedelagastronomie.com/en/be-inspired-gourmet-experience/les-halles-gourmandes

The Confiserie du Roy René

Calissons

The Confiserie du Roy René, in Aix-en-Provence, sits within two hectares of almond trees. At the museum and the factory, you can find out how its famous calissons, nougats and other almond-based treats are made, and try some too.

www.calisson.com/en

Olive oil

Discover how artisanal olive oil is made at the Huilerie Beaujolaise, in Belleville-en-Beaujolais. Under the guidance of chef Loïc Piètre, visitors can learn how to make olive oil-based recipes and later enjoy a guided visit of the mill’s workshop, followed by a tasting session. Price €45.

huilerie-beaujolaise.fr

Truffles

At La Baume Sainte Antoine, a truffle farm in Romans-sur-Isère, you’ll learn all about the production of this gorgeous tuber through a truffle-digging demonstration in the orchards, followed by a wholesome meal. Open from November to March. Price €59.

www.labaumesaintantoine.com

Lavender picnic

Enjoy a picnic among the lavender at this farm in La-Bégude-de-Mazenc, in the Drôme. Choose from the vegetarian, traditional or premium menus before setting off to find the perfect picnic spot among the lavender fields. Prices start at €23.

essentiel-de-lavande.com/en/content/8-lavender-experiences

SOAP MANUFACTURER

La Savonnerie de la Licorne

Some of the best soap in the world is made in Marseille. At this factory, for €65, you can discover the manufacturing process, stamp your own soap to take home, and then have lunch and an olive oil tasting at the adjacent restaurant.

www.savon-de-marseille-licorne.com

FISHING TRIP

Cap Couronne Pêche

Bass, bream, squid, rock fish, tuna, mackerel, conger eel… if you’re lucky you might land one of these tasty species on a fishing trip with this Martigues-based angler: Half-day or full-day trips available.

www.capcouronnepeche.fr

From France Today Magazine

Lead photo credit : Grotte Saint-Marcel