Top Stops Along the Vallée de la Gastronomie

Note: This article is part of a bigger magazine feature called “Welcome to the Pleasure Drôme.”

Have you heard about the new tourism concept called the Vallée de la Gastronomie? Here are some of the highlights in Provence, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Burgundy-Franche-Comté.

Meet Chef Patrick Bertron

Enjoy an overnight stay at 5-star Relais Bernand Loiseau at Saulieu, Burgundy, plus a six-course meal in the Michelin- starred restaurant, a private visit to the wine cellars and a meeting with Michelin-starred chef Patrick Bertron. www.bernard-loiseau.com

Calissons at La Confiserie du Roy René

Confiserie du Roy René, renowned maker of calissons, Provençe’s famous sweet treat, is also home to the Musée du Calisson. Here, amongst two hectares of almond trees, you can explore its history and production. www.calisson.com/fr

Wine Tasting Truck

Take a tour of the vineyards around Juliénas, Fleurie and Moulin-à-Vent in a 1964 vintage Volkswagen. With a tutored tasting, you’ll sample the wines in situ from the very parcels of vines within which you’re stopping, together with charcuterie and cheese. www.chateaudejulienas.com

La Grotte Saint-Marcel

Guided by caving and wine-tasting experts, take a special underground tour of the Grotte de Saint-Marcel, in the Ardèche. In complete darkness, your sense of smell and taste are enhanced, allowing a tutored tasting of Côtes du Rhône wines from the area. www.grotte-ardeche.com

Côté Fish

Regarded as one of the premium platforms for the sale of fish and seafood from the Mediterranean. Côté Fish will take you on its boat, the Saint Paul II, for a picnic lunch on board, with ultra-fresh seafood and a choice of other local products to taste. www.cotefish.fr

Balades Gourmandes

Choose between a one- or two-day programme of walking based in Côté Fish (northwest of Lyon) with a lunch stop for a picnic made up of choice local produce, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in a local chambre d’hôtes. www.arbresletourisme.fr

Les Secrets de la Gastronomie Lyonnaise

The city of Lyon is renowned for its gastronomic prowess and high-quality restaurants. Enjoy a gastronomic tasting tour of the historic city where you’ll discover the savoir-faire of its chefs. The tour is in French. www.visiterlyon.com

Terre de Bières

Situated in Villefranche-sur-Saône, microbrewery Terre de Bières has been producing beers and artisan lemonade for 13 years and has gained a reputation for its inventive use of local ingredients such as chestnuts, honey and Gamay grapes. www.terredebieres.fr

Maison du Riz

Discover the culture of growing rice in the Camargue at this dedicated exhibition centre. You’ll find out all about the fascinating history of rice- growing in the area through guided demonstrations and walks through the rice fields. www.maisonduriz.com

Les Sablés Marseillais

A speciality of Marseille, discover both sweet and savoury sablé biscuits at this artisan biscuiterie, which uses 100% organic ingredients and has impressive eco-responsible credentials. The family business still uses traditional recipes handed down by the generations. www.lessablesmarseillais.com

Pique-Niques Dans Les Vignes de Beaujolais

Enjoy a lunch or evening picnic on a private estate among the Beaujolais vines. You’ll begin with a wine tasting followed by a choice of three pre-booked picnic menus to suit your budget from €15 to €45. www.destination-beaujolais.com/en

Domaine Le Loup Bleu

Under the gaze of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, the Domaine Le Loup Bleu, at Puyloubier, is a family vineyard producing organic AOP Côtes de Provence wines. Discover the world of organic agriculture and walk among the vines and nature reserve. www.le-loup-bleu.com

From France Today magazine

Want to be inspired by more French foodie experiences and enjoy classic French food, wine and recipes? Head to our sister website, Taste of France, here.

Images © Provence Tourisme, Etienne Ramousse/Destination Beaujolais, Vallée de la Gastronomie – France, Xavier Couraud, Lyon Tourisme et Congrès, Terre de Bières, Gil Zetbase/Wikimedia Commons