How to travel around the Vallée de la Gastronomie

La Vallée de la Gastronomie – France is a gourmet destination stretching along the Saône and Rhône rivers from Dijon to Marseille via many wonderful foodie destinations such as Lyon, Montélimar and Beaune.

BY BIKE 

Cyclists will find plenty of riverside routes to enjoy, following the Saône up to Lyon along La Voie Bleue Moselle-Saône, then the Rhône from Lyon to the Mediterranean along the ViaRhôna.

Suggested itinerary: 9 days, 8 nights / 32 stops

Cycling between Tournus and Port-Saint-Louis along the peaceful banks of Saône and Rhône, enjoy a winning combination of physical exercise and the great outdoors, with breath-taking views plus tasting rewards, such as the 90 appellations presented by the Vignerons de Mancey at Tournus, the charcuterie boards served at bistro Le Rendez-Vous de Bobosse at Belleville-en-Beaujolais, or the variety of nougats made by the Fabrique Arnaud Soubeyran in Montélimar. 

BY CAR 

The most direct way to La Vallée de la Gastronomie from the north is via the A6 or A7, the major motorways linking Paris to the Mediterranean. For a rural experience, try the two iconic trunk roads, the Nationale 6 (or N6) running beside the Saône from Dijon to Lyon, or the N7 linking Lyon to Roanne – both offer great stops. 

Suggested itinerary – 10 days, 9 nights / 32 stops  

Going from picturesque villages to great cities, from lively markets to cosy restaurants, from renowned wineries to refined meals, the Gourmet Tour de la Vallée de la Gastronomie – France proposes 32 varied stops. Among them, a tasting of exceptional wines at the Maison Olivier Leflaive at Puligny-Montrachet, a Michelin-starred dinner at the Maison Lameloise in Chagny, a pilgrimage to La Roche de Solutré, an exclusive introduction to chef Joseph Viola in Lyon, an interactive tour of the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona in Tain-l’Hermitage, a day’s grape-harvesting at the Domaine Michelas Saint-Jemms, La SpéléOEnologie underground wine-tasting at the Grotte Saint-Michel, a discovery tour of the Ferme du Brégalon in Rognes and a Provençal art de vivre stop at La Magdeleine – Mathias Dandine in Gémenos. 

BY TRAIN 

From Paris or Lille, as well as from European countries such as Great Britain, Belgium and Germany, high-speed TGVs connect to 12 major stopover towns along the Vallée: Dijon, Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saône, Le Creusot, Mâcon, Lyon, Valence, Nîmes, Le Pont-du-Gard, Aix-en-Provence, Arles and Marseille.  

Suggested itinerary – 8 days, 7 nights / 28 stops  

The Circuit Citadin links eight towns station by station, and proposes such gastronomic stops as a lunch at L’Écusson, right by the Hospices de Beaune, a visit to the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a tasting of Aquae Maltae thyme and rosemary beers at Aix-en-Provence and the purchasing of traditional navettes (biscuits) at Les Accoules in Marseille.  

Other suggested itineraries include a five-day town to town tour of Dijon, Beaune, Lyon and Vienne or this eight-day train trip to Dijon, Beaune, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Lyon 2e Arrondissement, Tain-l’Hermitage, Valence and Marseille. 

ON FOOT 

For gourmet tours in the city or in the country, hiking in the vineyards, through lavender fields or beside olive groves, or traipsing around old cobbled streets in search of a fine culinary address… La Vallée de la Gastronomie – France is perfect for exploring on foot. 

Suggested itinerary – 2 days, 1 night / 4 stops

Enjoy a gourmet escapade along the Rhône, in Tain-L’Hermitage, which is sure to enchant you with a symphony of flavours. In the heart of the Rhône Valley, this region is brimming with gastronomic delights, prestigious vineyards and breathtaking scenery. Get ready for an unforgettable experience, combining wine tasting, vineyard walks and a visit to the Cité du Chocolat Valrhona.