Rural France

Discover our jewel in the SE France, hidden places not listed in travel books. You will discover the diversity of this amazing region, from quaint villages to the lofty peaks and glaciers of the Alps.

Experience the French culture through a local market, medieval villages unknown from tourists, a medieval castle, a 19th century oil mill, the majestic Alps and of course through local product tasting like chocolate, Charteuse liqueur, cheese and wine.

Cultural Tour in rural France

Painting Tour in rural France

Cultural Tour in Rural France

Day 1: Welcome in Aix-les-Bains We will pick you up at the Aix-les Bains train station. Upon your arrival at the hotel, you will have time to sette in and relax, either by the lake just outside the hotel or in the beautiful spa town of Aix les Bains In the evening, we will have an orientation meeting followed by a gourmet dinner.

Day 2: Spellbing Chartreuse Mountains

Afternoon: Chartreuse Liqueur Tasting We will visit the Chartreuse cellars, the longest liqueur cellar in the world, where you will learn all about the making of this world famous beverage. This is where, from a secret recipe guarded by the monks for centuries, the Chartreuse liqueur has been produced from over 130 plants. You will have the opportunity to taste over 10 different kinds of Chartreuse liqueurs.

Day 3: Breathtaking Mont Blanc, the Heart of the Alps Morning: Mont Blanc Glacier We will be heading to the highest mountain in Europe. Breathtaking views of the Mont Blanc await us at Chamonix, the capital city of the mountaineers. The Montenvers train will take us on a journey through deep forests and splendid vistas overlooking the valley. Traveling along impressive peaks, you will arrive at the unique Mer de Glace ("Sea of Ice") glacier.

You will have the thrill of exploring the inside of this glacier through a tunnel carved in the ice and of viewing its never-to-be-forgotten exhibit of ice sculptures. Afternoon: Visit of Chamonix You will have time to shop or stroll through the chalet-town of Chamonix, the biggest ski resort in the world. The high mountains surrounded the town are beautiful.

Day 4: Annecy or 'The Little Venice of the Alps' Morning: Market in Annecy Annecy is the French show-piece of lakes-and-mountain beauty. The Canal crossing Annecy brings Venice to mind as you stroll along its banks. We will stroll the medieval narrow streets to admire the renaissance houses along the canal as well as the famous old prison, one of the most photographed monuments in France! We will also have the opportunity to go to the local market in the old Annecy.

Day 5: Local Market and Chocolate Tasting

Morning: Market and Berlioz museum We will experience a little market only the locals know about; it is a 13th-century covered market where the locals meet. After a stop at one of the cafes to savor the local ambiance, you'll be able to stroll in this authentic medieval and Renaissance town. You can also visit the home of the famous French composer, Hector Berlioz, which is now a museum dedicated to his work.

Afternoon: Chocolate tasting We will visit a chocolate exhibit, the "Paradis du Chocolat". The history and making of chocolate will have no more secrets for you. Tasting the delicious cakes made by Pierre Jouvenal, the famous chocolate maker of the Dauphine region will delight your palate.

Day 6: Historical Lyon This day will be dedicated to the discovery of magical Lyon, a World Heritage city known as the Capital of Gourmet Cuisine. The Fourviere Basilica, with its breathtaking view of the city, will be our first stop. You will also explore the superb Roman Theater built in 43 AD, and then on to the Renaissance quarter, the second biggest renaissance quarter in the world, listed World Heritage by UNESCO.

Day 7: Walnut Oil Tasting and Spa We will drive east along the Rhone River, through beautiful vineyards and picturesque villages to the lovely village of Chanaz. We will attend a walnut oil making demonstration in a 19th-century mill.

This is a unique opportunity that can't be missed since this mill is the only one left in France listed historical monument where the oil is still made like it was in the 19th century. You will of course have a chance to taste the delicious and organic walnut, hazelnut and almond oils as well as the homemade jams.

Afternoon: Spa and massage

In the 19th century, princes and the European aristocracy came to Aix for its international reknowned spas. Even today, Aix is the second largest spa town in France.

We will treat you for a very relaxing afternoon in the thermal bath of Aix. You will have access to all the spa center facilities: naturally warm indoor and outdoor thermal water pools, whirlpools, saunas and steam baths, gym and relaxation areas, bar and patios. Possibilty to get a massage, mud bath, etc...
For our last evening, we will treat you for a dinner cruise on the magnificient Bourget lake. After dinner, the boat plays a sound and light show on the wild cliffs of the lake. It is truly unforgettable!

Photo credit: Compagnie des bateaux du lac

Day 8: Departure After our last breakfast together, we'll drive you to Aix-les-Bains train station by 10am.

Accommodation by the Bourget Lake Situated in the heart of Savoie in the town of Aix-les-bains, this 3 star hotel offers luxurious and comfortable accommodations with view on the port of Bourget lake.

View from the hotel (Port at Bourget lake) Photo credit: C.F.Day

The rooms are equipped with one double bed or 2 single beds depending on your preference. All soundproofed guest rooms are equipped with bathtub or shower, a flat screen TV with international satellite channnels and free Wi-Fi internet access. Each guest room also features a free mini-bar stocked with soft drinks.

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