Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome Champagne Reception


We will pick you up at the Lyon airport, early in the afternoon. Upon your arrival at our fully restored 19th-century French country home, you'll relax and enjoy a champagne reception with authentic local finger foods and drinks. In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional sumptuous buffet prepared especially for you.

Day 2: Spellbing Chartreuse


We will drive you across the Chartreuse Mountains, a land of extraordinary beauty and serenity. You will visit the Chartreuse Correrie, a museum in a monastery, and then walk in the peaceful surroundings of the Chartreuse monastery where the Chartreux monks still live today.
Chartreuse Cellars and Liqueur Tasting


We will then 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: Annecy or 'The Little Venice of the Alps'


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.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy Annecy Lake, the cleanest lake in Europe, surrounded by majestic mountains. Why not rent an electrical or paddle boat? If you prefer, there are beautiful trails by the lake.

Day 4: Visit of a Farm, Chelieu Village


Today, we will visit a farm: you will learn everything about the agriculture in France, how to make cheese
and how to milk a cow. You will even have a chance to milk the cow yourself.

In the afternoon, we will take the time to discover our village, Chelieu. You will have the choice to nap in the garden, enjoy a drink at the café or go on a gentle hike though the picturesque fields and woods surrounding the guesthouse.

Day 5 and 6: Provence


We will be heading to Provence for two days. Almost as soon as you enter Provence, you come across incessant shrilling of the cicadas, the display of colors and the pervasive scents, in particular those of the magnificent lavender fields.

We will first stop in Nyons, the olive oil capital.

It is the very first in France to have received the coveted "Appellation d'Origine Controlee AOC" label.

You will have time to shop on the market, one of the biggest markets in Drome Provencale: olives, olive oil, garlic, cheeses, tablecloths, lavender soaps and products, etc...

Nyons is also known to be the country of lavender. In season, they are plenty of lavender fields in bloom. Just breathe and follow your sense of smell.
At the end of the end of the day, we will head up to our guesthouse in Provence. Imagine a dirt road that seems to be leading you to the end of the world, where scenery worthy of a postcard awaits you We will go home early enough so that you will have time to enjoy the swimming pool.

The next day, we will visit the magnificent 16th-17th Century Grignan castle. It is the biggest Renaissance castle in the South East of France. It became very famous thanks to Mme de Sevigne, a 17th Century French writer who lived in Versailles with king Louis XIV and wrote thousand of letters to her daughter living in the Grignan castle. We will then head to one of the nicest pottery factory. Make sure you have room in your suitcase because you will not resist.

Day 7: Silk Factory and Silk Weaving Demonstration


Lyon was the silk capital. Entire families including children were asked to work 18 hours a day for minimal salaries. Today the silk weavers have disappeared, but their silk remains well known throughout the world for its unparalleled quality. This museum features the history of silk weaving, the hard working life of the silk weavers and their children, demonstration of weaving on looms from the 18th to the 20th century,…and then, of course, the chance to buy wonderful silk scarves.

Day 8: Departure


After our last breakfast together, we'll drive you to the Lyon airport in plenty of time to catch your flight home.

 

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