We spent a week in France in May 2026 before we started on the Rhine River cruise. We thoroughly enjoyed our 5 days in Lyon and 2 days in Beaune. We once again used Queen of Clubs to plan the trip. We found Lyon to be laidback and friendly. The food was amazing and it well deserves to be called the gastronomic capital of France.
In Lyon, we stayed at the Cour des Loges, which resembles a castle in the city whose decor takes you back to the Italian Renaissance.
We traveled through the picturesque landscapes of Beaujolais, with our guide Alex. We were captivated by the golden lime stones a unique unique to the area, especially evident in our visit to the enchanting village of Oingt, recognized as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”. The highlight of the tour was a visit to Domaine des Prévelières, a family-owned vineyard with a rich winemaking heritage spanning generations.
The next day, we toured the silk-making district of Lyon with Alex and got up close to some working antique looms. That was followed by a morning tour with Claire at the Les Halles – Paul Bocuse food market. Bocuse was a legendary figure in the French culinary scene in Lyon and popular all through France. We also toured the Fourvière: “The Hill That Prays” with Claire. We visited the church of Notre Dame, which is at the highest point of the city and has a beautiful panoramic view. Afterwards, we visited the Roman ruins of the original Roman settlement of Lugdunum, a UNESCO site featuring vast ruins of Roman Baths and a grand Theatre.
In Beaune, we stayed in the centre of Beaune at a Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa. We toured the town, which included a visit to the Dijon mustard factory, and were able to sample a variety of mustard. We also visited the amazing Hospices de Beaune, which was commissioned in 1443 by the Chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy following the Hundred Years’ War. This hospice is a world-renowned example of Northern Renaissance architecture. Its iconic multicolored tiled roofs were an amazing sight.
Our last day in Beaune was a full day that started with a day at the Dijon food market with tastings of Burgundian specialties. Our guide, Jérémie, took us to Halles de Dijon and then on a city tour of Dijon. The highlight of the day was our tour of Burgundy. Jérémie was so knowledgeable of the Burgundy area and anxious to share all the special places only an expert knows. We had an exceptional lunch at Le Millesime, and our wine tour and tasting at Jean-Claude Boisset were simply beyond my wildest expectations. We drove past the famous vineyards of Romanee Conti and Romanee-Saint-Vivant.
Where we ate!!!
In Lyon – Restaurant at Cour Des Loges – Le Comptoir – the food was excellent.
Cafe Comptoir Abel – excellent Bouchon
Brasserie Roseaux – Are best meal in Lyon. Excellent chicken. A Brasserie is a little more upscale that a Bouchon.
Les Fines Gueules – probably the must fun Bouchon we ate out. Staff was very friendly.
Cinq Mains – More upscale and I was not impressed with the food. They tried too hard.
Bistrot Biondy – very nice lunch spot with a bit of Italian flair.
In Beaunne we ate at:
La Ciboulette – small restaurant serving traditional food.
Rebound – our best meal in Beaune. Small restaurant with a very homey feel and delicious food.
Le Millesime – Excellent lunch in Burgundy
In Basel we ate at:
Fiorentina – great Italian restaurant.
Da Roberto – my namesake and a good place for lunch.