Culinary Tours and Vacations in France

Culinary Journey 

Travel from Lyon to St. Jean de Losne on the River Saône. Grand Victoria Cruises is here to give you the best experience of classic French cuisine, visiting many of the most famous places to sample high-quality food and drink. A culinary tour in France is the perfect retreat to experience new recipes and cuisines. Get in touch with Grand Victoria Cruises for a culinary vacation in France today.

Sunday

Champagne Welcome Aboard

Travel: Paris to Lyon
Our private driver meets you in Paris or Geneva to drive you to the Grand Victoria, moored in the heart of Lyon. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our cheerful crew and experience our Grand Victoria welcome. While we get you checked in and the crew take your luggage to your stateroom, you’ll enjoy our signature champagne welcome.  After champagne and hors d’oeuvres take a stroll to appreciate this beautiful city as the sunsets or enjoy a fantastic cocktail cruise before your first of many incredible dinners on board.

Monday

Basilica of Notre-Dame and Shopping

Travel: Lyon to Montmerle
Enjoy an early breakfast before discovering Lyon this morning on your culinary vacation in France, Edward will take you to tour the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, a Gothic Revival church that dominates the skyline of the west banks of the Saône, and see the ruins of ancient Roman amphitheaters. You’ll stroll and shop along the cobblestoned streets of Old Lyon to further explore this beautiful city. We’ll enjoy lunch aboard as the Grand Victoria begins cruising on the River Saône. Lounge on the deck, enjoy a cocktail, or laze in the hot tub while sipping champagne before Chef presents tonight's gourmet dinner. Following dinner, set off into Lyon by night for a pub crawl!

Tuesday

French Pastry Class

Travel: Montmerle to Macon
We will spend the morning cruising down the Saône into Macon, the gastronomic hub of France! Guests on this culinary tour in France will marvel at the architectural wonders along the river, including the majestic Basilique overlooking the city. Following lunch, we will debark from the Grand Victoria  to attend a pastry class in Lyon. Learn the art of French eclairs, macarons, and other fantastic treats with an excellent instructor. Following the pastry class, we will return to the Grand Victoria  and enjoy dinner onboard with another of Chef’s dinners.

Wednesday

Market Day In Pont de Vaux

Travel: Macon to Tournus
This morning follow Chef on a market day in Pont de Vaux, a quaint village on the Saône. Explore this wonderful local market, experience the local culture, and help the chef pick out produce to take back to the Grand Victoria for the evening’s dinner. Guests will then return to the Grand Victoria for lunch aboard join Edward in the wheelhouse as the Grand Victoria cruises through the Saône Valley. Join Chef in the galley for a cooking demonstration as he prepares your next dinner aboard.

Thursday

French Cooking Class

Travel: Tournus to Chalon sur Saône
Start this morning of your culinary tour in France right with a delicious breakfast! After, we will depart for a French cooking class. Hosted by a former pastry chef from the Michelin-star Maison Lameloise in Chagny, guests will prepare an incredible three-course meal with his guidance, which they will then enjoy for lunch. After, we’ll return to the Grand Victoria for an afternoon of cruising down the majestic Saône River. Marvel at the scenic views and enjoy sundowners on deck, or even join the chef in our demonstration kitchen, as dinner is prepared. You’ll enjoy a morning walking tour of Chalon-sur-Saône, which was once a busy port acting as a distribution point for local wines.

Friday

Michelin Star Lunch

Travel: Chalon sur Saône to St. Jean de Losne
After breakfast, we’ll depart on a morning cruise of the canal, before heading into Chagny for lunch at the Michelin-star restaurant, as a treat for the foodies in the group! After lunch, we will visit the famous Château de Pommard, a historic Château near Chagny dating back centuries. At Pommard, we’ll discover the true taste of Burgundy’s appellations, viticulture, and winemaking from the heart of the largest privately-owned clos in the Cote d’Or. After, relax and enjoy the view as we cruise the Canal du Centre before dinner, and delight in one of Chef’s culinary creations.

Saturday

Champagne Breakfast and Departure

Travel: Transfer to Paris
After a breakfast, depart the Grand Victoria around 9:00 am for transfer by minivan to end destination, arriving there about midday.

For more information on our culinary tours in France, get in touch with us at Grand Victoria Cruises today! We can’t wait see you out on the water with us soon for your culinary vacation in France.
Note: This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change. It runs in reverse on alternate weeks.