Burgundy and Champagne: A Culinary Love Letter to France

Welcome to Beaune! Fly into Paris and take the direct high-speed train to Dijon, where we'll be waiting to drive you to Beaune.

Upon arrival in this beautiful medieval walled city, we'll check in at Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa, and settle into our elegant and tranquil base for our epicurean endeavor. Perched right on the edge of the old town, this historic 19th-century townhouse offers a plush, relaxed 5* setting to begin our journey.

Take the afternoon to unwind from your day of travel. Around 5 pm, we'll meet in the hotel's wood-paneled bar for a welcome cocktail and introductions. Your trip leader will go over the plan for the next week and warmly welcome the group to this beautiful adventure we're about to share. 

Just across the hall, we'll sit down for dinner at Table Gourmande, the perfect introduction to classic Burgundian cuisine. The hotel's head chef has earned a Michelin star, so we're in good hands. 

Indulge in your first French breakfast of the trip, you're sure to love it. Fill your plate with freshly baked bread and pastries, fresh fruit, homemade jams, eggs, and local cheese and charcuterie.

Then, with gastronomic guide Allison Zinder in the lead we're off to discover the flavors and traditions that make Burgundy one of France's most celebrated culinary regions. We'll start with a visit to Ferme Fruirouge, a family-owned organic berry farm nestled among the vineyards near Nuits-Saint-Georges. As we walk through the orchards with our hosts, we'll learn how Burgundy's terroir influences blackcurrants, raspberries, strawberries, cherries, and red currants. We'll finish with a tasting of handcrafted preserves, syrups, and artisanal products made on the farm.

We'll continue with a leisurely regional lunch at Auberge du Coteau, where seasonal ingredients and traditional Burgundian recipes take center stage, many prepared over an open flame for an authentic taste of the countryside. 

This afternoon, we'll experience one of France's most treasured gastronomic traditions as we head into the vineyards for a truffle hunt alongside an expertly trained dog. Our search is followed by a guided tasting featuring local truffle delicacies paired with five exceptional Burgundy wines, including the prestigious Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru.

Before returning to Beaune, we'll make one final stop to uncover another iconic regional specialty: the famed Burgundy escargot. During a visit to L'Escargot B's snail farm, we'll learn the fascinating process of raising and preparing these celebrated delicacies, followed by a tasting. 

This evening, we'll gather for a relaxed dinner at Restaurant Au Coq Bleu, reflecting on a day filled with memorable flavors, passionate artisans, and the rich culinary heritage of Burgundy.

Early risers may wish to begin the day with an optional sunrise hot-air balloon flight, drifting peacefully above Burgundy's patchwork of vineyards as the first light of day illuminates one of France's most celebrated wine regions. See add-ons section to sign up. 

Later in the morning, we'll reconvene as a group to immerse ourselves in local life, again with Allison at the lead, we'll explore the bustling Sunday market in Chagny, one of Burgundy's largest and most beloved open-air markets. 

Wandering through colorful stalls overflowing with seasonal produce, artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fresh breads, and regional specialties, we'll discover the rich flavors of Burgundian cuisine. Along the way, we'll enjoy a variety of tastings that culminate in a leisurely progressive lunch while learning about the region's food traditions from our local guide.

This afternoon, we'll step back in time with a guided visit to the magnificent Hospices de Beaune, a 15th-century charitable hospital known for its striking Gothic architecture, vibrant glazed-tile roof, and centuries-old connection to Burgundy's wine heritage. 

Following our tour, there will be time to relax back at the hotel or perhaps indulge in a spa treatment before we continue our culinary journey. 

As the day winds down, we'll travel to the picturesque village of Meursault for an intimate wine and cheese experience at a family-owned vineyard. Hosted by French-American vigneronne Allison Schaps, we'll stroll through the vines before descending into the cellar to sample a thoughtfully curated selection of regional wines paired with local cheeses while learning about the family's winemaking traditions. 

We'll wrap up the evening with a light dinner at Comme chez moi, savoring simple Burgundian fare and maybe another glass of exceptional local wine before returning to Beaune.

This morning, we'll step into the kitchen with Chef Kathryn Frelon for a warm, welcoming, farm-to-table cooking experience inspired by Burgundian flavors. We'll begin with fresh coffee and buttery pastries before getting acquainted with the beautiful seasonal ingredients that will shape our menu. As Kathryn introduces us to the region's produce, she'll share the philosophy behind French home cooking and the simple techniques that let exceptional ingredients shine.

Together, we'll prepare a thoughtfully crafted multi-course meal, learning superior knife skills and cooking methods to plating techniques and the small details that elevate everyday dishes. Along the way, Kathryn will weave in stories of local producers, regional ingredients, and life in Burgundy, making the experience feel less like a class and more like spending the day cooking with a talented friend. Once everything is ready, we'll sit down to enjoy the meal we've created together.

The afternoon is intentionally unhurried, giving us time to experience Beaune however we choose. Browse the town's inviting boutiques, unwind with a spa treatment, or relax at the hotel and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. 

This evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. We've included a spa treatment for everyone at the hotel, so you can fully relax and rejuvenate when your appointment time comes. 

Dinner is on your own tonight, with the freedom to discover one of Beaune's wonderful restaurants and linger over a meal at your own pace.

This morning, we'll set out with wine educator and storyteller Brendan Moore for an engaging exploration of Burgundy's beloved wine country. With his signature wit and deep knowledge of the region, Brendan brings the vineyards to life as we travel north to Nuits-Saint-Georges for a private tasting at a local producer, focusing on the elegant red wines that have made this area famous. 

By midday, we'll trade the tasting room for the countryside, settling into a picturesque picnic spot for a leisurely French lunch. We'll savor freshly made quiches, artisanal cheeses, crisp salads, and, of course, a selection of regional wines while surrounded by the vineyard landscapes that produced them. 

We'll return to our hotel in the early afternoon, leaving plenty of time to browse Beaune's inviting boutiques or rest before the evening. 

Tonight, we'll embrace a more casual side of French dining with dinner at a favorite local pizzeria, where good food, great company, and a laid-back atmosphere make for the perfect end to another delightful day in Burgundy.

Today, we'll venture beyond Beaune with Brendan to discover the legendary vineyards of Chablis, one of France's most prestigious white wine regions. Our scenic drive through Burgundy leads us to this celebrated village, where we'll begin with a stroll among the vines before visiting a local winery for a guided tasting of its world-renowned Chardonnay. 

Along the way, we'll learn how the region's ancient limestone soils and cool climate create the crisp, mineral-driven wines that have made Chablis famous around the globe.

For lunch, we'll settle into a charming local wine bar to enjoy a simple French meal—perhaps a perfectly toasted croque monsieur served with crisp frites and a fresh salad.

Before returning to Beaune, we'll stop in the enchanting medieval village of Noyers-sur-Serein. Frequently recognized as one of France's most beautiful villages, it is home to flower-filled lanes and centuries-old stone buildings, making it the perfect place for a leisurely afternoon stroll.

Back at the hotel, there will be time to relax before one final evening together. Tonight, Chef Kathryn and wine educator Brendan Moore will host a memorable food-and-wine pairing dinner, exploring how thoughtfully selected wines can elevate every course. 

Through lively conversation, expertly prepared dishes, and exceptional Burgundian wines, we'll discover the nuances of pairing while raising a final glass to an unforgettable week together.

Sip one last coffee over breakfast before we check out and bid farewell to beautiful Beaune. We've spent a marvelous week together exploring the epicurian delights of Burgundy, and we hope you're walking away with new friendships and an appreciation for French cuisine. 

If you are ending your journey with us here, we'll drop you off at the Dijon train station for onward travel to Paris. 

If you are joining us for the post-trip extension to Champagne, onward!

After saying goodbye to the rest of the group, we'll journey north toward the celebrated Champagne region, where a new chapter of our French adventure awaits. 

Along the way, we'll pause in the beautifully preserved medieval city of Troyes, renowned for its colorful half-timbered houses and remarkable Gothic churches. During a privately guided walking tour, we'll uncover the city's fascinating history before enjoying a leisurely lunch at a charming local restaurant and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of one of France's most picturesque towns.

Our drive continues through the rolling vineyards of Champagne until we arrive at the elegant 5* Château de Sacy, a luxurious countryside retreat overlooking the surrounding vines. 

Once we're settled into our rooms, the remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and revel in the peaceful setting before gathering for dinner at the hotel. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind with a glass of Champagne as we prepare to explore one of the world's most iconic wine regions.

Today, we'll spend the day immersed in the birthplace of the world's most celebrated sparkling wine with local experts. 

Traveling through vineyard-covered hills and storybook villages, we'll visit a selection of distinguished Champagne houses, including Veuve Clicquot where we'll learn about the meticulous méthode champenoise, visit the widow's historic cellars, and enjoy tastings of exceptional cuvées.

A leisurely Champagne-paired lunch at the gorgeous Le Clos Corbier offers another opportunity to savor the region's remarkable flavors before we continue our exploration of the vineyards and villages that define this legendary moniker. After lunch we'll visit the UNESCO awarded village of Hautvillers as well as the abbaye here where the monk Dom Perignon used to live. 

This evening, we'll gather one final time for a farewell dinner at the iconic Café du Palais in Reims. Over outstanding food, exceptional Champagne, and wonderful conversation, we'll toast the friendships, discoveries, and unforgettable moments we've shared throughout our journey across France.

All good things must come to an end, and this adventure is no exception. After breakfast, we'll check out and transfer as a group to the local train station, then hop on the train back to Paris for onward travel. 

Au revoir and safe travels!