Touring the Jura valley

The tour starts by driving through the hills and villages of the Pays de Saint Amour region. First stop at the Roche of Solutré to enjoy the stunning scenic view from the rock over miles and miles of lush, green vineyards. Then go to the Atrium de Solutré to sample elegant and characterful Poully-Fuissé wines. The first day ends at Cluny Abbey which Pope Urban II described as the "light of the world". The abbey was founded in 910 and had great influence in reforms over the centuries. See the restored remains of the abbey's immense church and the original splendor of Cluny in the Middle Ages on the 3D video and via virtual reconstructions. 

Book your 1st night at Château de Pierreclos, a listed medieval historical monument.   

We suggest beginning the day at the open market in the striking old market hall at Franche-sur-Saône. Visit the early 20th century Maison Vermorel while walking around the town. Victor Vermorel was a pre-world war forerunner who broke away from tradition by designing a house with an Art Deco interior and adding bathrooms and bright lighting. It is one of the first houses to be built as modern houses are built today. Drive to Hameau DuBoeuf to end the afternoon learning about the history of Beaujolais. The gardens in the middle of the vineyards are particularly beautiful. Romanèche-Thorins station, also nick-named the Gare du vin (wine station), offers another interesting lesson in wine exportation history. This is where Beaujolais used to be sent to Paris and other parts of France. An imperial wagon made as a gift to Napoleon III is also on show. Then enjoy a tasting session to round off your knowledge after seeing how Beaujolais wine is made at the vinification centre.

Book your 2nd night at Château de Pierreclos, a listed medieval historical monument.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

A whole day to explore Lyon, a city where Renaissance, historical and modern architecture rub shoulds and treasures are hidden. Start by visiting the old medieval district. Saint-Jean-Baptiste cathedral with its famous sun-shaped hand clock, dating back to 1598, which still chimes several times a day, is in the centre of the old district. Go inside the rather dark cathedral to see where Henri IV and Marie de Médicis were married in 1600. Next onto Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe, decorated with a statue of Louis XIV on horseback in the middle. Sound & Light shows are put on in winter on the walls of the buildings surrounding the square and mulled wine is served. Don't miss Notre Dame de Fourvière basillica, devoted to the Virgin Mary on the top of Lyon hill overlooking and protecting the city below. The beauty and brightness of the works decorating the religious symbol delight visitors. The stained-glass windows, mosaic walls and sculptures tell the story of the Virgin Mary. Walk around the Saint Jean district at the end of the afternoon and go through Parc de la Tête d’Or park to the Contemporary Art museum.

Book your 3rd night at the Abbaye de Talloires, ancient abbey turned into a particularly charming hotel.                                                             

Off to Annecy for the 4th and final day. The architecture of the Palais de l’Ile in the city centre town, ancient prison and law courts, is uniquely surprising and makes the building ressemble a medieval rowing galley. Exploring the ramparts at Annecy 's emblematic château, home to varoius Counts of  Geneva, plunges visitors into the Nemours family dynasty and their typical French Renaissance life style. We also suggest seeing the château museum where visiting exhibitions are on show, retracing the heritage and history of the region with sculptures, paintings and animated films. Stop besides Annecy lake nestled in the Haute-Savoie mountain range for a while to appreciate the surroundings.