Taillet family have dedicated themselves to the art of Pinot Meunier. After a private tour of the vineyards and cellars with Eric himself, we will settle in for a celebratory Champagne lunch with the winemaker — an intimate and memorable experience that is a hallmark of the Joy of Wine Journeys style.

Following lunch, we will travel to the village of Chablis, where we will tour the Lucie Thiéblemont winery and taste through their meticulously crafted wines.

On we will go to the city of Beaune in the heart of Burgundy, where you will have time to settle into your accommodations at the five-star l'Hotel de Beaune. The walls of the hotel bring together two historic buildings, the Hôtel particulier that belonged to the Jadot Family, famous Burgundy wine merchants, and the former Carmel de Beaune with its 16th-century cloister. Both the architecture and the warm service are emblematic of Beaune.

For our dinner together, we will enjoy elevated, classic French fare in a stunning setting, along with thoughtfully paired Burgundy wines.

Meals: Breakfast; Champagne lunch at the estate of Eric Taillet; Multi-course dinner with wine pairings Activity: Two winery tours and tastings

Accommodation: Luxury 5-star hotel in a historic setting in the center of Beaune

After breakfast at the hotel, join us for a private walking tour of Beaune, a walled medieval town with one of the longest histories of viticulture in France. 

Later, we will travel to the Domaine Senard winery for a private tour of their vast, historic cellars and a lunch paired with their incredible wines. 

Back in Beaune in the evening, you will have the option of joining host Adam Richard for an intimate wine tasting. He will pour exceptional wines from two boutique Uva wineries that have cellars too small to visit with a group. This will be a unique opportunity to taste through some special Burgundy bottles.

The night is yours for a romantic dinner on your own!

Meals: Breakfast; Four-course dinner prepared together with a local chef
Activity: Free time to explore Beaune; Optional cooking class and group dinner
Accommodation: Luxury 5-star hotel in a historic setting in the center of Beaune

This leisurely morning will be perfect for visiting the market in Place de la Halle, where you will find everything from vine-fresh tomatoes to exquisite patisserie to Beaune’s iconic artisanal mustard.

Then we will depart together for a nearby winery. A tour of the cellar will lead us to a wine tasting and lunch of the most classic Burgundian dishes, including boeuf Bourguignon and gratin Dauphinois.

Back in Beaune, we hope you will join us for a fun, interactive workshop on the art of barrel-making.

This evening will be perfect for a date night on your own. You will be free to enjoy a sunset stroll and dinner at your choice of Beaune’s many lovely eateries, from wine bars to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner on your own in Beaune
Activity: Winery tour and tasting; Optional interactive barrel-making workshop
Accommodation: Luxury 5-star hotel in a historic setting in the center of Beaune

After a final breakfast in Beaune, we will travel south toward the city of Lyon. Along the way we will enjoy lunch together.

We will then continue on to our extraordinary hotel in the heart of the vineyards of Beaujolais, just outside of Lyon, Château de Bagnols Hotel and Spa. Classified as a Historic Monument, the Château was originally built in the 13th century and is an incredible fusion of tangible history with contemporary luxury. The rooms are all unique and stunning, and the pool and spa will take your breath away and return it completely refreshed.

Then, dinner. A truly superlative experience awaits us at an iconic, Michelin two-star restaurant. Elegant and luxurious, this will be a meal you will never forget.

Meals: Breakfast; Lunch; Multi-course dinner at Michelin 2-star restaurant paired with French wines
Activity: Castle Tour
Accommodation: Luxury 5-star hotel located in a 13th-century castle

After breakfast at the Château, we will head into Lyon for a day of exploration. Adventure off on your own if you desire, or join us for a guided walking tour of the fascinating Vieux Lyon, the city’s atmospheric old town, a Renaissance district at the foot of Fourvière Hill. A ride to the top of the hill will lead us to breathtaking views and the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, a stunning piece of architecture marked by a unique blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque styles. We will ride the funicular back down and end in the heart of the old town, where you will be free to enjoy lunch on your own at any one of Lyon’s plentiful traditional restaurants or contemporary cafés. 

Later in the day, you are welcome to join us as we delve into the history of the silk industry in Lyon. First, we will visit the last family-run silk weaving workshop in Lyon, that of the late master silk weaver, Georges Mattelon, for a demonstration of silk weaving. Our next destination will be Place Jaquard for a traditional silk printing workshop, learning about the different silk painting techniques. 

Back at the Château, we will be treated to an exquisite dinner of classical French dishes with Asian influences, thoughtfully paired with Burgundy wines.

Meals: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner on your own with recommendations
Activity: Walking tour of Vieux Lyon; Silk Discovery Afternoon Tour
Accommodation: Luxury 5-star hotel located in a 13th-century castle

Today we leave Lyon and travel into the Northern Rhône wine region. Our first stop will be the winery of Louis Cheze, where we will receive a private tour and tasting. The vineyards here are vast, as are the splendid views of the rolling, verdant countryside.

We will then enjoy a lunch of elegantly prepared, traditional dishes with regional wines.

After lunch, we will continue on to Châteauneuf-du-Pape for an immersive private experience at L'Oratoire des Papes, one of the most storied estates in the Southern Rhône. Nestled within an 18th-century Priory, winemaker Edouard Guérin will guide us through the history, terroirs, and philosophy behind these iconic wines. Following a tour of the cellars, we will settle in for a vertical tasting of five wines — moving from the youngest to the oldest vintage — a rare and deeply personal window into what makes Châteauneuf-du-Pape so extraordinary.

We will conclude our day's travels in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, a picture-perfect village in the heart of the Alpilles. We will stay at an elegant and tranquil five-star hotel in a 17th-century private mansion, the Hotel de Tourrel.

For dinner, we will feast together, sharing classic French dishes and outstanding Provençal wine.

Meals: Breakfast; Lunch; Multi-course dinner with wine pairings

Activity: Two winery tours and tastings

Accommodation: Luxury 5-star hotel in a 17th-century mansion

This day is yours to discover picturesque Saint-Rémy! The narrow, winding lanes of the village are lined with stunning Renaissance mansions, chapels, and galleries, as well as adorable shops and cafes. We will be here on Market Day, when the town is filled with vendors offering everything from produce to housewares to antiques. 

We will have the opportunity to explore the market with a local chef as she shops for the very best ingredients, then accompany her to her studio where she will guide us through a hands-on cooking class. The lunch we create together will be one of the most memorable of the trip!

Back at the hotel, refresh with a massage or a dip in the serene pool.

In the evening, we will dine like royalty at a private dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the heart of Saint-Rémy. The modern Provençal cuisine stars locally caught seafood and vegetables from the restaurant’s own garden and pairs beautifully with carefully chosen wines from the region.

Meals: Breakfast; Multi-course dinner with wine pairings at a Michelin-starred restaurant
Activity: Free time to explore Saint-Rémy
Accommodation: Luxury 5-star hotel in a 17th-century mansion

You can choose whether to spend this day relaxing in Saint-Rémy or join us for a day trip to the nearby city of Arles. Another site of inspiration for Van Gogh and other artists such as Gauguin, Cezanne, and Picasso, Arles is a breathtaking confluence of ancient history and modern French life.

After a walking tour upon our arrival, you will be free to explore what the city has to offer on your own. The Arles Amphitheater, built by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. and in use again today, is a must-see, as is the Espace Van Gogh, once a hospital that treated the artist during his time in Arles and now a library, gallery, and garden. We will offer recommendations for lovely lunch options, and you will have plenty of time to meander the pedestrian promenades and people-watch in one of the city’s beautiful plazas.

Back in Saint-Remy, you may spend the evening how you wish! We can recommend excellent restaurants in the village for a romantic date night on your own.

Meals: Breakfast; Dinner on your own with recommendations
Activity: Optional day trip to the city of Arles with a walking tour
Accommodation:  Luxury 5-star hotel in a 17th-century mansion

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a scenic drive through the lavender fields of Provence to the village of Bonnieux, perched on a plateau in the heart of Provence, with sweeping panoramic views and a fabulous market. You will have the opportunity to browse the extraordinary lavender goods, almonds, and honey and line the streets on market day. 

After a delicious lunch with flowing rosé, we will travel on to our final hotel, the Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle, an 18th-century inn reimagined by Alain Ducasse into a luxurious and serene retreat surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and cypress trees. You will have time to recharge in your room—each unique to the others—or to refresh at the pool amidst the cypress and lavender.

Our final dinner together will be an extraordinary meal, where the chefs will execute dishes inspired by the local seafood and vegetables from the restaurant’s own gardens, and we will keep your glasses full with thoughtfully paired Provençal wines.

Meals: Breakfast; Multi-course dinner with wine pairings
Activity: Tour and shopping at Lavender Farm
Accommodation: Luxury 5-star hotel in a renovated 18th-century inn

This morning, you will transfer by bus to the Nice Côte d’Azur airport. However, if you wish to extend your time in France, we are very happy to offer suggestions to make the most of your stay!

Meals: Breakfast
Activity: Transfer to the Nice Côte d’Azur airport