© Cherrystone
Tour

A cosy winter in the Vallée de la Gastronomie ❄️🍷

Routes : Lucenay > Ambérieux > Saint-Étienne > Grignan > Aix-en-Provence > Marseille 1er Arrondissement
Tour duration 5 days, 4 nights
TravelBy car
Spend a cosy and gourmet winter discovering the Vallée de la Gastronomie. From Dijon to Marseille, via Lyon, taste refined winter dishes, enjoy warm wines that warm the soul, and discover unique gastronomic experiences in a snowy setting.
18 steps distributed over 5 days

Day 1

Lucenay > Ambérieux
Beurre Noisette Restaurant
After many years in gastronomic restaurants and brasseries, Pauline and Olivier are delighted to welcome you to their home!
Fresh, local produce on a short menu.
Full menu €20 weekdays, €32 weekends.
Details
 © DR
8 min By car
5.2 km
Hôtel Les Pierres Dorées
Welcome to Les Pierres Dorées hotel and its Côté Sud restaurant. Located at the gateway to the Beaujolais region, just a few minutes from Lyon, our hotel welcomes you in a relaxing setting for a most enjoyable stay. Relax by the pool, have a drink at the bar... the hotel's friendly atmosphere will win you over. Discover our Côté Sud restaurant and its traditional, local cuisine. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. For your convenience, we've even thought of your electric vehicle (charging stations for hybrid and electric vehicles available via our supplier BUMP).
Details
 © DR
1 h 21 min By car
106 km

Day 2

Ambérieux > Saint-Étienne
Restaurant La Route Bleue
On the way, they would have to stop off to eat and drink. Over in La Fouillouse, a mere stone's throw from the centre of Saint-Étienne, there is an establishment which is ideal for a gourmet stopover. Down this pretty little street, you'll find some dishes meticulously concocted by Ludivine, the talented chef, and served to your table with a smile by Angélique. La Route Bleue is the ideal place for epicureans, those looking for fresh produce supplied by local farmers, all lovingly prepared and presented with finesse and delicacy. So drop everything, and head over to La Route Bleue now.
Details
le cabillaud  © libre de droit
9 min By car
8.0 km
Cité du design
The observatory tower, which is 32 metres high, gives the opportunity to admire a 360° panorama on the town.
Place of innovation and research, the Cité du Design is dedicated to all the publics : students, designers, professionnals, schools... Exhibitions are regularly held and the Cité du Design organised conventions, lectures, etc...
Details
 © Pierre Grasset
6 min By car
4.0 km
Les Ateliers Weiss: an iconic chocolate factory in Saint-Etienne
The Ateliers Weiss is a lively and accessible place, offering:

1- The Chocolate factory walkway tour (closed temporarily).
Accompanied by a member of the Weiss team as your guide, come and unveil the secrets of the Chocolate factory. An enjoyable experience and new discoveries guaranteed!

2- Fun, gourmet activities
All year round, the whole family can take part in various activities on the theme of chocolate and Weiss professions.

3- Design your own personalised chocolate bar
In the on-site shop, you'll find a selection of exclusive products and you can create your own personalised chocolate bar with the master chocolate maker himself!

4- Hot chocolate bar
Either indoors or out on the terrace, enjoy a delicious treat at any time of day: breakfast, lunch or afternoon snack.

To make a booking and browse the schedule of activities:
http://weiss.fr/ateliers-weiss/animations/
Details
8 min By car
5.0 km
Hôtel du Golf ****
The modernist transformation of the Hôtel du Golf's imposing building, overlooking the Saint-Etienne green, has been achieved with a striking duo of pink leather and black glass, creating the bold ambience of a warm restaurant, whose traditional cuisine with Provencal accents will delight your taste buds, from delicious tartars to grilled fish à la plancha...

The pool area and terraced dining area are in perfect harmony with the wonderfully wooded surroundings... for lunch in the shade of the parasols or for dinner in complete complicity!
Details
Vue piscine © Libre de droit
37 min By car
32 km

Day 3

Saint-Étienne > Grignan
Candy factory La Fabrique de Julien
Demonstration of how sweets and chocolates are made using natural ingredients. Sugary and chocolate-based creations of all kinds.

When visitors arrive on the premises, the confectioners/chocolate makers invite them to begin the tour. There are four parts to the tour:
- Explanation of the different natural ingredients used, through fun workshop activities.
- The museum of manufacturing sweets and lollipops the traditional way, and the various tools used in the past.
- A live demonstration from a qualified confectioner of making sweets and lollipops from baked sugar, in an amphitheatre with an opportunity to taste afterwards.
- Walkway overlooking the other workshops (manufacture of marshmallows, nougatine, chocolates, candied chestnuts, and, of course, the packaging room).
Details
9 min By car
7.7 km
Auberge du Lac
A peaceful setting on the shores of the lake.
Details
Auberge du Lac © ©AubergeduLac
1 h 43 min By car
144 km
6 min By car
3.7 km
Restaurant le Clair de la Plume
Le Clair de la Plume, the hidden jewel of Provence, comprises six different sites in the historical village of Grignan. As they approach the village, guests will find the Ferme Chapouton, the newest hotel offering a beautiful view of the castle and exceptional dining. With its old tile floor, fireplace and patio, the bistro restaurant fuses modernity and tradition and offers outstanding food at moderate prices (featured “Bib Gourmand” by Michelin). Other welcome features include the vaulted ceiling of the spacious lounge where breakfast is served and an original stone staircase leading to any of the nine rooms available. Guests can also dive into the heated pool hidden located behind the former rabbit house. The large and bright conference room (formerly the sheep stable) has room for up to 50 persons.

A short walk away is our second location: the private house. A noble stone staircase leads to the 19th-century rooms and suites where guests will find a shaded and cool respite on hot summer days. A few more steps bring you to the Historical House, opposite one of the most beautiful period washing basins of Provence. In the conservatory or in the dining room, the hotel’s gastronomic restaurant (1* Michelin) cosigned menu by Glenn Viel*** offers a delectable cuisine, built around the freshest local produce. Spend the sweet afternoon hours on the patio, under the arbour or in the lounge, sipping a tea or enjoying cold refreshments. A generous breakfast buffet is served in the period kitchen where you can still hear the old clock ticking and chiming. The scent of natural wax and lavender lead to the ancient engravings of the timeless rooms on the upper floors where cozy comfort and modern service meet tradition and heritage. Here as everywhere, there are books to read.

In summer, a stroll through the Mediterranean garden is a must. There, guests will find a collection of aromatic plants, a natural swimming pool and an outdoor restaurant. Guests will also discover a beehive by the organic pond, rare rose bushes and small orchard of apple and pear trees. In the midst of this unique garden, the “lovers’ pavilion” offers unique accommodations for couples who want to experience a romantic night. Pull up a chaise longue and fall asleep in front of the village crowned with its castle... or dream next to lush fields of lavender.

A few cobbled streets away, on the village square, the shop sells delicacies, scents and traditions of Provence so guests can take with them a souvenir from their experience, and share with their loved ones the Clair de la Plume.
Details
Hôtel et restaurant - Le Clair de la Plume © Alain Maigre
1 min By car
614 m

Day 4

Grignan > Aix-en-Provence
Château de Grignan
In the heart of the Drome, part of Provence, built on a rocky hill, the chateau of Grignan dominates the landscape. An example of the Renaissance architecture and French classic style, the building has had an eventful story.
A fortified castle mentioned as early as the 11th century, it was transformed into a luxury residence by the Adhemar family at the Renaissance. In the 17th century, the Marquise of Sévigné visits her daughter Françoise-Marguerite, who had become countess of Grignan after her marriage. The letters of the marquise to her daughter will make her famous and contribute to the reputation of the chateau. Dismantled during the French revolution, then rebuilt in the 20th century by Marie Fontaine, it has been the property of the Drome Department since 1979, who has been leading ambitious renovation and acquisitions projects.
Listed as an Heritage Site in 1993 and with a Musée de France label, the chateau of Grignan offers a journey through the art of living in different centuries. The chateau organises every summer the theatrical Night Festival and hosts different cultural events all year long.
Details
 © Loïc JULIEN
1 h 47 min By car
163 km
Confiserie d'Entrecasteaux
The secrets and traditional expertise of one of the most ancient confectioner's in the region will unfold in a unique location in Provence.
The Confiserie d'Entrecasteaux was created in 1889 and chose to set up the production unit inside an atypical indoor market hall, the 'Halles 1889'.
In complete transparency, the chefs can be seen working their magic through the glass panels, making their calissons and fresh pastries with top-quality ingredients.

Calissons are made under the watchful eyes of the visitors, using candied melon from Provence and almonds harvested from the Mediterranean coast. These ingredients are finely ground and then put onto unleavened bread, before being delicately covered in royal icing.

Just a few metres away from the workshop is the tearoom, where you can come and taste these delicious delights, from Tuesday to Sunday. In the shop, there is a selection of pastries and cakes, typical confectionery of Provence, sugar-coated almonds, the finest chocolates, nougat, homemade biscuits and other specialities.
The Maison d’Entrecasteaux won an award for the 'Best Calissons of Aix' at the La Provence contest, winning first prize twice, awarded by the region's Michelin-starred chefs.
Details
 © ©W&M pour le Guide Sésame Pays d’Aix
10 min By car
7.7 km
Gaodina restaurant
The wines are selected for the way in which they respect the terroir and the environment. We add herbs from our garden to our cocktails and dishes.
Good tasting products are one thing, but enjoying this good taste makes the experience even better. Both the atmosphere and cuisine are a treat for the senses in the conservatory, outdoors in the sunshine or next to the pool.

The difference spaces of the Gaodina restaurant are adapted for business meals with tables set apart from the rest, a birthday party with the whole family around a big wooden table, quick lunch breaks or a romantic dinner. Our delicious lunchtime brasserie turns into a chef's restaurant in the evening.

Here you can enjoy free, creative and extremely delicious cuisine for a great dining experience guaranteed!
Details
 © DR
5 min By car
2.3 km
Confiserie Léonard Parli - La Grande Fabrique (factory) and shop
The Grande Fabrique Léonard Parli is in the business centre of Aix-en-Provence. Here, the authenticity of the Maison Parli is kept alive, but combined with a modern and dynamic image at the same time.

The secret of the unique flavour of 'calissons' lies in the traditional craftsmanship and top-quality ingredients used to make them.

This expertise and excellence has been passed through the generations since 1874, and the secrets have been carried with them, to respect traditions.

Today, Léonard Parli products can be found in the 4 shops in Aix-en-Provence:
Aix town centre: 35, avenue Victor Hugo
La Grande Fabrique: Pôle d'Activité des Milles
Aix - Cathedral: 15 Rue Gaston de Saporta
Aix - Italie : 21, rue d'Italie

Maison Parli has been classified as a Living Heritage Company. This classification is awarded by the French state to companies that are keeping traditional craftsmanship alive and producing products that showcase excellence.

On a tour of the Grande Fabrique Léonard Parli, visitors will have the chance to meet the men and women who are keeping this Parli expertise alive. You'll be able to observe and learn about the meticulous manufacturing methods, and see the traditional machines in operation. We are proud to be doing our part in safeguarding the gourmet heritage of Aix.

Guided tours of the production unit are available from Monday to Thursday with a prior booking (for 6 people min.).
Duration of the guided tour: at least 30 minutes.
Commentary available in French, English, German, Portuguese and Spanish.
Free tasting.
Details
 © Confiserie Léonard Parli
20 min By car
18 km
Le Art - Château de la Gaude
At the helm of the fine-dining restaurant, chef Matthieu Dupuis Baumal and his team create a feast for the senses every day with dishes that showcase Provence's aromas, colours and flavours, in keeping with the seasons.

You'll find the wines of the Château de la Gaude in the restaurant, in the wine cellar and the shop, and if you still want to find out more, there's a wine-themed visitor's tour that will take you behind-the-scenes to unveil all the secrets, from the grapevine to the bottle.
Details
 © Richard Haughton
39 min By car
40 km

Day 5

Aix-en-Provence > Marseille 1er Arrondissement
Wine tasting and culinary discovery
Our wines: in 2021, Mars Wine Station purchased a 40 m2 property on Marseille's old harbour, and built their own wine cellar there. There are 8 vats, 2 of them made from stainless steel and 6 earthenware pots.

3 organic vintage wines are now produced there: 'On Grain Degun, La Baie des Singes and Mars'.

The creation of a vineyard in Marseille is underway, and soon the first 100% made-in-Marseille wine will be produced! A culinary discovery with every sip!

Spreads: Timon & Sourrieu produce creations that are inspired by the terroir of the south of France and the wonderful scents of the garrigue. All recipes are created using a key herb or spice, therefore giving the products a real culinary identity.

Our cheeses: the Laiterie Marseillaise is Marseille's first urban dairy. Some of the greatest appellations in the world of cheese can be found there, as well as some farm-grown treasures from all over France, and a selection of homemade products made using local cow's milk, goat's milk and sheep's milk.

Bread: a unique recipe, inspired by traditional bread and made using organic flour from the Alpes de Haute-Provence and natural rye sourdough, with no yeast or additives. Only the basic ingredients, pure and simple.

Chocolate: Françoise La Chocolaterie produces top-quality chocolate, made with passion every day, while respecting traditions and traditional craftsmanship. There's something for everyone, from the pure and simple, with an added feminine touch, fruity or sour. Visitors can taste the Mars wines, served with the culinary specialities from other producers of Marseille.

Come to the Chai de Mars on Marseille's old harbour.
Details
Le Chai de Mars © Le Chai de Mars
3 min By car
1.9 km
Tabi
Young chef Ippei Uemura is originally from Kyoto, but has made Marseille his adopted home. His dishes highlight local fish in a traditional Japanese cuisine, prepared directly in front of the customers.
Details
Restaurant Tabi Marseille © JO Office de Tourisme Marseille
5 min By car
3.2 km
Herboristerie du Père Blaize (herbalist's shop)
The Blaize family's story began in the Ecrins Valley, in the Hautes-Alpes. At the beginning of the 19th century, Toussaint Blaize, a pioneer, grew up surrounded by a wide variety of medicinal plants. He learnt how to use them, and how to treat his loved ones, and his neighbours with them. The village soon became aware of his talent and called upon his services. His reputation as a healer even extended well beyond the local area. This became his career and he decided to settle in Marseille, close to La Canebière. Père Blaize concocted new recipes and his name became a reference. In 1845, François took over the reins. Then followed Pauline and her husband, Joseph Bonnabel, then Paul, the first in the family to become a qualified pharmacist, and finally, Maxence, Martine's father.
This passion became a family tradition. We stock the entire range of medicinal plants, aromatic plants, exotic plants, spices, plant powders, plant extracts (liquid extracts - sprays, tinctures), 100% pure essential oils, vegetable oils, dietary supplements, and 'Jardin de Blaize' natural cosmetics. We also make our own pharmaceutical preparations for herbal medicine, aromatherapy, homeotherapy and allopathy.
Details
Pere Blaize © Pere Blaize
Map