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Tour

Discover the Vallée de la Gastronomie by train 🚆

Routes : Dijon > Beaune > Villefranche-sur-Saône > Lyon 2e Arrondissement > Tain-l'Hermitage > Valence > Marseille 7e Arrondissement > Marseille 2e Arrondissement
Tour duration 8 days, 7 nights
TravelTrain

Hop on the first train to the Vallée de la Gastronomie ! Enjoy a culinary journey combining sustainable travel, regional flavors, and scenic landscapes! Relax as you’re carried along the tracks, stopping to savor local specialties at each station. From Dijon to Valence, passing through Beaune, Villefranche-sur-Saône, Lyon, and Tain-l’Hermitage, you’ll explore French regions famous for their food heritage, beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals. A must for all people looking for a sustainable but very gourmet adventure in France.

This route can be completed on one or many occasions depending on your preferences.

Day 1

Dijon
La fabrique de pain d’épices Mulot & Petitjean
Founded in 1796, Mulot & Petitjean has a long and illustrious history that has contribute to made Dijon the French capital of gingerbread.

Between tradition and modernity, Mulot & Petitjean remains a family business, faithful to a tradition passed on from generation to generation expertise.

Today, our Gingerbread is still hand made with carefully selected ingredients to provide our customers with high quality product.
In March 2012 the House Mulot & Petitjean was awarded EPV ('Living Heritage Company') for its history and its ancient heritage, its capacity for innovation, and its rare skill.

On the occasion of its 220th anniversary in 2016, Mulot et Petitjean, has built an extension of more than 1000m² on its manufacturing site located 6 boulevard de l'Ouest in Dijon.
Besides the renovation of the production tool, this extension allowed the creation of a museographic space and a shop in the historical part of the building on about 400m ².
This space will allow visitors and consumers to discover the history of Dijon's gingerbread andMulot and Petitjean's family and of course the secrets of Dijon's gingerbread recipe.


Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 6.30pm.
Information and contact: accueil@mulotpetitjean.fr

Opening planned for 21 June 2017.
Details
Lunch break at the Table des Climats
At the foot of the Chapelle des Climats, the restaurant "La Table des Climats" offers a unique gastronomic experience, highlighting the harmony between wine and food. This exceptional experience is expressed through a meticulous selection of Burgundy Crus, combined with dishes that sublimate local gastronomy. The menu, designed by Éric Pras, Meilleur Ouvrier de France 2004, is created by Kévin Julien, Executive Chef.
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EPICURE- Table des climats
Le Pré aux Clercs
The menu at Le Pré aux Clercs gives pride of place to traditional dishes in the spirit of Georges Blanc's cuisine. Bresse poultry, eggs en meurette and braised onions are to our childhood taste buds what the madeleine was to Marcel Proust. A fine wine list.
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BRASSERIE
Hôtel B&B Dijon Centre
Located right at the heart of Dijon, this 60-room hotel is perfect for your holidays, family weekends or business trips! The hotel's team is on hand day and night to cater to your every need.
On the road for business tourism or to discover the wines of Burgundy, make a stop at the B&B Dijon Centre hotel. An air-conditioned room with all comfort awaits you: quality bedding, soft duvet and pillows designed by a specialist, equipped private bathroom, desk with free and unlimited high-speed Wifi connection and a flat screen TV (7 channels including beIN SPORT with DIGITAL TV) to spend a night as pleasant as at home! Personalized reception 24h/24h.
Public car park 100 meters away (Place Grangier).
Details
Hôtels Bourgogne Qualité © B&B Dijon Centre

Day 2

Dijon > Beaune
L'Ecusson
A gastronomic and pleasurable place to discover, just a stone's throw from the historic centre and its famous Hospices.

In a bright, soothing setting, Chef Thomas Compagnon and his attentive team offer refined cuisine with fresh, tasty flavours and inspired interpretations of noble products, such as the Crème mousseuse of fresh frogs with yellow wine, morel mushrooms and sweetbreads, or the whole Corton pigeon, confit legs, spring onions and turnips, tangy rhubarb radish, tarragon jus.

A Burgundy wine list at reasonable prices. In fine weather, take advantage of the terrace service in an enclosed garden setting. Children are not forgotten either, with a "gastro-moments" menu to introduce them to taste and local produce.
Details
ecusson.fr
47 min Walk
3.8 km
Caveau Nuiton-Beaunoy
With a vineyard exploring the Côte de Beaune, the Hautes Côtes de Beaune, the Côte de Nuits and the Hautes Côtes de Nuits, the winegrowers of the Cave des Hautes-Côtes, associated under the Nuiton-Beaunoy coat of arms, are now shaping the wines that express the extraordinary mosaic of the Côte d'Or climates, side by side. We invite you to discover a prestigious range of wines, a gourmet discovery of our Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in our cellar with a panoramic view of the vineyard.
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Hôtel Le Cep
A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Hôtel Le Cep is ideally located in the heart of the historic town of Beaune, a stone's throw from Notre-Dame Basilica and the Hôtel-Dieu.

Hôtel Le Cep is the harmonious fusion of several private mansions, to create a charming ensemble comprising 70 air-conditioned rooms, including 38 suites and 6 studios, comfortable lounges with fireplaces or pianos, a cellar where breakfast is served, two listed 16th-century courtyards, a French garden, a panoramic tower, 4 meeting rooms, a private tasting cellar, enclosed garages with valet parking and an Ayurvedic vegetarian restaurant: LunchBox.

You can also take advantage of our Marie de Bourgogne Holistic Spa, a chic and refined space of over 1000m2 in the pure Burgundian spirit, offering 17 unique sensory experiences and an Ayurvedic centre.

Make the most of our wine experts and take advantage of our tastings in the Caveau Saint Félix to sample one of our 36 Hospices de Beaune vintages... among others, which you can also enjoy in our Fumoir à cigares Le Paradis...

New accommodation: Maison des Remparts!
To discover this brand new way of enjoying the hospitality of Hôtel Le Cep, you can read our press release in the "Documents to download" section.

For more information, please contact the service provider directly.
Details
HÔTEL LE CEP©JC BERNARD

Day 3

Beaune > Villefranche-sur-Saône
Terre de Bières
Thanks to top-quality raw materials and expert know-how, the brewery offers a collection of 8 traditional beers: white, blonde, red, amber, triple, black, IPA and 'Caladoise'.
Added to this range is 'instant bière', which are beers that are brewed depending on the brewer's inspiration (cherry, vine peach, Gamay grape, bread, spices, honey, chestnut, citrus fruit, etc.). There is something to suit all tastes and for all kinds of customers: individuals, professionals, associations, companies, etc. The beers are sold in 33 cl and 75 cl bottles and draught beers are sold in kegs of 10, 20 and 30 litres. They can provide equipment for various events and customers can also benefit from the brewery's expert advice.
They also offer homemade lemonade in 33 cl or 75 cl bottles, or draught.
Details
 © Terre de Bières
Le Bistronome - Cuisine & Vins
Le Bistronome is a simple concept, centred around the basics of good cuisine.

This concept is all about sharing enjoyable moments, about enjoying delicious and elegant food, about local, top-quality production and short circuits, about tradition and creativity!

We get our creative inspiration from the men and women working behind-the-scenes, offering us exceptional products that respect our land. Every day, we seize the opportunity to benefit from these products!

"Creative cuisine inspired by our local land and the expert know-how of the men and women who work this land."

We add our environmental values to this 'simple' concept. We are professionals who work in a responsible manner, making sure that every day, we strive to minimise our impact on the environment, with everyone's well-being in mind!

In choosing short circuits, we are choosing to showcase local products, producers, breeders and winegrowers.

Our partners are passionate about their professions, their terroir and their products.
The Beaujolais has been awakened, and it is our duty to share this new lease of life and this expert know-how with you.

We reveal the true meaning of great food and great drink...
Details
 © Le Bistronome - Cuisine & Vins
6 min Walk
579 m
Mercure Villefranche en Beaujolais ICI & LA
In the heart of Villefranche sur Saône, capital of Beaujolais, the Mercure Villefranche en Beaujolais *** Hotel, 78 rooms, with private parking and a fitness room, offers designer spaces, easy to access, where choice of materials & colors combine with comfort, sobriety & kindness…

In summer, enjoy access to our outdoor swimming pool on our rooftop with an eloquent view of the city's rooftops!
Details
Chambre 2 de Hôtel ICI&LA © Hôtel Mercure

Day 4

Villefranche-sur-Saône > Lyon 2e Arrondissement
Lyon Food Tour
Visit Lyon step by tasty step!

HALLES DE LYON FOOD TOUR - 2 HOURS
Tuesdays and Saturdays from 2 March to 31 December 2021.
Meet in front of the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse (102 cours Lafayette)

VIEUX-LYON FOOD TOUR - 4 HOURS
Tuesday to Saturday from 26 January to 31 December 2021
Meet at 2 Place Benoit Crépu - 69005 Lyon

VIEUX-LYON FOOD TOUR - 3 HOURS
Tuesday to Saturday from 26 January to 31 December 2021
Meet at 2 place du Change 69005 Lyon
Details
Lyon Food Tour © Alexandre Théoule
Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse (indoor market hall)
Bouchon Les Lyonnais
Vaulted stone cellar in the basement. Terrace. Menu translated into English. People of Lyon, the bouchon ambience should be consumed without moderation!
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 © Laura GRAND
Hôtel de Verdun 1882
The Hôtel de Verdun 1882 is a place with a soul, taking its guests on an exploration across different period styles. It nurtures elegance with a twist combining chic, humor, and hipness where one feels welcome.

“We wish to offer our guests a touch of enchantment, a change of scenery and invite them to create memories”, say the owners, Isabelle and Gilles Moynier.

We have conceived a haven where you can unwind and be inspired, a real feel-good place.
Upon arriving at our hotel, situated in the center of Lyon, you are immersed in a universe of calm and inspiration, embodied by a collection of furniture, pictures, books and photographs collected from across the world through the years.

The great lounge/library with its comfy sofas sets the tone: elegant, lively, cozy, and arty! This is a place where the idea of luxury involves kindness, attentiveness, and little gestures throughout your stay.
The rooms, articulated around a beautiful stone staircase, have regained their original spirit with high ceilings, moldings, and fireplaces. Wood paneling running along the walls prolongs the handcrafted window surrounds. The rooms are accessed via an intimate and elegant landing. Several rooms connect, enabling the creation of a private space for families and friends. Vintage furniture such as Knoll Tulip chairs add a touch of chic and style. Soft delicate fabrics mingle with warm soothing colors. Vintage books from the classic Gallimard collection nestle on shelves, while photos and prints from our personal collection adorn the walls.

Breakfast is a special moment for small chats with our guests and we bring particular care to this convivial gourmet time. The hotel is located on THE street for food artisans. Comte and St. Marcellin cheeses come from the best cheese monger, Fromagerie Mons, while the bread from Au Vieux Pétrin bakery is made from local flours. In the summertime, plums, pears and apples come from our orchard and cherry tomatoes from our vegetable garden.

Hotel services are provided in accordance with the Green Key Label which promotes sustainable, socially accountable, and ecologically sound tourism. Upon arrival, we offer a carafe of filtered water to reduce plastic waste. Linens and towels, made from organic cotton, have a super soft feel. Ecological hospitality products with their Mediterranean fragrances (Italian Lemon with Basil and Italian Lemon with Rosemary) are sourced from a local soap atelier.

Above all, we enjoy spending time with our guests and sharing our secret addresses and favorite strolls in Lyon.
Details
Hôtel de Verdun - La cheminée du grand salon © Catherine Hudson

Day 5

Lyon 2e Arrondissement > Tain-l'Hermitage
Farmers' market - Place Carnot
If you pass by Place Carnot late afternoon on a Wednesday, you'll be surprised to see that there's a market held there from 4pm to 7pm. This was the very first afternoon market to be held in Lyon, created over ten years ago.
Tourists, passers-by and locals all come to take a stroll down the central walkway between the stalls and fill their baskets with the delicious produce. Plums, peaches, nectarines, tomatoes, courgettes, cows' milk cheese, lamb, etc. Some foreign tourists happen upon this market and wonder at the range of products on display. A group of young travellers can't help but stop by a goat's cheese stand. In 'brique' form, matured 'cabrion', dry 'cabrion, there are seven different kinds of goat's cheese on display. It's not easy to choose between them.
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 © Copyright © 2018 Mihriban DONER
Wine cellar M. CHAPOUTIER
For 200 years, the M. CHAPOUTIERhas been creating the very finest of wines with the greatest respect for the balances of Nature in order to achieve the most precise expression of each terroir.
The world of wine is one of conviviality and generosity.
M. CHAPOUTIER seeks to share this message through an art de vivre that anyone can enjoy.

The M. CHAPOUTIER winery offers visitors tours of the vineyards followed by a wine tasting in our wine bar or a private room.
These tours, in which our expert sommeliers will share their passion for wine with you, can be tailored-made or based on a specific theme. Group packages are also available.
These tours will give you a glimpse into the soul and the savoir-faire of the M. CHAPOUTIER wine company.
You will experience a new way of learning about wine, one which is surprising, amazing and exciting.
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Façade © M.CHAPOUTIER
Cité du Chocolat Valrhona
Valrhona's expertise will become accessible to everyone, on a fun, educational and gourmet tour where visitors - both individuals and professionals - will explore, admire, listen, touch, smell and of course taste chocolate in all its forms. On the first floor, there is a chocolate-themed restaurant, a patisserie laboratory offering visitors a practical experience, and also a space devoted to craftspeople from the chocolate world and to Valrhona's history.

Chocolate shop and tickets for the tour and workshops online: www.citeduchocolat.com
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Cité du chocolat Valrhona © @Publimage P
Hôtel & Spa Fac & Spera
Fac & Spera a state of mind....
The bright, comfortable rooms and suites are suitable for people with reduced mobility. They are equipped with adjustable air conditioning, free wifi, minibar, room service, 43″ flat screens (French and foreign channels, direct connection to your Netflix account). The hotel also features a workspace, games room and landscaped pool, relaxation areas, wine bar and spa.
8 Lunasol apartment-hotels (duplex or studio) complete the offer.
Details
Chambre © Maison CHAPOUTIER

Day 6

Tain-l'Hermitage > Valence
Saturday market stroll, Place des Clercs
People agree that the Valence market is one of the most beautiful in Provence, and not to be missed if you're visiting the Drôme region. You'll meet farmers, fruit and early produce producers, horticulturists - enough to fill your basket with the finest local seasonal produce.
Details
 © Eric Caillet
25 min Walk
2.2 km
André - The Maison Pic bistro
Journey back to the 1930s, to when artistic professions were at a turning point thanks to the remarkable expertise of the craftspeople, a time characterised by the materials and lines used, as well as a time of trendsetting graphics.
Details
 © Serge Chapuis
25 min Walk
2.1 km
Hôtel de France
Available nearby: cinema, theatre, Jouvet Park, Art Museum and Armenian heritage. If you want, we can guide you during an outing on the theme: vine and wine.
Details
 © Corinne Prouteau

Day 7

Valence > Marseille 7e Arrondissement
Gare Saint-Charles
After 8 years of study and work, it was in 1848 that Marseille was connected to the railroads, in particular to the PLM line (Paris, Lyon, Marseille). To build the station, land was chosen that still had the advantage of being undeveloped and close to the city center and its main thoroughfares, such as the Canebière. The plateau site offered considerable technical advantages for the engineers and architects of the time. Indeed, the railroad route bypasses the hills of Marseille, avoiding the challenges and high costs associated with tunnel construction.
In today's urban context, the station is positioned diagonally. However, in the 19th century, it was aligned with the old city gates and fortifications. In its early days, the station was oriented towards the Porte d'Aix. The first station is thought to date from 1852. It was rebuilt in 1891. The main entrance was from the south (on the Boulevard Maurice Bourdet side).
Access to the U-shaped station was not easy. There were three points of access.
- A ramp for carriages and cars
- by stairs
- And via the nearby cemetery (closed in 1876).

During reconstruction, the layout was rethought: the U-shape was abandoned in favor of an L-shape. It was also at this time that the question of accessibility arose. In 1911, the city decided to create a monumental staircase.

The station today: the Marseille-St-Charles hub brings together rail, road and urban transport to serve the entire region. Today, the hub irrigates all modes of public transport: 16 tracks dedicated to rail (TGV, Corail and TER), 20 coach stands at the bus station, 2 metro lines, 2 drop-off points, cab stands, shuttles and soft mobility.

Intermodality in figures: 45,000 passengers a day, 300 trains a day, 80 TGVs a day, 27 coach stands and 700 coach rotations a day, 785 parking spaces inside the hub, over 1,000 parking spaces in total (including outdoor spaces).
As part of the project for the new Provence Côte d'Azur line, there are plans to build an underground station beneath the existing station. This initiative is designed to transform the Gare Saint-Charles into a dynamic hub and facilitate the passage of transit trains, while eliminating its "dead-end" layout.
In addition, new tracks will be built. Not to mention the transformation of the station's surroundings as part of the Euroméditerranée project.
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Charpente et quais © SB Office de Tourisme Marseille
Du Marché à l’Assiette (From the market to the table)
Come to the GERARH restaurant for an exceptional discovery of local and organic cuisine that changes with the seasons, served with a selection of regional wines from small-scale estates, real treasures of the vineyards, all organic. The dishes on offer are entirely dependent on the seasons and the harvest, and are deliciously flavoured with herbs from the surrounding hills and served with vegetables that have been freshly harvested by our market gardener.

Before lunch, visitors will go on a guided tour. On Wednesdays, visitors will be greeted at 10am at the Cours Julien market, just 50 metres away from the restaurant, where producers from the surrounding area come every week with products that will make your mouth water.
You will have the chance to meet our local, organic producers:
- Jérôme Laplane, market gardener
- Luc Falco, goat farmer
- Bernard from Gaia fruit gardens,
- Christophe, fisherman from Sète and shellfish producer
- The Longo Maï cooperative with their canned goods
- Sourdough bread, etc.

After the tour of the market, depending on the season, visitors will be able to enjoy lunch out on the terrace in the shade of the linden trees, or inside the restaurant, in an inviting atmosphere surrounded by vintage objects, exhibited artwork and music. As we are also a wine merchant, the chef will give you a brief presentation of a selection of wines that are perfectly paired with the dishes.
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 © H. Morisset
Gérarh restaurant
At lunchtime, you'll be able to choose from the chef's specials, starter, main course and dessert, made with fresh produce from the market. Early evening, come and enjoy a drink with a sharing platter of cured meat or homemade, raw milk cheeses, oysters or 'panisses'.

In the evenings, the chef offers a limited menu of semi-gourmet dishes, always made using local, seasonal produce directly from the farm, marinated meat and fish, cured meats, original sauces, homemade desserts. There's something for everyone!

Local and organic cuisine: the products used come from the people we've encountered and our partnerships with local producers, farmers and craftspeople.
Local: we are committed to doing our part for the region's economy.
Environmental responsibility: this is a priority for us (FiG Food Index for Good Label, Ecotable (label pending)).

Zero waste: in the kitchen we strive to abide by a 'zero waste' policy.
Recycling: we recycle glass, paper, cardboard, plastic and cooking oil
We use upcycled furniture which is then sold at flea markets.
Details
Restaurant Gérarh dessert © Office Métropolitain de Tourisme et des Congrès de Marseille - CD
Les Sablés Marseillais (shortbread biscuits)
As the daughter and great-granddaughter of bakers and pastry chefs, she is keeping the passion for great taste and values alive by creating a range of delicious shortbread biscuits, in both sweet and savoury varieties, with the help of her daughter Laura, a nutritionist, all with an environmentally responsible and committed approach in mind.

This original creation was inspired by a family recipe, and reflects the values of haute couture in that it comes in different flavours and with different accompaniments, which are adapted to the seasons and events of the year. These homemade shortbread biscuits are made according to the family tradition, combined with cutting-edge technology and an exclusive mould.

Our charter:
- Respect the land and protect nature, for our health and that of our children.
- Do not use any artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives.
- All our transparent and opaque packaging is made from glass, paper or plant matter that is either biodegradable or can be recycled.
- Traditional and organic manufacturing methods, 100% 'Made in Marseille', using short circuits and with environmentally responsible and solidarity-based practices in mind.
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Entré façade © Les Sablés Marseillais
Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port
Nestled in the heart of a magnificent site, the bright, spacious rooms and suites are elegantly decorated, combining marine elements with the history of Marseille. Rooms feature bathrooms with hydromassage showers and/or double baths, safes, minibars, Bose stereo systems and free Wi-Fi access.

Les Trois Forts, gourmet restaurant and panoramic terrace with chef Alexandre Augier.

The Carré Bistromanie brasserie is a favorite meeting place for Marseillais, who gather here at all hours for a coffee or a light, delicate meal. Located on the 3rd floor of the hotel in a yachting atmosphere, the brasserie offers a splendid view of the Old Port. Continuous four-course service: breakfast, lunch, tea-time and dinner in the evening.

The Dantès Skylounge Marseille, with its 150 m² terrace, offers you a moment out of time in a cosy, lounge atmosphere. This cocktail & champagne bar not only boasts a multi-flavored menu, but also the best view of Marseille, from the Mucem to the Bonne Mère.

Sofitel Spa
Enter 600 m2 of luxury and beauty, accessible to men and women alike.
Discover three complementary areas dedicated to your wellbeing: the fitness lounge equipped with cardio-training equipment and the revolutionary Kinesis machine. Coaching and membership card. Treatment protocols developed by Carita and performed in our 4 "My Bed" by Sofitel 4 cabins.
Relaxation bath, hammam and sauna.
Numerous services are available to our guests, including: 7 reception rooms (430m²), Clé dOr concierge service, valets, hairdressing salon, limousine service, laundry.

Since 2022, the Sofitel Marseille Vieux Port has been awarded the "Clef Verte" label, which implies the implementation of an environmental policy and a socially responsible approach: intelligent waste management, energy and water consumption control, active customer awareness...
Details
La terrasse © Hôtel Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port Marseille

Day 8

Marseille 7e Arrondissement > Marseille 2e Arrondissement
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.
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Pere Blaize © Pere Blaize
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.
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Restaurant Tabi Marseille © JO Office de Tourisme Marseille
Les navettes des Accoules
De la farine, des œufs, du sucre, du beurre, un chouïa d'huile d'olive... De quoi se régaler avec nos spécialités corses et provençales!
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Les Navettes des Accoules © Les Navettes des Accoules Marseille
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