Lyon
France’s third largest city, Lyon offers visitors a wealth of memorable experiences. Choose from the many outstanding museums on offer, such as the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, which provides a showcase for 19th-century French ecclesiastical architecture and offers stunning panoramas from its lofty location. There's also the Musee des Beaux-Arts, which boasts France’s finest selection of artworks outside of Paris. Take in Monet, Matisse and Picasso before stopping for a drink on the Museum’s delightful stone terrace.
As Lyon has proudly earned itself the moniker of being France’s foodie capital, it would be remiss not to sample some of the region’s finest exports. There is a wealth of Michelin-starred eateries to choose from in this wonderful city, such as the diminutive Le Kitchen Café, a 19-seat restaurant, which is one of the hottest tickets in town. There are also high-end bistros aplenty, but some of the finest gastronomical experiences are the simple cafes, boulangeries and bistros that you stumble across in the city. Just be sure to leave a little room for dessert!
Chalon-sur-Saône
Located midway between Dijon and Lyon, this picturesque town has much to offer in terms of its history and culture, plus excellent food. In order to work up an appetite, pay a visit to the ruins of Église Abbatiale, the vast abbey church that was built sometime between 1088 and 1130. Audio guides will enable you to picture these sprawling relics exactly as they once were. And, if you’re lucky enough to stop by on a Sunday, be sure to visit the market in Cathedral Square, as there’s an abundance of local produce that will confirm this area’s gastronomical greatness once and for all.
Whether its food, history, scenery or luxury travel you are seeking, a river cruise along the Saone offers it all.