Page 35 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - France

4 DAYS

on the Rhône

Day 1 Day 3
Morning After your coffee and pain au Morning Travel through the lush slopes
chocolat, explore Lyon (p370) on foot. Aim of Côtes du Rhône to Orange (p512), where
for the old quarter on the west bank of the you can treat yourself to an ice cream
Saone, or the grand Renaissance mansions from Regal Tendance. Then spend an hour
that line the rue du Boeuf and rue Juiverie. or so marvelling at the Roman Théatre
When you’ve worked up an appetite, pick Antique, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
a neighbourhood bouchon (bistro) for a Afternoon Drive on to Châteauneuf-
light lunch. du-Pape (p513), surrounded by vines
Afternoon Stroll up Fourviere to visit the that produce world-renowned vintages.
Roman-era Grand Théatre, before There’s a superb view of the vineyards
popping into the Musée de la Civilisation from the ruined Château des Papes at the
Gallo-Romaine for further insight into top of the village. Enjoy a late afternoon
Roman Lugdunum (Lyon). Afterwards, vineyard and wine cellar tour at Château
walk to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fortia, thought to be the world’s first
Fourviere for breathtaking views. wine-producer, and sample some of their
Evening Indulge in a gourmet feast at vintages made from hand-picked grapes.
the late Paul Bocuse’s Auberge du Pont Evening A 30-minute drive brings you to
Collonges (p371). Retaining three Michelin Avignon (p511). Dine at La Vielle Fontaine,
stars in 2018, this is the temple of gastro- where the menu is dazzlingly eclectic,
nomy against which all other great French before spending the night at the
restaurants are judged. deliciously intimate Au Cœur d’Avignon.
Day 2 Day 4
Morning Set off early for Vienne (p378), Morning Set your alarm for an early start
where you’ll discover a treasury of Roman to beat the crowds to the Palais des Papes
and medieval architecture, including (p510) and drift about the serene halls
the Temple d’Auguste et Livie and the with a self-guided audio tour. Afterwards,
Romanesque-Gothic Cathédrale de stroll to Les Halles, Avignon’s covered
St-Maurice. Reach Valence (30 minutes market, for a fabulous seafood lunch at
south of Vienne) in time for a cheerful La Cabane d’Oleron.
lunch at L’Épicerie. Afternoon Cross the river to Villeneuve-
Afternoon Stroll through Valence’s historic lez-Avignon, a well-kept secret just across
centre, pausing to take photos at the the Rhône from the tourist hustle of
Kiosque Peynet. It was the inspiration for Avignon itself. Here you can climb the
Raymond Peynet’s sweetly romantic image 176 steps to the top of the Tour Philippe
of two young lovers, Les Amoureux (1942). le Bel for an unbeatable view.
Evening Savour an aromatic feast at Evening Arrive hungry at Naturabsolu,
Maison Pic, Anne-Sophie Pic’s highly for fresh, belly-hugging vegan takes
regarded restaurant. Tastebuds satisfied, on French classics and more. Spend the
roll upstairs to one of the plush bed- final night of your tour at L’Atelier, a
rooms for the night; ask for a room charming and great-value boutique
overlooking the Mediterranean garden. hotel that features a leafy courtyard.
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