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Flavors of France

Food Network Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Depart from USA

Get ready for the "City of Light" as your overnight flight whisks you away to romantic Paris.

Day 2: Arrive in PARIS

Welcome to Paris, the glittering capital of France! After check-in there will be time to relax or perhaps explore the local area. This evening is a chance to get to know your Food Network Tour Director and fellow Food Network guests over dinner at a charming bistro overlooking the Seine and the rose window of Notre Dame Cathedral. (D)

Day 3: PARIS

Spend the day exploring the gems of this vibrant and exciting city. This morning, a local expert guide will show you the architectural highlights of the city on an orientation tour, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Pantheon, Les Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Louvre. You will then stop to enjoy a trip up the iconic Eiffel Tower for spectacular views over the city.

The afternoon and evening are all yours to wander down the Champs-Elysees, take in the magnificent offerings of one of the many museums such as the Louvre (a Rachael Ray "must see") or the Musee d'Orsay, or perhaps shop along the grand boulevards. Try out the wonderful delicacies at gourmet shops, such as Fauchon or Hediard on the Place de la Madeleine, and don't forget the world famous macaroons at Pierre Herme on Rue Cambon. Pierre Herme was featured on Giada's Weekend Getaways and is also known to be a favorite of the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. This evening, try out one of the restaurants in Montmartre or fashionable St. Germain, where at 72 Bonaparte you'll encounter a second opportunity to sample the delicious creations of Pierre Herme, often referred to as the "Picasso of Pastries". (B)

Day 4: PARIS - BEAUNE - LYON

This morning leave the French capital behind and drive south toward Auxerre, into the wine-producing region of Burgundy. We'll have a tasting and highlight lunch at the famous Chateau de Pommard, hosted by Chef Maria and overlooking the vineyards. Then stroll around the cobblestone streets of Beaune, admiring the historical mansions, medieval half-timbered houses, and garden squares before travelling to Lyon.

This city stands at the meeting of the Saône and Rhône Rivers and has developed a reputation as the gastronomy capital of France. This is due, in part, to the presence of many of France's finest chefs in the city and its surroundings. An orientation tour shows you the 19th-century elegance of the Place Bellecour, the Old Town along the River Saône, the modern architecture of La Part-Dieu District, and La Fourviere. In the evening you're free to choose one of the several bistros and 'bouchons' in downtown Lyon before perhaps sipping a cocktail in the hotel's Ciel de Lyon bar, located on the 32nd floor and featuring spectacular views of the city. (B/L)

Day 5: LYON – CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE – ST-REMY DE PROVENCE

Today follow the Rhône River southward to the renowned Brotte Vineyards, where great Cote du Rhone wines like Châteauneuf-du-Pape are produced. We will enjoy a special tasting of Brotte wines in the cellars at Chateauneuf, and we will also have time to explore the property's wine museum and pick up a few facts on wine production in the area.

In the village itself, you will find many enticing cafes and restaurants to enjoy a typical Provencal lunch — try some of the local goat cheeses, the delicious olives from the nearby town of Nyon, or perhaps enjoy a bowl of 'Soupe au pistou. This is made with many different varieties of beans and other local vegetables and finished off with 'pistou' — garlic, vast quantities of fresh basil and olive oil, made into a paste and added to the soup at the last minute.

Your final destination is the charming Provencal town of St-Remy de Provence, with its narrow streets embellished by fountains, colorful shops and sidewalk cafes. St-Remy is famous for its lavender blooms, so it's the rare gift shop that doesn't sell lavender sachets, soap, or sweets.

Tonight, enjoy a hosted dinner in the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant with Chef Marc de Passorio, featuring seasonal ingredients typical of the region, such as a tartare of fish with tapenade and local olive oils or roast breast of duck cooked in Provencal thyme, accompanied by creamy risotto with a fricassee of forest mushrooms, and delicious desserts such as white chocolate and raspberry parfait with a sorbet of passion fruit. (Dishes feature seasonal produce and will vary according to departure date). (B/D)

Day 5: LYON – CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE – ST-REMY DE PROVENCE

Day 6: ST-REMY – By Invitation Only Luncheon – LUBERON HILLTOP VILLAGES

This morning you are at leisure to enjoy the hotel's swimming pool and spa facilities or to stroll into St-Remy to shop for delicious chocolates and local perfumes, or visit the chic boutiques. At midday, we will drive to the National Park of the Luberon, one of Provence's most stunningly beautiful regions — and home of a family-run winery where you will enjoy a memorable and mouth-watering By Invitation Only lunch of local Provencal dishes and learn about the excellent wines which are produced in Luberon. Bidding farewell to our hosts, you will marvel at the breathtaking views of the perched hilltop villages of Gordes and Menerbes before returning to St-Remy de Provence. (B/L)

Day 7: ST-REMY MARKET – Hands-On Cooking Class – AVIGNON

This morning we will visit one of the most wonderful and colorful fruit and vegetable markets of the region in the heart of St-Remy. A short drive through landscapes reminiscent of a Van Gogh painting takes us to the charming town of Isle sur la Sorgue — the "Venice of Provence" and largest antiques center in France, after Paris. Here you will meet perhaps the most talented chef in the region — at his restaurant, Le Jardin du Quai.

Using fresh produce of the region, you will learn how to make delicious Provencal specialties, such as 'Beignets de fleurs de courgettes,' ratatouille, 'petits farcis,' or sea bass a la provencale. After lunch paired with wine in this tranquil garden restaurant, we will travel a few miles to the lovely city of Avignon, well known for its magnificent Papal Palace, where several popes and antipopes lived from the early 14th to early 15th centuries. Located alongside the Rhone River, Avignon is commemorated by the French children's song, "Sur le pont d'Avignon" ("On the bridge of Avignon"). Take some time to explore this quaint, walled pedestrian city with its squares and sidewalk cafes on your own before returning the short distance to St-Remy de Provence. (B/L)

Day 8: ST-REMY DE PROVENCE – AIX EN PROVENCE – NICE

An hour's drive this morning takes you to Aix en Provence. Your orientation will reveal that Aix is a vibrant student city abundant in elegant 19th century architecture. See Place de la Rotonde and the Cours Mirabeau's steaming warm water fountains, along with wonderful shops and boutiques, where you can discover the secrets of the Calisson, followed by free time to experience the market, abundant with produce, where the locals do all of their shopping. This afternoon drive to the chic resort of Nice on the spectacular French Riviera with time before dinner to relax. Enjoy dinner on your own at one of a wonderful array of Food Network-recommended restaurants. (B)

Day 9: NICE – MONACO

This morning, join a local guide for a walking tour through the markets in the Cours Saleya, and learn about the local delicacies, such as sheep's cheese, 'socca' and 'mesclun'. You can sample the local cheeses and wines being sold by the vendors and practice the French you have learned while on the tour. This afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive along the coast before crossing the border to the unsold Principality of Monaco, where you will see the Palace of the ruling Grimaldi family and the Cathedral where both Princess Grace and Prince Rainier are buried. Return to Nice with time to freshen up for your Farewell Dinner. (B/D)