Along the culinary trail by train from Dijon to Marseille

After following the Parcours de la Chouette (the Owl Trail), which is not-to-be-missed in Dijon, head to the Village Gastronomique (gourmet village) for lunch. This is a must before getting on the train to Beaune! When you get there, you’ll come across the Moutarderie Fallot (mustard factory) where you can taste this tangy condiment before going for a walk along the city walls. For dinner, go and taste the boletus mushroom soup with hazelnut oil and a chocolate mousse millefeuille with custard at the Caves de Madeleine. Spend the night in the forest at the Greet Hotel.

Make your way to Chalon-sur-Saône, where you can sit and admire the Saint-Vincent cathedral as you sip your coffee at Chez Louis. For lunch, try the local traditional ‘pôchouse’ dish which is made from freshwater fish. And for an evening meal, treat yourselves to the seasonal dishes at the restaurant Aromatique. You could also choose to eat at the brasserie in the hotel Saint-Georges if you prefer, before heading to your room. 

Before continuing your gourmet experience in France by train, take the time to relax in an orange scented steam room at the Saint-Georges hotel. Then head to Lyon and make your first stop at François Pralus, master pastry chef and chocolate maker, and treat yourselves to his brioche with rose praline. Then, go on a gourmet guided tour of the city with Lyon Food Tour. This is the best way to make sure you don’t miss any local products. If you’re still feeling peckish in the evening, step inside Armada for a refined meal. Stay overnight at the hotel Fourvière, a stone’s throw from the Basilica. 

Catch the train to Valence and explore the historic town centre. Follow the delicious scents to the central market stalls, open from Monday to Saturday. Hop on a bus and go to the La Baume Saint Antoine truffle field to find out all about the exquisite black truffle.

Enjoy a fine-dining experience in the evening at the Bistrot André, Anne-Sophie Pic’s restaurant. And you can even stay overnight at the Maison Pic. 

In Nîmes, head for the must-sees: the famous amphitheatre and of course Les Halles to taste all the local products. Go for lunch at Textures Comptoirs & Objets, a fantastic canteen, then learn how to cook some local recipes at the Atelier Bio. If you’re still hungry in the evening, book a table at L’Imprev’, in the historic part of the city. We recommend staying at the Mas Le Pré Galoffre , a charming 3-star hotel that offers a blend of tradition and modernity. You’ll appreciate the personalised welcome at the heart of the garrigue of Nîmes.

It’s time to explore Aix-en-Provence! Head to the Brasserie Artisanale de Provence and visit the production workshop. A great idea if you’re coming with friends! In the afternoon, go for a wander around the town and pick up some Calissons local biscuits.  Then, go for an evening meal at the Restaurant Goadina and taste some creative dishes in an authentic 18th-century farmhouse of Provence. Stay overnight at the Villa Saint-Ange, a 5-star hotel very close to the town centre, with a swimming pool and Provençal garden. 

This gourmet train trip in France comes to a close in Marseille. Taste the ‘Marseille shortbread’ from the Biscuiterie as you walk through the Panier district. On the way, make sure you pick up some orange blossom navettes, not-to-be-missed while you’re in Marseille! Then book a table at the Restaurant Gérarh, in the lively area of Cours Julien, and enjoy the delicious local, organic cuisine. Stay overnight at Maison Juste. We love the minimalistic decoration and feel-good atmosphere there.

Further reading :  

À table : tips for an authentic gourmet experience