DESTINATIONS RELOADED
DESTINATIONS RELOADED Moulin de Verzenay Champagne: a Land of Effervescence and Authenticity © F. Canon Burgundy: where Water and Wine Flow From the Source © © Alain Doire - Bourgogne Franche-Comté Tourisme The vineyards, houses and cellars of Champagne are registered on the UNESCO world heritage list in the category “cultural landscapes”. Three constituent parts which embody the “terroir” of Champagne and combine the functions of living environment, working environment and a showcase of traditional know-how. They are at the heart of creation of the ultimate reference in effervescent wine making methods. A product of excellence, Champagne is recognised as the universal symbol of celebration, reconciliation or partying. MEANDERING BETWEEN VINEYARDS AND HILLSIDES, THE CHAMPAGNE TOURIST ROUTE To discover the wines of Champagne, there’s nothing better than to follow the tourist route of Champagne that stretches for about 700 kilometres in the Marne, the Aubre and the Aisne with about 80 reception points. Champagne offers 8 wellsignposted circuits that lead to some magnificent viewpoints of authentic villages, old monasteries and imposing castles and churches. And to understand what makes this unique brew, there’s nothing like opening the cellar doors to meet the winemakers and share their passion. The 1,247 “Climats” of the Burgundy wine growing region (including Montrachet, Romaneée-Conti, Clos de Vougeot, Corton, Musigny, Chambertin) are classified on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Only in Burgundy, and nowhere else on earth, has the desire to connect wine with the land that produces it been taken so far, and in such a refined fashion. Not to mention the exceptional architectural heritage that lies within the wine growing region, in towns such as Dijon and Beaune. THE CANALS OF BURGUNDY With over 1,000 km of navigable waterways, Burgundy is also the ideal region for boating. The “Canal de Bourgogne” is the best known of the Burgundy canals. It is also the longest (242 km) and bears the greatest number of locks (189). The Yonne River runs through several Burgundy towns of great interest. The Canal du Nivernais links the Seine river basin to that of the Loire over a 174-km stretch dotted with 110 locks. The “Canal du Centre” links the Saône valley to that of the Loire. Its 112-km stretch is dotted with 61 locks and runs along several not-to-be-missed sites. USPs • Nearly 500 champagne makers, labelled “Vineyards and discoveries”, offer carefully selected services and benefits. • 700 kilometres of signposted tourist routes • 2,000 kilometres of signposted hiking routes and more than 100 hiking circuit. Paris (CDG, ORY), Reims (RHE) USPs • Five “Routes des Vins” dotted with wine cellars, restaurants and sites dedicated to vineyards. • Canals offer a different way to discover Burgundy, at a slower pace and enjoying its many attractions. • Different ways of discovering Burgundy by water: houseboats, barge hotels, cruise ships, boat tours. Châlons-en-Champagne, Reims and Champagne-Ardenne TGV Stations Paris (CDG/ORY), Lyon (LYS) Creusot TGV Station 22 France: Destinations to (re)discover france.fr
City of Wine © Casson Mann Lyon: the Capital of Gastronomy Bordeaux: between Vineyards and Ocean Bordeaux, capital of southwestern France, is distinguished by its exceptional eighteenth century architecture, earning it, 200 years ago already, the nickname of “little Paris” and, more recently, its inclusion on UNESCO’s world heritage listing. Its recent urban developments make it a city where life is pleasant, where gastronomy, culture and shopping are celebrated in style. The gateway to the most prestigious vineyards of fine wines of the world, the long beaches of the Atlantic and the Valley of the Dordogne, Bordeaux is much more than a city. It is a cradle of humanity. Many discovery tours and gourmet walks are offered to taste the local products, particularly the wines. Since June, 2016, Bordeaux has boasted a contemporary monument perfectly illustrating the image of a city dedicated to the precious nectar: the “City of Wine”. A living centre of sensory experiences revolving around wine, this site dedicated to the nectar as living heritage offers a global approach to wine cultures in their universal, cultural and symbolic dimensions. In the 17 th century, Lyon’s cuisine was a family affair: modest “home style” cooks offering a simple and generous cuisine. Their “bas morceaux” remain today one of the traditional dishes of food lovers who frequent the famous “Bouchons” of Lyon. Thus, Curnonsky, “the Prince of gastronomes”, stated already in the 19th century, “Lyon is the capital of gastronomy”. Today, the tradition of the “Bouchons” is perpetuated by a new crop of Lyon chefs who cultivate the same values: conviviality, simplicity, generosity, and the flavours of fresh produce. Lyon also owes much to Paul Bocuse, Chef among the Chefs, whose cuisine is highly reputed – having been crowned for 50 years with 3 Michelin stars. VISIT “THE SECRETS OF LYONNAISE CUISINE” From the “mâchon des Canuts” to the “gamelles des mères”, this guided tour through the streets of the old Lyon and its river peninsula reveals the secrets of heritage and gastronomy in Lyon. On the programme are chefs’ anecdotes, going backstage at a traditional Bouchon, and – of course some tasting! USPs • Bordeaux Fête le Vin: the #1 wine tourism event in Europe... an exceptional programme that includes a bunch of simultaneous festivals! • The wine route - comprising Bordeaux, Bergerac and Armagnac. • Médoc Ocean (Lacanau, Carcans & Hourtin): 50 km of ocean beaches and two lakes, as well as more than 120 km of cycle tracks.. USPs • An exceptional offer with more than 4,000 restaurants • The label “Les Bouchons Lyonnais”, guarantees respect for the products, recipes, the specificity of the Lyon cuisine, atmosphere and hospitality • The international city of gastronomy (opening early 2019). Bordeaux (BOD) Bordeaux-Saint-Jean Station Lyon (LYS) Lyon-Perrache Station france.fr France: Destinations to (re)discover 23
