Savoir Vivre: From Geneva to Neighbouring France

1 – day excursion from Geneva

The price is € 350 for the day, minimum 2 and maximum 6 participants.

At all times, I am present and can help translate to and from French which I speak very well.

Explore the Culinary Delights of Rural France at its Best

When people use the term ‘Savoir Vivre’, they often refer to French cuisine and epicurean ways of celebrating with great food and wines.

While living in Calvinist Geneva, one often overlooks that neighbouring France with the Dombes and Bresse regions offer exactly that:

Abundant markets with an astounding variety and great quality of local fruit and vegetables, famous Bresse chicken and typical specialities like frog legs and snails . . .

While the key idea is to (re)discover the culinary delights of ‘La Dombes’ and ‘La Bresse’, the nearby Royal Monastery of Brou certainly is worth to be part of our day: virtual reality invented 500 years ago. Be surprised!

What We’ll Do

• On Saturdays, we visit a medieval market in a small town in La Dombes – it’s still held in its 15th century market hall
• Otherwise, we visit an authentic farmers market in La Dombes
• We enjoy lunch in a typical Brasserie serving all specialities the Bresse region has to offer and
• Visit the Royal Monastery of Brou close to Bourg en Bresse
• We drive through the dramatic landscape of the Jura mountains

Our Programme in Detail

Below is an example itinerary and some illustrative images – yours can of course be adapted to your personal preferences!

We meet quite early in the morning at a central location in Geneva, or, if there are enough other guests with you, at your hotel or home.

The ‘Motorway of Titans’ takes us across the Jura mountains to the plains of La Dombes in less than two hours. This region used to belong to Burgundy, and is known for its many lakes and ponds and hence, a very French speciality: frog legs.

On weekdays, we visit a farmer’s market in a joint market hall, selling all sort of products from the region.

On Saturdays, we go to an – admittedly – more picturesque market that is held in the unique market hall dating from the 16th century and still in use.

After our stroll around town and the market, we continue to Bourg en Bresse, the ‘capital’ of the Ain department and La Bresse, and a lively town of about 45’000.

Here our lunch table is ready for us at a Parisian-style Brasserie serving all local specialities – including the famous ‘Poulet de Bresse’.

(Please note that lunch can also be arranged at other recommended places including Michelin starred ‘George Blanc’ in Vonnas)

In the early afternoon, we drive to Brou in the suburbs of Bourg, and visit the spectacular Royal Monastery. If booked early enough, the visit can be guided by a local expert in English, German, or French.

And lastly, time permitting, we travel the less frequented national route back, crossing through the Jura slowly climbing back to Geneva.

Prices

Above price of € 250 for the day is indicative and will be re-calculated in line with your specific requests, such as type of transportation, visits, lunch etc.

Payment Terms

• A 50% deposit is due at the time of booking (at least 2 weeks before the start of the tour). The remaining 50% is payable one week prior to departure.
• Cancellation charges depend on the different policies of the supplier such as the guided visit of Brou Monastery. 

Suggestions for an Extension of Your Stay

An extended stay can be arranged to visit Burgundy with its famous places like Beaune and Dijon, and vineyards like Saint Georges and Vosne-Romanée.

Equally conveniently close by is Lyon, known for its beautiful old town, little restaurants called ‘Bouchon’ and impressive museums.