Viking Cruises

31 C H ÂT E A U S I A U R A C , F R A N C E There is a real art to embarking on a culinary journey through the South of France, but it's not nearly as sophisticated as you'd imagine and can be summed up in two words: Try everything! Take it from someone who has eaten her way through the south of France on numerous occasions. But nothing could have prepared me for the tantalising cuisine of Lyon – known as the gastronomic capital of France, and according to many, Europe as well. This is a city where picture-perfect, cobblestoned streets are peppered with Michelin star restaurants and a perfect afternoon involves an outdoor seat at one of the city's charming bouchons CULINARY JOURNEYS THROUGH FR ANCE Brian Johnston's Top 3 Châteaux of Bordeaux Madelin Tomelty, Travel Writer Châteaux De Cadillac Approached through medieval Cadillac town, this elegant château overlooks the Garonne River and has a sumptuous interior. Châteaux Siaurac A lovely property amid prestigious Saint-Émilion vineyards, where entertaining, informative owner Paul Goldschmidt leads you through wine tastings. Châteaux Kirwan This delightful, honey-coloured mansion is surrounded by statue-studded gardens, beautiful trees and vineyards that produce prestigious red wines. (traditional restaurants), a glass of red from the nearby Beaujolais wine region in-hand. Back on-board, snaking down the river Rhône on one of Viking's longships is a foodie's nirvana, with the restaurant's daily changing menus a window into the produce and traditional cuisine of each day's location. There's boeuf bourguignon, coq au vin and glasses of pinot noir in Burgundy, and pork and chestnut stew in the Ardèche, where chestnut trees flourish. Arriving in Provence heralds a tantalising feast showcasing the region's famous ratatouille, bouillabaisse and handmade desserts – all washed down with Provence's heavenly, blush-coloured rosé, of course. But is there anything quite so indulgent as dining on truffles? I think not, which is why heading off on Viking's truffle- hunting shore excursion is a must. On this day trip you'll get to visit a working truffle farm, dig into a scrumptious home-cooked lunch and witness the farmer's loyal hound sniff out fat nuggets of 'black gold'. Now, who's hungry?

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