The French Terroir Tour with Sam Glover, in Lyon!

Dates: 14th to 19th of September, 2027
Location: Lyon, France
Lyon is where French gastronomy, wine, and culture come together at their most refined. Across six carefully paced days, guests will explore the city through its flavours, from traditional bouchons to Michelin-starred restaurant & celebrated wine regions, alongside Sam Glover.
The experience blends curated tastings, vineyard visits, and immersive food moments, from artisan producers to hands on cooking inspired by seasonal ingredients. Days unfold between the historic streets of Lyon, the rolling vineyards of Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley, with plenty of time to discover the region’s incredible food and cheese along the way.
Get ready for some of the best food you’ve ever had! From Michelin-starred dinner to incredible local produce, wine and plenty of cheese, this retreat is all about eating your way through Lyon and the surrounding wine regions... all in an intimate group of maximum 12 guests.
Inclusions
- Accommodation: Five nights at four stars Fourvière Hotel, a former convent transformed into a design-led boutique hotel. The property offers refined interiors, spa facilities, outdoor pool, and generous communal spaces combining history with contemporary elegance.
- Room Options: Guests may choose between a private single room or a shared twin room, each thoughtfully appointed to ensure a comfortable and elevated stay. A curated selection of gifts will be waiting in your room, featuring Madame Voyage pieces and regional specialties.
- Host: Two dedicated Madame Voyage hosts will be on hand throughout the week to coordinate activities, answer questions, and ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
- On-Site Transportation: A city transport card will be provided, offering unlimited access to public transportation throughout your stay.
- All meals and drinks are included, celebrating the richness of Lyon’s renowned culinary heritage: Each day begins with a refined breakfast at the hotel and unfolds through carefully selected dining experiences across the city. From traditional bouchons to a Michelin-starred restaurant, guests will discover the depth and generosity of Lyonnaise cuisine. Vegetarian or gluten-free requirements are accommodated, with the same care given to flavour, balance, and presentation.
Activities (yes, also included!)
Taste the Terroir
- Private gourmet food tour through Vieux Lyon with curated tastings
- A special cheese experience celebrating the French Savoir Faire
- Guided visit of Les Halles Paul Bocuse
- Hands-on cooking class inspired by Lyonnaise cuisine
- Dining in traditional bouchons
- Dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant
Sip the Terroir
- Beaujolais excursion with a private vineyard visit and wine tasting
- Rhône Valley excursion with winery visit and tasting
Beyond the Table
- Scenic river cruise along the Saône and Rhône
- Plenty of free time to wander, shop and explore Lyon at your own pace
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Welcome to Lyon
Arrive in Lyon, settle into your hotel and get ready for the week ahead. Champagne will be waiting to welcome you, along with a selection of Madame Voyage gifts and regional treats in your room. In the evening, we’ll come together for our first dinner with Sam and the group.
Day 2 – Lyon & Beaujolais
We start with a private gourmet food tour through Vieux Lyon, stopping along the way to taste specialties from local producers, with lunch included as part of the tour. In the afternoon, we head to Beaujolais for a private vineyard visit and wine tasting before returning to Lyon for dinner.
Day 3 – Cheese & Terroir
Today is all about French cheese and terroir, with a special cheese experience, tastings and the chance to learn more about how French cheeses are made and aged. We’ll then enjoy lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant before returning to Lyon for dinner.
Day 4 – Lyon & Rhône Valley Wines
See Lyon from the water with a cruise along the Saône and Rhône, followed by lunch in the city. In the afternoon, we head into the Rhône Valley for a winery visit and tasting before returning to Lyon for dinner.
Day 5 – Les Halles & Cooking
Spend the morning discovering Les Halles Paul Bocuse and the incredible produce Lyon is famous for. In the afternoon, it’s time to get hands-on with a cooking class inspired by Lyonnaise cuisine and seasonal ingredients. We’ll finish the day by sitting down together to enjoy what we’ve cooked.
Day 6 – Au Revoir
Enjoy one final breakfast at the hotel before it’s time to say goodbye. You’ll leave Lyon with a deeper appreciation of its food, wine and terroir... and hopefully plenty of new favourites to take home with you!
GETTING THERE
Getting there: Hôtel Fourvière is easily accessible, approximately 20 minutes by Uber or public transport from the main train station, and around 45 minutes from the airport. Please make your own way to the hotel, where we will welcome you from 3:00 PM.
INCLUSIONS
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, absolutely everything is taken care of.
Your transport, your meals, your experiences, it’s all included, so you can fully relax and soak up the magic of your retreat.
Start your mornings with buttery croissants, pains au chocolat, and the classic tartine au beurre, plus a few savoury options if that’s more your style. Every meal is lovingly prepared by our private chef, using fresh, local ingredients to celebrate the flavours of the region. Expect long, generous lunches and cosy, shared dinners that feel like home, just with better wine.
Speaking of which… yes, wine is always included. From crisp local rosés to rich Burgundy reds, each glass is thoughtfully paired with your meal. And to kick things off in style, we’ll welcome you with a glass of Champagne on arrival.
You’ll enjoy a curated program of unforgettable activities, too, all organised for you. No extra costs, no logistics to juggle. Just bring your appetite, your curiosity, and a love for beautiful things. We’ll take care of the rest.
Dietary needs? No problem, we’re happy to accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, or other preferences with care and creativity.
EXCLUSIONS
- Airfares and other transportation fares to and from the retreat
- Anything not explicitly listed above
- Travel Insurance: For complete peace of mind while travelling, we highly recommend taking out travel insurance. Australian guests can view our recommended partner here, and guests from other countries can find suitable options here.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the retreat be confirmed?
Please note that we require a minimum number of participants for this adventure to take place. We recommend that you wait until we confirm the retreat before making any travel arrangements, including booking flights. In the event that the minimum number of participants is not reached, we will notify you as soon as possible, and any payments made will be fully refunded.
What’s included in the retreat?
From the moment you arrive at the meeting point, everything is included, accommodation, all meals (prepared by a private chef), wine, activities, excursions, local transfers, and surprises along the way. The only things not included are your flights and travel insurance. (We do have a travel insurance partner – contact us for details!)
Do I need to speak French?
Not at all! All activities are led in English unless otherwise stated. A love for French culture is all you need.
What if I have dietary requirements?
No problem! We cater for vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and other common dietary needs. Just let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely! Many of our guests join solo. Our retreats are designed to be warm, welcoming, and inclusive, you’ll feel part of the group from day one.
How do I get to the retreat location?
We’ll send you clear travel instructions ahead of time, including suggested trains or flights. Transfers from nearby stations are included. If you're unsure, we're happy to help with your travel plans.
How active are the retreats?
Our retreats blend culture, relaxation, and light activity (such as walking tours or market visits). You won’t need to be super fit, but expect to be gently on the move.
What’s the accommodation like?
We handpick unique, charming places, from countryside châteaux to boutique villas. Rooms are comfortable, beautifully styled, and often with private bathrooms.
What should I pack?
We’ll send you a tailored packing list before departure based on the season and retreat style. Think comfortable clothes, a touch of chic, and a good pair of shoes.
How many people will be on the retreat?
Most of our retreats are small and intimate, usually between 10 and 14 guests. This allows for a more personalized and relaxed experience.
Do I have to participate in every activity?
While we hope you’ll be excited about the itinerary, all experiences are optional! This is your retreat, feel free to skip an activity and enjoy some downtime whenever you like.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my booking?
Due to the nature of our tours, retreats and experiences, which require advance payments to accommodation providers, hosts, venues, guides, and other suppliers, we are only able to offer refunds for change of mind or other reasons other than emergencies or events outside of our control in accordance with the table below.
Months prior to the retreat or tour Refund payable More than 6 months 50% of any amount paid More than 4 months until 6 months 30% of any amount paid 4 months or less No refund To learn more about our cancellation policy please read our Terms & Conditions
Désolée, this retreat has now sold out
Merci beaucoup, you are now part of the waitlist!
Please try again later.
What you will learn and discover
Taste the Terroir
Throughout the retreat, you’ll discover Lyon and the surrounding regions through their food, wine and terroir. With Sam, you’ll meet local producers, taste regional specialties and learn more about where the food comes from, how it’s made and the traditions behind it. From cheese and charcuterie to classic Lyonnaise dishes, there will be a lot to taste and discover.
From Vineyard to Glass
We’ll spend time in both Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley, visiting wineries, meeting producers and learning about the different wines of each region. You’ll discover how terroir, climate and winemaking traditions influence what ends up in your glass, with plenty of tastings along the way.
Discover Lyon
There will also be plenty of time to simply enjoy Lyon. Explore Vieux Lyon, visit Les Halles Paul Bocuse, shop, wander around the city and enjoy a cruise along the Saône and Rhône. And, of course, food is never far away, with long lunches, traditional bouchons and a Michelin-starred restaurant all part of the experience.This retreat is about eating and drinking incredibly well, but also understanding the food, wine, people and traditions that make Lyon and its surrounding regions so special.
A few images of our stunning former convent, now a boutique hotel












Rooms & Pricing
Oui! The price listed is all inclusive.
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Sarah Gleason, US
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"We had a very good time. I really appreciated the fact that even the tours were in French! The Truffeiere, The wine tastings, The Château, and beautiful French villages. Everything was very well organized and very well thought of. The balance between learning French in class and going on tours in French was just amazing."
Zainab, Dubai,
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“We booked the Lyon package in July 2023, and it was 5 stars all the way. Everything about it was amazing and life changing. You designed and orchestrated a very bespoke and tailored experience for us, like a maestro. Bravo and MERCI. »
Mona & Chris Hope, from Melbourne VIC
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Darius Watson, UK
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Annie T., Montréal
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Elyse S., Seattle
"The service Madame Voyage provided blew my expectations away! The food was amazing, the wine was flowing, and the hosts were friendly and ready to take care of any need"
Kiki D., Chicago
"Oh what an amazing experience. Everything was planned perfectly. The accommodations, food, and everything in between. They didn't miss a single thing. It was an experience of a lifetime. The friends that we made and the fun that we had was beyond all our expectations. I highly recommend this retreat and any Madame Voyage retreat. These women really know how put together a fantastic itinerary that works for everyone!!"
Stacy B, US
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Gary C, Stockholm
"The cooking retreat with Géraldine was amazing! The days were organized with events with room to rest. I had so much fun meeting new people and bonding over our love of food. I cannot say enough about our hosts, they were all so kind. I would attend another Madame Voyage retreat in a heartbeat."
Sandra V. Fort Worth, TX
"Booking a retreat through Madame Voyage is an absolute must! They provide the highest quality experience and surround you with wonderful cultural experiences"
Katie S, Chicago
"What I loved about the retreat is the relaxation. It truly is a retreat. The scenery was amazing, I had the best view. La cuisine, was excellente! The weather, perfect timing. Madame Voyage picked the excellent time just to have everyone here in Provence."
Patricia, US
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Get to know your host

Sam Glover is the owner and master cheesemonger behind Pork Ewe Deli, a family-run European-style deli in Newcastle, Australia. Known as a self-appointed “Champion of Good Eating”, Sam has built her business around her love of exceptional food, personally selecting the artisan cheeses, charcuterie and specialty European products that fill the deli’s shelves.
Beyond running the deli, Sam hosts intimate cooking classes and food experiences, sharing her knowledge and passion for great ingredients. For Sam, food is all about discovering incredible flavours, knowing where they come from and, most importantly, enjoying them around a table with good company.
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