The Burgundy town of Mâcon is nestled between the heights of the Beaujolais and the slopes of the Mâconnais. The old Point Saint-Laurent, which is from the 11th century and leads across the Saône, is well known. An enchanting old town awaits you in the southernmost Burgundy city. Look forward to colourful facades and plenty of joie de vivre. You can get an extra helping of that on Saturday morning at the market stalls on Esplanade Lamartine, where you can try the regional specialities. Try the famous wine from the region with food in one of the countless original restaurants in the city. YOU HAVE TO SEE : Musée des Ursulines, a colourful mix of local history, ethnology and paintings in a former Ursuline convent from the 17th century. YOU HAVE TO TRY: Gaufrettes mâconnaises, wafers that you can only find here – they taste of caramel, lemon and vanilla. Welcome to the capital of French cuisine. But there’s more to Lyon than that: founded around 2,000 years ago by the Romans, the city now exudes joie de vivre and liveliness which rivals that of Paris. What’s more, you can find one of the biggest squares in Europe here, Place Bellecour. It’s the uncontested centre of the city, from which the major shopping streets radiate. And don’t forget there’s a Ferris wheel here that is just waiting to be ridden. The medieval old town is situated at the foot of the Fourvière hill, right on the bank of the Saône. Enjoy discovering the traboules, a jumble of alleys and passageways. YOU HAVE TO SEE : La Croix-Rousse, the old workers’ quarter between the Rhône and the Saône in the centre of Lyon. YOU HAVE TO TRY: The praline rose, a sweet from Lyon that’s been addictive since the 18th century. The Romans chose a very special place for the founding of the city of Arles. It is embedded in a unique landscape: the bank of the Rhône, the Crau plain and a mountain range called the Alpilles. Arles is known as being the gateway to the Camargue, which is in turn known for its white horses, buffalos and flamingos. But back to the city: you can’t miss the ancient amphitheatres, which once had space for 25,000 spectators hungry for thrills and spills. Today’s excitement can be found instead in a stroll through the old town and a visit to a cafe. And Arles is well set up for this. The charming alleyways of the old town and the Place de la République in front of the Church of St. Triomphe are ideal spots. YOU HAVE TO SEE : Where Vincent van Gogh’s easel stood. Several locations in the city have been marked. YOU HAVE TO TRY: Gardianne de taureau, a stew with small pieces of Camargue bull, which have been marinated in red wine. L E R HÔN E , MON AMOU R . MÂCON LYON ARLES 127 R H Ô N E & S A Ô N E
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