5-Day French Wine Trip Itinerary: Northern Rhône & Burgundy

Start in Lyon – The Crossroads of Major Wine Regions

If you’re planning a French wine trip and flying into Paris, you don’t have to deal with the city traffic or stress. One of the best parts of French wine travel is how easy it is to hop on a direct high-speed train (TGV) from Charles de Gaulle Airport straight to Lyon. No metro transfers, no hauling your luggage into Paris—just a smooth, relaxing ride that drops you right into the heart of France’s food and wine scene.

I’ve spent years exploring French wine regions, and now I help travelers navigate and plan their dream French wine trips. There’s something truly special about tasting at the source—standing among the vines, feeling the history in the soil, and meeting the people who bring each bottle to life. That’s the magic of real French wine travel. Whether you’re dreaming of insider experiences or just want a stress-free adventure, I’m here to make it happen.

Once you arrive, give yourself a day or two to settle in and soak up the city. Lyon’s charm is irresistible—full of rich history, incredible food, and a laid-back vibe that sneaks up on you in the best way.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Lyon:

• Wander around Vieux Lyon – Get lost in the medieval maze of cobbled streets and hidden passageways.
• Visit the Musée Lumière – The birthplace of cinema! It’s small, easy to visit in under an hour, and the café serves surprisingly good food at nice prices.
• Stroll along the Presqu’île – Explore the artistic neighborhood of Croix-Rousse for stunning views and hidden gems.

If you’re ready to start tasting wine immediately (I mean, why not?), I highly recommend booking a tasting at Lyon Wine Tastings in Croix-Rousse.

My go-to restaurants in Lyon:

• Arsenic – Inventive and refined, without being pretentious.
• L’Établi – Warm, modern, and creative.

Day 3: Northern Rhône – Syrah, Condrieu & Roman Ruins

Next stop: the Northern Rhône.
You can easily rent a car at the train station—or if you prefer a more personal, curated experience (hint: I’d love to guide you!), I can show you my favorite corners of this incredible region.

I love starting a wine trip here because it helps ground the story of French wine. The Northern Rhône is packed with ancient history—Roman ruins, terraced vineyards, and winemaking traditions that go back thousands of years.

This region has had an incredible resurgence over the last 30 years and is now considered the benchmark for Syrah and Viognier wines. Places like Hermitage and Condrieu immediately come to mind when we talk about these varietals.
For any foodie, wines from the Northern Rhône are “gastronomic wines”—full of complexity and made for the table.

The views of the Rhône River are breathtaking and leave a lasting impression. Every time I hike these vineyards with my husband, I find myself thinking about the ingenuity of the Romans—the ships sailing along the river, filled with amphorae headed toward the Roman capital.
There are even a few lookout points where I take clients, and we’ve found shards of ancient pottery in the soil—remnants of an old Roman workshop. Moments like that stay with you forever.

Here’s what not to miss:

• Hermitage & Crozes-Hermitage – Bold, spicy Syrah with stunning hilltop views. The chapel on Hermitage Hill is one of those bucket-list moments. I love sharing the legend of the hermit who planted vines here centuries ago—it’s truly magical.
• Côte-Rôtie – Dramatic, steep vineyards producing some of the world’s most elegant Syrahs.
• Condrieu – Home to the rare and floral Viognier grape. Pro tip: Don’t leave without trying the Rigotte de Condrieu, a beautiful local goat cheese.
• Vienne – A charming riverside town with deep Roman roots. If you have the time, wander the city! It’s also famous for its annual Jazz Festival.

My favorite restaurant in the Northern Rhône:

• Le Mangevins in Tain-l’Hermitage – Cozy, seasonal, and full of soul.

Day 4–5: North to Burgundy – Stay in Beaune

After your Rhône adventure, head back to Lyon and catch a train north to Beaune, the heart of Burgundy’s wine world.
This town is extra special to me because I spent four amazing years living there before moving to Lyon in 2025.

If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out my Downloadable Beaune Guide—packed with restaurant picks, secret spots, and local tips to help you plan.

Burgundy is complex, nuanced, and endlessly fascinating.
If the Northern Rhône is synonymous with Syrah, Burgundy is where Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reign supreme.
The Côte d’Or (which includes the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune) is almost like a pilgrimage for wine lovers.
The “Climats of Burgundy”—the carefully mapped-out vineyard plots—were awarded UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015, and for good reason.

I love continuing the wine journey here after the Northern Rhône because it allows us to build a historical timeline.
The Rhône connects us to the Romans. In Burgundy, it’s all about the Cistercian monks and religious orders meticulously cultivating and studying the land. The records they kept laid the foundation for Burgundy’s wine classifications that still exist today.

A quick heads-up:
It’s harder to casually “drop in” on producers here, so tasting appointments must be made in advance—another reason why working with someone like me can make your trip so much smoother.

Things to do in Beaune:

• Hospices de Beaune – A medieval hospital turned museum with stunning tiled roofs and a fascinating wine auction history.
• Walk the ramparts – Stroll the old city walls for beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards.
• Wine tastings in town – Visit Maison Joseph Drouhin or Patriarche, both offering tastings in gorgeous underground cellars.
• Saturday market – One of my favorite markets in France! Full of local cheeses, fresh produce, charcuterie, and more.
• Bike the vineyard trails – Rent a bike and ride through Pommard, Volnay, and Meursault. It’s so beautiful, it never gets old.

Want to go deeper? I can arrange private tastings at family-run domaines where the winemaker welcomes you personally and pours you wines you’ll never forget.

From Beaune (or nearby Dijon), it’s an easy train ride back to Paris to catch your flight home.

Let Me Help You Plan Your French Wine Trip

Whether you’re dreaming of a fully private, guided experience or just need help crafting the perfect plan, I’m here for you. I live in Lyon and specialize in helping curious travelers dive deep into French wine, food, and culture—without the stress.

I can help you:

• Navigate booking trains and translation
• Plan custom itineraries in Rhône, Burgundy, Champagne, and beyond
• Find authentic, small producers that most travelers miss
• Recommend the best places to eat, stay, and taste along the way

Let’s make your French wine trip unforgettable—easy, immersive, and totally tailored to you.