Week-end Getaway deals in Bordeaux and Lyon

Spring comes with ideas of taking City breaks week-end. Several cities in France offer very good deals which usually include accommodation and various visits. It would be a shame not to enjoy these offers and have more for your pennies. From my list of favorite destinations, I present 2 cities today which worth a visit taking advantage of their very attractive offers.

Bordeaux, not only the starting point for visiting the surrounding worldwide known vineyards, is a world heritage site with architectural treasures you can discover in a peaceful atmosphere. The city proposes a special deal: “Forfait Bordeaux Decouverte” or Bordeaux Discovery Package. It includes 2 nights with breakfast, a complete visit of the city (in English), a guide tour of the vineyards including wine tasting, a free pass for the main historical monuments and museums of the city, a free pass for the public transportation valid for up to 5 trips (upon request), a free bottle of wine in your hotel room, a free wine tasting at the “Bar a Vin” and finally, a free glass of champagne at the Casino Théâtre Barrière.
The price of this excellent offer depends on the class of hotel you choose to stay at. It starts at 100 euro per person for a 2* hotel.

Lyon, second biggest city in France, is also the French capital of Gastronomie! This lovely city offers a lot of options for shoppers, history lovers, and fine restaurant hunters. Lyon proposes a week-end deal that includes 2 nights and a Lyon City Card (with free access to museums, monuments and other activities). By choosing this option, you will save 50% on the second night at the hotel of your choice. Price starts at 70 euro per person for the week-end. Lyon offers other packages including one called Pack OnlyDelice which for a starting price of 125 euro, you have a night at a hotel of your choice (to pick in a list) and an introduction to the Lyonnaise Gastronomy including diner.

Aix en Provence

When we think about Provence, we see Lavender fields, picturesque villages, and healthy meals taken with a glass of wine in a sunny and colorful garden….but do not forget the Provencal cities.




My favorite by far is Aix-en-Provence, Founded in 122 B.C. by the Romans. The city has seen Paul Cezanne becoming one of the most influent impressionist painters of the 19th century. More elegant than Avignon, Aix-en-Provence is ideal if you love discovering Provencal architecture by walking in shaded ancient streets mostly pedestrians.
Starting from « rue cardinal » and passing by « Place Forbin », you meet typical Provencal buildings and fountains. The old city, from « rue fabrot », is extremely pleasant with charming streets and shops, squares and terraces, all calling you for a fresh drink in one of the most romantic and historical sights of France. Do not miss the « Place Richelme » with its big plane trees and the ancient grain storage center (la Halle aux grains). Guided visits of the old city organized every Saturdays (and Tuesday from April till October) in English.


Another exciting moment is simply the weekly street markets on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The antiques and flea markets are located at the Place Verdun. You will find the flower market at the “Place de l'Hôtel de Ville ». Place Richelme sees the Provencal market and finally the food market is Place de la Madeleine.
Aix is also well known for art and culture events. In July, the city holds an International festival with opera performances in the courtyard of the archiepiscopal palace, the Cathedral of St Sauveur or other castles and abbeys.




My favorite accomodation: Hotel Pigonnet, Hotel Le Mas d’Entremont, B&B Pavillon de la Torse , B&B Le Clos des Freres Gris


A restaurant to try: La Tomate Verte

• Tips and advice: Promotional offer from November to March 2 hotel nights for the price of 1 in selected hotels.