Breakfast at our hotel and off to Mas des Herbes in Provence for lunch. (2 1/2 hour drive) We did a tour of the property and rooms on arrival. The rooms are decorated individually and each one has a unique style. The overall feeling of the resort is "light and airy," and the location is central for those wanting to visit the Provence region. The chef had prepared a wonderful lunch for us and we were treated to the best cream of mushroom soup I have ever tasted. It was so light, yet creamy and silky in texture. And again wine pairings with each course.
Then off again with a three hour drive to Lyon. Driving the French countryside was beautiful, seeing the farms and vineyards along the way. On arrival at the Villa Florentine Lyon we were escorted to our suites. My suite opened onto a balcony that looked out onto the roof tops of old Lyon. The suite was enormous for hotels in France and the bathroom was very large and with a huge soaking tub. The Villa Florentine is also a former convent. We met with the general manager, Jerome, for cocktails and hors oeuvre's, then on to view the property. The rooms are styled in French and Italian antiques and a few of the suites in the newer section of the hotel lean a bit more modern in decor. The hotel itself has a very Italian fee. Dinner that evening was prepared for us by the chef, and began with champagne and an amuse bouche, with wine pairings. The food was wonderful and we enjoyed the best foie gras. It was so creamy and melted in my mouth. Jerome is a delightful host and he is so excited about his hotel and the city of Lyon.
Breakfast at the Villa Florentine, then off with Jerome to meet their chef at the Bocuse Market. This market plays tribute to chef Paul Bocuse and the shops supply the goods for the Bocuse d'Or contest held in Lyon. The chef introduced us to many of the shop owners and they proudly described many of their outstanding products. (and gave us many samples to taste) From cheeses, to deserts, to breads, to meats, wines, and seafood. Each shop was beautiful and the foods were displayed in a very grand manner. There is one shop just for fresh oysters, and at 11am we were eating fresh oysters and drinking a lovely white wine. It was my first time tasting oysters from Brittany, Ireland, and Normandy. They were surprisingly much saltier that ours, but were delicious. LIFE IS SO GOOD....
Then on another two hour drive to Geneva for a late lunch at La Reserve Geneva. the hotel has a very African influence in its decor. Deep reds and browns in the public areas. The hotel sits right on Lake Geneva and the views are beautiful. They are not located in the central town area, but offer a private boat that takes you across the lake to town in only ten minutes. The spa at this property is gorgeous. It is decorated in white leather with accents of silver and gray, and very relaxing. Lunch of course was incredible, The main course was fish and lamb, and each was presented beautifully.
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