This first stage follows the Arve Valley before heading into one of the most impressive natural amphitheatres in the Alps. Between watchmaking tradition, fortified castles and dizzying cliffs, the area offers a spectacular introduction. Things to do:

• Le Cirque de Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval (3h00): Walk at the foot of imposing limestone cliffs from which huge waterfalls gush. It is the ideal spot for a hike along the Giffre.

• Musée de l'Horlogerie et du Décolletage in Cluses: Discover the industrial history of Cluses, the capital of precision. The guided tour retraces the evolution of clockmaking mechanisms.

• Château des Sires de Faucigny in Bonneville: Explore this former 13th-century fortified castle built on its rock in Bonneville. The climb up the towers offers an unobstructed view over the Arve.

Reblochonnade and Ayze AOC wine Melted

Reblochon de Savoie PDO on potatoes and cured meats, served with a glass of Ayze AOC, a sparkling white wine harvested from the neighbouring hillsides.

In the heart of the Aravis massif, the road winds between green mountain pastures and spruce wood chalets. This stage combines the tranquillity of Saint-Ferréol with the unspoilt panoramas of Manigod.

Things to do:

• Col de la Croix Fry and Manigod mountain pastures: Explore the trails facing the Aravis range during a hike or a mountain bike ride.

• Paccard maturing cellars in Manigod: Immerse yourself in cheese-making expertise during a guided tour of the cellars where Reblochon and Beaufort mature.

• Saint-Ferréol valley and its waterfall: Follow a shaded walk along the stream to reach the waterfall nestled near Saint-Ferréol.

Tartiflette and Roussette de Savoie Authentic

tartiflette made with farmhouse Reblochon, lardons and onions, served with a Roussette de Savoie AOC, a dry white wine with nutty notes.

Gain height on the southern tip of the Belledonne massif. Perched above the valley, Chamrousse forms a spectacular natural balcony overlooking the Vercors and the Chartreuse. Things to do:

• Lac Achard from Chamrousse (2h30): Follow a hike through the pine trees to Lac Achard, a mirror of water surrounded by granitic rock.

• Croix de Chamrousse cable car: Ascend to an altitude of 2,250 metres for a 360° panorama. It is the perfect starting point for the via ferrata.

• Plateau de l'Arselle: Explore this protected natural area during a botanical walk amidst wetlands and mountain pines.

Gratin Dauphinois and Isère IGP wine Authentic

traditional Gratin Dauphinois cooked with cream and garlic, paired with a fruity and spicy Isère IGP red wine.

The route heads deep into the dense forests and steep cliffs of the Chartreuse Regional Natural Park. Saint-Pierre-de-Chartreuse forms the spiritual and natural heart of this massif.

Things to do:

• Musée de la Grande Chartreuse: Located in La Correrie, this site retraces nine centuries of monastic history near the Grande Chartreuse Monastery.

• Ascent of Chamechaude: Embark on the hike to the top of the Chartreuse at an altitude of 2,082 metres to overlook the Grésivaudan valley.

• Cirque de Saint-Même: Follow the paths leading to the waterfalls carved by the Guiers Vif into the limestone cliffs.

Green Chartreuse Liqueur

The legendary Green Chartreuse Liqueur, crafted by monks from 130 plants and served as a digestif.

Leave the Alpine relief behind for the vast, peaceful expanses of the Dombes. The village of Saint-Nizier-le-Désert lies in the middle of a landscape shaped by hundreds of ponds.

Things to do:

• Circuit des étangs in Saint-Nizier-le-Désert (2h00): Enjoy a bike ride around the Étang du Grand Turlet to observe migratory birds.

• Birdwatching observatory: Enjoy a wildlife observation session in the hides set up along the water's edge.

• Pisé heritage: Look out for the Bresse farms built in traditional rammed earth (pisé) in the village of Saint-Nizier-le-Désert.

Frog legs and Bugey Blanc AOC

Pan-fried frog legs in butter, garlic and parsley, crispy and fresh, paired with a lively and floral Bugey Blanc AOC.

Crossing the Saône, the hills become covered in vineyards. Between the buildings of Villefranche-sur-Saône and the vineyards of Villié-Morgon, this stage celebrates the Gamay grape variety and the golden stone villages.

Things to do:

• Historic heart of Villefranche-sur-Saône: Stroll along the courrettes circuit to admire the golden stone townhouses.

• Sentier des Crus in Villié-Morgon (2h00): Walk through the vineyards on a hike climbing towards the famous Côte de Py.

• Wine tasting cellar in Villié-Morgon: Step inside a estate cellar to discover the wines of the Morgon appellation with a winemaker.

Saucisson au Gène and Morgon PDO wine

A warm Beaujolais saucisson cooked on grape pomace (gène), ideally paired with a Morgon PDO, a fleshy and fruity red wine.

Complete this tour in the peaceful countryside of Mantenay-Montlin. Crossed by the Reyssouze river, the village charms with its meadows, watermills and farms with Saracen chimneys.

Things to do:

• Moulin de Mantenay-Montlin: Visit this restored watermill set on the Reyssouze to understand the work of millers of yesteryear.

• Circuit des fermes bressanes (2h00): Explore the hamlets on a bike ride to observe the typical red-brick roofs.

• Walk along the water's edge (1h30): Follow the riverbanks for an easy hike in the quiet hedgerow countryside.

Bresse poultry PDO and Viré-Clessé AOC wine

The tenderness of Bresse poultry PDO with cream and morels, enhanced by a Viré-Clessé AOC, a beautifully rounded white wine from the Mâconnais.