Excursion: Immersion in authentic Bresse

9:30am: Guided tour of the Hôtel Dieu apothecary in Bourg-en-Bresse

This apothecary is unique in that it still has its laboratory. Here, all the instruments needed to prepare medicines are preserved in pristine condition (press, alembic, swan neck, etc.). The other two rooms, with their 18th-century wood panelling, contain a wide variety of pots and boxes for preserving plants.

Guided tour of the Bresse bocage

Depart on a guided tour of Haute-Bresse with your coach. Your guide will tell you all about the region's history, architecture, agriculture and livestock.

Lunch at the Auberge du Colombier

In Vernoux, tasting of the famous "poulet de Bresse à la crème".

Menu:

Delicatessen (terrine de campagne and saucisson)

Country salad

Creamy Bresse chicken with gratin dauphinois

Fromage blanc and Bresse cream

Bresse tart

¼ de vin and coffee

3:30pm: Guided tour of Ferme de la Forêt in Courtes

Classified as a Historic Monument in 1930, Ferme de la Forêt is a fine example of a late 16th-century Bresse farmhouse.

The main building is a fine example of traditional architecture, with its patterned gallery and Saracen fireplace. The revamped tour covers food, building techniques and farming activities. Finally, take a break outside to stroll around the vegetable garden, the orchard with its ancient varieties, and the corn and hemp crops.

Return to Bourg-en-Bresse.

6pm: End of excursion

Full-day distance: 120 km