Gourmet gallivanting around France this autumn

Air Partner plc - 08 nov. 2017

Air Partner reveals three undiscovered foodie hotspots. Whilst we all know that jet-setters flock to Cannes and St Tropez in the summertime, less is known as to where they holiday in autumn. Air Partner, a global aviation services group, has done some digging and can reveal that many escape to the vineyards of Burgundy, the elegant French Riviera and post-card-perfect Provence.

With Air Partner's JetCard offering one of the world's most flexible private jet memberships – including fixed hourly rates across six types of jets, fully inclusive costs with no additional fees post flight, no expiration date on the hours and no cancellation fee up to 7am the day before the flight – travellers can book flights to the below destinations with the assurance that they are travelling with experts in the private jet sphere.

Flying private really is the ultimate luxury, as it transforms a journey into an unforgettable experience – passengers are treated to more space, privacy, attentive service, and have the unique opportunity to customise their on-board experience. For example, passengers flying to the below destinations can experience a culinary adventure in the open skies, by asking Air Partner to arrange a bespoke menu inspired by local cuisine, paired with wines. The options for on-board requests are limitless.
Below are Air Partner's top recommendations for where foodies should head to this autumn:

The Real Riviera

Autumn is the best time to discover the real, authentic French Riviera, as the tourists disappear and the locals reclaim their home. With mild temperatures, considerably fewer tourists, and greater availability in hotels and restaurants, the French Riviera is a little known autumnal gem amongst private jet setters.
Take a walking tour of Monaco, then head across the port to the glitzy lights of Monte Carlo to see its world-famous Casino, and start off in style with cocktails at Café de Paris. Meander through the streets of Nice's Old Town, stopping to sample socca or pissaladière, their local specialties. Spend a leisurely morning visiting Antibes and its Marché Provençale, feast on fresh seafood in a rustic brasserie, then enjoy an hour strolling through the galleries of the Picasso Museum. Visit Vence and the village of Saint-Paul, with its numerous art galleries, or return to the coast to discover the off-season allure of Cannes' famous Croisette and old town of Le Suquet. Saint-Tropez is a delight at this time of year, as it recovers its sleeping fishing-village charm.
Fly into Nice or Cannes airport on a Citation Sovereign

The wonders of Provence

Provence is made for explorers. One of the joys of travelling here is touring the back roads and soaking up the stunning variety of landscapes: fields of lavender, ancient olive groves, cliff-top roads, and even snow-tipped mountains. During autumn, the copper and gold leaves from fading vineyards hug the countryside, adding to the magical charm of the region.
Savour the scents and flavours of the region by visiting one of the many lavender distilleries and goat cheese farms, or join a truffle hunt – complete with trained truffle dogs. Visit Avignon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its Papal Palace, or stroll along the tree-lined Cours Mirabeu in Aix-en-Provence, birthplace of Paul Cézanne, stopping to sample calissons, an almond-flavoured local delicacy. Trace the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh in Saint Rémy and Arles, or take a day trip to Chiner in Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, browsing for treasures in its plethora of antique shops. Be sure to set aside time for stops at a few of the region's many Châteaux to taste the local wines, most notably the exceptional Provence rosés, a summertime favourite that's now enjoyed all year long.
Fly into Marseille on an Embraer Legacy 450

The rolling vineyards of Burgundy

Burgundy offers some of France's most gorgeous countryside: rolling green hills dotted with mustard fields and medieval villages. The region's towns and its dashingly handsome capital, Dijon, boast an architectural heritage that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Visit centuries-old family wineries, sample legendary wines—and Burgundian truffles—during private tastings, and join in an actual wine harvest. Explore the renowned 15th-century Hospices de Beaune - a former hospital complex now famous for its annual charity wine auction. Lastly, take a day trip to Dijon - the historic capital city - to take in the city's annual International Gastronomy Fair (1 – 12 November).
Fly into Dijon on a Phenom 300

Air Partner have collaborated with Andy Swann Voyage to curate these gourmet experiences. Andy Swann Voyage offers exclusive and luxury travel and concierge services, excursions and tours in the South of France.