Team Liz and Team Joan
France | Oct 25 - Oct 30, 2025

Pat
Pat D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Nov 13, 2025

Hello Liz and team mates,
Joan Carson and I wrote the review together that Joan submitted. I joined the planning late when Joan had much of it organized. We made a few changes together after I signed on- fine tuning actually not substantive. I can tell you that I fully share the points made in our full response. We were fine with the arrangements you suggested, lined up and that were so sensitive to our wishes. You informed us promptly about items that needed to be adjusted because of the tour company and we found an alternative that worked out fine. Had we needed more support during the trip, you were right there for us. Thanks so much,
Pat

Hotel Review
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
Lyon

The pool is lovely and fine for relaxing with the jet massage or short swims. Its not for someone who needs to do laps.

Authenticity & Character
Not sure what you mean by this question. The hotel was definitely a 4 star. We did love the smiling lion at the entrance.
Location
We walked into town across the beautiful bridges. I would not call it a short walk but a short taxi ride if one is not looking for a walk.
Staff
Coped well with our intermediate French skill. Very helpful with information, reservations and suggestions. Staff in the restaurant also great. Fantastic breakfast buffet and all else we ate there. Its great to have a good restaurant and bar option on site at the end of a long day of walking, using the metro and absorbing the culture.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Lovely
Activity Reviews
Private Beaujolais & Burgundy Wine Route Experience
Private Beaujolais & Burgundy Wine Route Experience
Lyon

You may recall I had some trepidation about Beaujolais area but that first stop (small, family vineyard with intro duction by the young owner) wonderful. Then the chateau with all its history and beauty and charm, the varied wines etc as we edged up toward Bugundy- lovely. Lunch in Macon where we chose a very small new place with local residents and fine dejeurner. And the final more modern looking, large enterprise when the owner's daughter did such a great job of talking about the many chardonnay varieties which were fabulous, ending with a Premier Cru. It was a wonderfull day, a full day and beyond my expectations. I would love to see the areas further north into burgundy but it was about right with the amount of time in the car- more driving would have been difficult.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private War History & Traboules Walk
Private War History & Traboules Walk
Lyon

Wonderful, don't miss

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Francois gets 5 stars, he is wonderul
Transport
We walked many steps that day but thoroughly enjoyed. See full report for details.
Culinary Walk in Lyon Old Town
Culinary Walk in Lyon Old Town
Lyon

Wonderful way to be introduced to Lyon.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Farmer's Market Day in Lyon - Croix-Rousse
Farmer's Market Day in Lyon - Croix-Rousse
Lyon

the day was rainy and we walked a long way to find the market. Take the metro or taxi. On the positive side, we had made reservations at a great restaurant for that night, and we were definitely ready for that.

City Excursion by E-Bike with Food Tasting
City Excursion by E-Bike with Food Tasting
Lyon

As we said in our full review, starting off in city traffic means you need to be quite comfortable on an ebike. But alll in all, I enjoyed it- particularly the park and river paths.

Guides, Drivers and Staff
Bruno was very good.
Local specialist: Liz Chreist