Domaine de Mépillat

The region around Domaine de Mépillat is famed French wine land (yes, the country has many), so take a tour around the vineyards to learn about (and sample) Burgundy and Beaujolais reds. If you're not tackling the many active options around the site, have placid days instead wandering around the traditional French towns within driving distance, such as medieval and walled Pérouges, on a hilltop above the Ain river; quiet Brancion, once a regional centre for the Dukes of Burgundy; and Bourg-en-Bresse, known for its old churches (if you've time, go and see the apothecary and medical collection in the seventeenth century hospital too). The nearest markets are Montrevel-en-Bresse, Saint-Amour and Pont-de-Vaux, 14, 15 and 17 kilometres away.