Travel Agent - December 24, 2007 - (Page 22)

DESTINATIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 com) in Valence. Both are about 60 miles outside the city. After all that rich food, exercise is required. Surrounding Lyon are some of the world’s most famous ski resorts, including Chamonix and Val d’Isère, home of the legendary JeanClaude Killy. In summer, these formidable mountains of the Rhône-Alpes beckon for hiking, river rafting and kayaking. The city is dotted with parks and riverside promenades Lyon’s new Cité Internationale complex that invite an afternoon or post-dinner conhouses the sprawling convention center— stitutional, and the Lyon region has about 60 where the ASTA International Destination golf courses. Expo will take place in April—as well as Or advise your clients to “borrow” a office buildings, a casino and several hotels, bicycle. Lyon has a velos program, composed including a Hilton, the Hotel de la Cité and of bike stations throughout the city. Register an apartment hotel. with a credit card, then just unlock one of Delta is relaunching nonstop flights the bikes and ride to a museum, shopping or between New York and Lyon in April. As an wherever you need to go. You can drop off alternate, travelers can fly into Paris and take the bike at any station and take another one the high-speed TGV train to Lyon in just over when you’re ready to travel again. You are two hours. charged only for the time a bike is used, not For more about what Lyon has to offer in when it is parked at a station. attractions, dining and lodging, go to www. Lyon’s accommodations vary from Cours en.lyon-france.com. I des Loges (www.courdesloges.com), a trio of 14th-century monasteries united into a CONNECTING YOU boutique hotel, to the high-rise Radisson For more information on attractions in Lyon, visit SAS Hotel Lyon (www.lyon.radissonsas. www.travelagentcentral.com/lyon com), a croissant’s throw from Les Halles. Lumière Museum Wine Tastings Beaujolais is sometimes referred to as the “third river” of Lyon, and the wineries begin just beyond the city limits. The largest wine producer in the Rhône-Alpes by far is Georges DuBoeuf, whose Le Hammeau du Vin (Wine Hamlet) (011-33-38535-2222, www.hammeau duvin.com) is a destination for families as well as for adult wine enthusiasts. It combines a museum of transportation, with miniature and full-size trains, including the 1855 private car of Napoleon III; a museum of viticulture (wine production), with room-size wooden wine presses and such artifacts as a chain mail glove to strip bugs from vines; and a Disney-like show of animated figures telling the history of wine. There’s also a garden, several restaurants, an extensive wine and gift shop and, of course, Beaujolais tastings in a charming bistro-like setting with antique circus calliopes for musical accompaniment. A totally different experience takes place at the winery of Sylvette and Gérard Texier in Château de Bagnols This castle, dating from 1221, is a destination for select clients, either for a romantic stay or just a gourmet meal in an elegantly appointed dining room. Each of the 21 rooms and suites is decorated with antique furniture and carpeting—including beds canopied with period velvets and embroideries—and many have original frescoes, which were found under layers of paint during a four-year restoration. The Grand Salon features a 20-foot-tall fireplace and rich woodwork. Beyond the moat (dry now) lies a lush garden with walkways shaded by ancient lime trees. There are stables for horseback riding, and a pool and spa are planned for 2010. Part of the Von Essen Hotels group and Virtuoso, Château de Bagnols opened to guests in 1992 (011-33-47471-4000, www.chateaudebagnols.fr). the small village of Le Bourg (01133-4-7467-5121, www.cret-du-ris. com). A fourth-generation winemaker, Texier holds tastings, by appointment, of his own handmade wines in a cave built in the 18th century. 22 | TravelAgent December 24, 2007 http://www.hammeauduvin.com http://www.en.lyon-france.com http://www.hammeauduvin.com http://www.en.lyon-france.com http://www.courdesloges.com http://www.lyon.radissonsas.com http://www.travelagentcentral.com/lyon http://www.lyon.radissonsas.com http://www.chateaudebagnols.fr

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - December 24, 2007

Travel Agent - December 24, 2007 Online Now Contents From the Editor Letters to the Editor Contributors Europe: Lyon, the Center of France Two Iconic London Hotels Jazz Up their Top Suites Europe Briefs Mexico: Puerto Morelos on the Riviera Maya Mexico News & Notes Pacific/Asia: Large-Scale Developments Strengthen Singapore’s Appeal to Families, Meetings and Other Travelers Caribbean: Old San Juan’s New Hotel The Cervantes Ritz-Carlton Upgrades, La Concha Reopens in San Juan Peter Island Resort Hawaii: Maui Enhances its Allure for Active and Luxury Clients Las Vegas: Hoteliers and Wholesalers Go Beyond Gaming Las Vegas Briefs Tours: Pacific Northwest Briefs Hotels: News and Packages from All-Inclusives in Mexico and the Caribbean Cruises: Luxury Lines’ Shore Excursions Cover Story: Gerry Cahill Agent Profile: Nancy Nicol, Hawaii Specialist and Hyatt Award Winner Technology: Mailpound’s Customized Marketing Transportation: Boeing’s Anticipated Next Arrival: the 747-8 Intercontinental New York: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Vegas Travel Week Sofitel’s Two New Brands Travelport Rolls Out Leisure Product Expedia CruiseShipCenters Debuts U.S. Tourism to Israel In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Classified Marketplace Trendwatch Special Supplememt: 2008 Portugal Travel Guide

Travel Agent - December 24, 2007

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