Discover the historic towns, chateaux, religious sites and picturesque countryside of Burgundy.
We are ideally placed mid-way between Beaune, with it’s magnificent red wines, and Chablis renowned for its whites. Gastronomic eating is the principal activity of most Burgundians, so there’s no shortage of top quality restaurants. One of the local delicacies is the ‘gougère’ (cheesy choux pastry) which accompanies most wine-tastings ... a popular aperitif being a ‘kir’ - white aligoté wine with a splash of crème de cassis. You’ll soon be familiar with other local favourites such as Charolais beef, venison in season, Dijon mustard and wild mushrooms, not forgetting local cheeses like the smelly Epoisses or the creamy Chaource. Then for the adventurous there’s snails – ‘escargots à la bourgignone’!
Burgundy has always been known for its elegant chateaux – family homes which have evolved over the centuries, such as Bazoches, Bussy-Rabutin, Commarin, Chateauneuf, Epoisses and Tanlay.
Among many religious sites, two are very popular with visitors – Fontenay, an exquisite monastery of charm and serenity (where Cyrano de Bergerac was filmed) and the hilltop basilica of Vézelay, a starting point for pilgrims setting out on the route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Talking of films, ‘Chocolat’ was filmed in Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, another hilltop mediaeval village of outstanding character. But then Noyers-sur-Serein, classed as ‘one of the prettiest villages in France’, is regularly visited by film crews – and not just for its annual truffle festival in November.
Our local ‘supply’ town is Avallon (9km) with a Saturday morning market of local produce. Again it’s an ancient fortified town and with Arthurian associations as it is the only place named Avallon. Moreover it’s situated at the centre of an identifiable ‘isle’ which corresponds to many elements found in the legend of King Arthur. Equally historic are the towns of Semur-en-Auxois and Saulieu, Auxerre and Dijon – you’re spoilt for choice. This year we are delighted to be able to offer the services of a qualified guide to help you explore some of the villages and towns in the area.
If you prefer the outdoor life, we’re situated on the edge of the Morvan National Park – a playground for all ages. Fishing, horse-riding, canoeing, rock-climbing, swimming in almost deserted lakes, or just walking through forests or glorious countryside, again, the choice is yours.
And I need hardly point out that the picturesque charm of Burgundy is a photographer’s paradise.
Click here find out more about local activities.