Visits to Dijon and Beaune::
Beaune 50kms by Main Road or Motorway A6; or Dijon 50kms by Toll Free Motorway A38 are both well worth visiting. Dijon, the ancient Capital of Burgundy, has much to offer the most discerning visitor; its Cathedral, fine churches and of course the Musee de Beaux Arts are spectacular, as is the large street market and the appetising covered food hall at Les Halles (Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays). Dijon is a gastronomic delight, with many Restaurants and Bistros, some hailing from China, India, Germany, Italy, Spain, North Africa. Beautiful Beaune, the undisputed capital of the Burgundy Wine Region, is compact with many cobbled streets running from it’s central ‘Carousel’ surrounded by Restaurants, Bistros and specialist shops and Boutiques. The impressive and World famous 15th century ‘Hotel-Dieu’ Hospice, should not be missed. Many wine cellars for tasting and buying, and a wonderful Saturday morning Street Market.
Wine::
Nowhere conjures up better the delights of Wine Tasting at source than the unlimited possibilities that await the visitor in this region of Burgundy. Apart from the 100 or so wine cellars in Beaune, opportunities to visit both small growers and large internationally known wine estates and their chateaux abound. Within 30km of Beaune will be found many world renowned villages; to the North, Gevrey-Chambertin, and Nuits-St-George also good with appealing little Restaurants, whilst to the South lie Pommard, Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. to name a few. Suggestions covering wine tours and where to find that ‘unknown’ good value Vigneron can be provided. There are many small villages with most welcoming wine growers where you may sample and buy their wines. Chablis is 1 ½ hours North by A6 Motorway.
Out and About, Touring: :
Whether it be by car or bicycle, or indeed both there are countless opportunities to savour the beautiful surrounding countryside. Cycle on the flat, beside the Canal de Bourgogne or in the rolling hills; stroll through the high valleys and hills with magnificent views, ideal for picnics, bird-watching, photography and painting. Rock climbing at Saffres 30minutes. See the countryside from hot-air balloon or microlight. Choice of several local lakes from which to fish, swim, sail or windsurf. Chateauneuf and Chateau de Commarin are ten minutes away, whilst within an hour’s drive there are numerous Romanesque Churches, Chateaux, and Abbeys; the ancient village of Flavigny (Film ‘Chocolat’ fame), and over 25 magnificent Gardens to visit. Engaging activities include cycling, walking, swimming in nearby lakes, boating, canal trips, rock climbing, tennis (in village) and of course wine tasting.
Golf:
Marvellous Golfing opportunities, close to hand, are there for the taking. The nearest course, just 14km away, is set in the 150 acre grounds of the spectacular 4* Chateau de Chailly Hotel with excellent Restaurant and ‘al-fresco’ lunch in summer on the sun terrace overlooking the course. Tennis also available. It is an 18 hole par 72 course with green fees at between 30 and 55 euros per day. Clubs and Trolleys can be hired per day. Slightly further afield, 30km, near Vic-sous-Thil is a very friendly, and picturesque 9 hole par 33 course with green fees under 25 euros a day, again equipment can be hired for the day whilst only 10kms from there is the medieval hill top village of Mount St. Jean with its excellent Restaurant. Alternatively, combine a visit to Beaune or Dijon with a half day of Golf at their respective courses.
Other Activities:
hot-air ballooning, canal barging, bird watching, wine tours & tastings.
