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 Burgundy
Our holiday
region is in the departements of Saône et Loire and
Côte d’Or. The circuits are centred between Beaune,
the wine capital of Burgundy, and Tournus, a pretty small
town on the Saône river. The terrain is varied. In the
north, near Beaune, the hillsides are covered with vineyards
where some of the most celebrated wines in the world are produced.
To the south and east, the terrain is gentler, with small
tracks and excellent cycling.
Beaune
Beaune is famous for the multicoloured tiled roof of the Hôtel
Dieu which houses the Hospice de Beaune and its triptych of
the Last Judgement.
Discover the other treasures of the city, the wine museum
and the collegiate church. Or sample the finest wines of Burgundy
on sale from the wine merchants of Beaune.
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Brancion
Cycle to the pretty hilltop village on the route between Cormatin
and Tournus. Wander along the cobbled alleys past medieval
houses and walls of the former fortress of the Dukes of Burgundy.
Discover the dungeon and the magnificent covered market. Buxy
A typical Chalonaise town, the remains of its battlements
flanked by two round towers. Visit the wine museum and the
wine co-operative to sample some of the regions most famous
wines. Surrounded by vineyards on sloping hillsides dotted
with beautiful houses, chateaux and chapels.
Cluny
Cluny's famous abbey was founded in 910. At one time 10,000
monks lived there and the abbey spread its influence over
the whole of Europe. All that remains today are impressive
fragments, which only hint at the original grandeur of the
Abbey. Wander along narrow lanes stopping for refreshments
at the numerous restaurants, cafes and Salons de Thé.
Visit the museum of Romanesque art with one of the richest
collections in France.
Cormatin
The unique Bicycle Museum houses more than 100 bicycles, tracing
the history of the bicycle from its birth as a hobbyhorse
in 1818. Ask the enthusiastic owner to give a fascinating
guided tour. Visit the Chateau of Cormatin, noted for its
fabulously grand interiors from the reign of Louis XIII. In
the gardens is one of the largest mazes in France, parterres
of flowers, lakes and fountains creating an authentic 17th
century atmosphere.
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 Tournus
Built on the banks of the Saône river with attractive
riverside quays and narrow streets to explore, the town has
a southern air about it. Visit the Abbey of St Philibert,
originally built in about 900 AD and one of the earliest Romanesque
buildings in Burgundy.
Burgundy Vineyards
Cycle through the famous vineyards of Burgundy, home to some
of the most famous wines of France including Pommard, Meursault,
Poligny Montrechet and Montagny. Stop for tastings along the
way of these superior wines. Visit the Chateau in Meursault
for a tour of their cellars.
La Rochepot
Visit the
fairy tale castle high above the village on a stone outcrop.
The castle is decorated with brightly coloured roof tiles
in the Burgundian style. The village is named after the crusading
knight Réginer Pot, who refused to marry the daughter
of the Sultan of Arabia and was thrown to the lions. However,
he won the contest with the lions and was set free, later
travelling to Burgundy where he bought this castle.
Regional
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