TG Tips – Burgundy
Things to do and see as well as places to stay and eat in Burgundy, France…
Quite some time ago I spent the best part of a season working on a hotel ‘peniche’ on the Yonne and Nivernais in Burgundy. I was both deckhand and guide and in the process of taking guests on excursions discovered some wonderful places.
The first thing I’d like to recommend to anyone – and even not necessarily here in Burgundy, is to consider at least once in your lifetime to take a barging holiday. It is simply the most wonderful way to travel…
Here are my tour guide tips to Burgundy…
Dijon
La Fine Heure – 34 Rue Berbisey, 21000 Dijon. This is a great little place. The staff are wonderfully friendly and as a cross between wine bar and restaurant it works really well. The food is delicious – there is a real passion and knowledge of local specialities. The owner almost insisted on us having the speciality of the day (something I like) rather than what we originally ordered.
The cheeses were great, a wonderful selection of wines (as one would expect in Burgundy); an all-round great place to have lunch, dinner or simply an aperitif. Have a look at their website for a preview here.
Chalon Sur Saone
La Maison des Vins de la Cote Chalonnaise – Promenade Sainte Marie, 711OO Chalon sur Saône. The Cote Chalonnaise suffers a little from being almost literally in the shadow of its more famous Cote d’Or which lies to the north. This place, excellently staffed (especially if Sandrine is there) is an attempt by local winemakers to slowly, but surely remedy that situation.
Here, in this cooperative the wines are subjected to 2 blind tastings per year and only the best selected to be on display and sale in their shop. Come for a tasting, and in my humble opinion, be bowled over by the Mercurey… Have a look at their website here.