Going to Burgundy with Monsieur de Floride

 

Over these weeks suggestions will be offered on transportation, hotels, and restaurants, interrupted by a report from November’s Hospices de Beaune Auction.  Last time we covered transportation, today hotels.  Back episodes (with more detail) will soon be stored at Terroir-Wine-Seminars.com.

 

The Côte d’Or is less than an hour’s drive from top to bottom, so you could stay in one place – near Beaune, perhaps.  It often makes sense to spend a few days in the south (Puligny Montrachet, Chagny) focusing on whites and then move to the north (Gilly, Vosne Romanée) to focus on reds.  A rental car is really quite necessary.  Sadly, the American chain hotels and the notion of using points will not be much of an option in Burgundy.  There are literally dozens of small hotels not mentioned here, and new ones opening continuously, not to mention that many vignerons have opened their homes as Bed & Breakfasts.  To get you started.

 

Luxury / Romance

Chateau de Gilly offers elegance, romance, and a moat!  It is a renovated 14th century castle on lovely grounds.  There is both elegant and casual dining.  The only negative is that it is quite out of the way, in the north somewhat near the Clos de Vougeot.

 

Hostellerie de Levernois is a luxurious property situated on spacious grounds just outside Beaune.  It includes a golf course, spa, and two restaurants. 

 

Modernity

La Chouette is situated in Puligny Montrachet with a view of the Grands Crus.  A small modern hotel designed for the comfort of the visiting wine professional with a common area and free fast internet. My personal favorite.

 

Le Richebourg is an ultramodern hotel in Vosne Romanée.  There is a spa on site, and fast internet.

 

Tradition

Le Montrachet in Puligny Montrachet has recently been updated and is a short walk from the vines.  The restaurant is among the best in the area with a wine list focused on the great local whites.

 

Lameloise is in the heart of the town of Chagny.  A classically luxurious hotel and highly acclaimed restaurant, albeit in the middle of a non-touristic shopping street.

 

Location

Le Cep is in the heart of Beaune, providing easy access to the restaurants and tourist attractions.  Bernard Loiseau’s widow has recently taken over the restaurant and offers up to sixty wines by the glass.

 

Hostellerie Le Cedre is on the Beaune ring road, a short walk from the center of town, with easy access to the roads.  A mixture of elegance and convenience with a very good restaurant on site.

 

 

Bon sejour!

David DeBenedictis

«Monsieur de Floride»

 

October 2007 for the Burgundy Wine Company Newsletter

Copyright 2007 David DeBenedictis

Terroir Wine Seminars,Inc.