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Burgundy Stopover

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My wife and I with two adult children are driving through Burgundy in late May in route from Chamonix to Paris. I know the region deserves far more time then we have allotted for it, but we have an odd itinerary that doesn't allow for more then a drive through. Giro d'Italia first, Paris and Normandy later, and please don't ask why we are driving so far. Too long to explain (and I am not sure I understand myself!) But still, we will be driving through the region and I would like to stop for a night or two to break up the long drive. Too add insult to the situation, we are not drinkers so the great wineries of the region are not a big draw for us. Suggestions on a town? Beaune jumps out, but what about somewhere else, perhaps less well known (and closer to Paris would be a bonus). Auxerre? Other? I'm always looking for some hidden gem that doesn't jump out of the guide books.

Towns, restaurants, lodging or must see stops? Any ideas to share?

Thanks

Posted by
6713 posts

Beaune or Auxerre would be good choices. The 15th century Hospices de Beaune was a hospital, now beautifully restored, well worth a few hours. For a smaller town I'd suggest Semour en Auxois, between the other two and just north of the A6 (exit 23). Beautiful buildings, including the church, some original walls and gate, and very close to both Fontenay Abbey and the Alesia battle site (where Caesar beat Vercingetorix).

Driving up the A6 you'll pass a sign for a sort of "triple continental divide" where the watersheds of the Seine, Loire, and Rhone come together. It's so low-lying and tranquil you immediately understand Burgundy's "crossroads" role in history, why so much happened here and why the Dukes of Burgundy were so powerful back in the day.

West of A6 exit 22, past Avallon, is Vezelay, whose basilica is one of the greatest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. The surrounding park has a beautiful view of the countryside.

Posted by
5196 posts

Beaune is about half way between and one can easily spend two (maybe three) nights there. If you decide on Beaune, info re hotels and restaurants is just a post away. TC

Posted by
11613 posts

Vezelay or Troyes might interest you.

Posted by
10622 posts

Denny posted a gem of a B and B in northern Burgundy between Avalon and Auxerre recently. Maybe someone can find it. Otherwise, Chablis would work, near Auxerre. Troyes is officially in the Champagne region, an hour outside of Burgundy but would work, too.

Posted by
8551 posts

When I am doing a long drive like this, I like to stop closer to Paris rather than half way. We have done this twice. Once we stopped in Semur en Auxois which is an enchantingly beautiful town with a fair number of okay restaurants and stunning ramparts. This was on a trip from Provence to Paris (well, Rome to Paris via Provence)

we liked Semur en Auxois so well that we later returned there for a week. You can see some of our week in Burgundy here: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/category/burgundy/

The other time we stayed at a little inn in the Morvan forrest near Avalon (and very near Vezelay and fairly near Auxerre either of which would be a nice stop. The inn was Moulin des Ruats. We really liked the place and it has a very good restaurant that attracts people from all over the area. There is a nice outdoor terrace by the creek which is pleasant in summertime. We did a little hike in the nearby forrest before moving on to Paris.

Posted by
5 posts

Thanks all for some good ideas. Vezelay area looks intriguing looks good. Now to find a place to stay that will accommodate the four of us!

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