A group of friends are going to be doing a self hire canal boat in the Burgundy region this summer. We are picking up the boat in St-Jean-De-Losne and need to drop it in Branges 7 days later. I am looking for recommendations on vineyards to visit that would be close to the Saone River, or easily accessible with public transportation. Any other tips on interesting stops or sights to see close to the river would be appreciated. We like good food and wine, biking, hiking, historical sights and generally being outdoors. Thanks for your assistance.
Posted by
Panguitch, Utah
2703 posts
Burgundy, more than any other wine producing region in France or elsewhere, produces wine in a manner that is not typical. There are few vineyards that open their doors to visitors. Owners, growers, and produces may all be different people, and there is no guarantee that any will speak English nor have schedules allowing them to spend time with tourists.
For visits to vineyards in Burgundy, I strongly suggest you find a guide, a professional who knows wines, and those responsible for wine production. Pay him for his knowledge and time, he will have access to places and people whom you will not. For names of qualified individuals, contact the Beaune Office de Tourisme, they have a list as well as their own sponsored vineyard visits:
Posted by
big blue marble
427 posts
That seems like an odd route. Are you taking the boat down to the confluence of the Saône river and the Seille river south of Tournus and then heading back to the northeast on the Seille to Branges?
Most of the vineyards in Bourgogne are west of the Saône, on the slopes of the hills defining the western edge of the valley. In other words, not that convenient to your route.
Posted by
OP
New Zealand
7 posts
Yes, we go to Tournus, then to Branges. The route is based on where the rental companies bases are.