We'll be in Paris May 11 thru May 17 and then head for a few days to Burgundy. Train to Dijon, pick up car Saturday(closed Sun) see Dijon briefly then head to Beaune. A day there with an overnight and we have to head back to Paris, leaving our rental car at Fontainebleau on the 21st, spend PM there and head to CDG in the early AM for the flight home. WE have a huge list of spots to see and have to trim it down. What were your favorite sights, Beaune to Fontainebleu? Thanks
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Pat,
You don't say what your sightseeing priorities are.
If you are spending all that time in Beaune that time of year, you might enjoy renting a bicycle and peddling through the vineyards.
I think Vezeley would make a good stop between Beaune and Paris.
You can rent a car in Beaune, too.
Have fun!
Posted by
OP
North Shore, MA, USA
59 posts
We thought it would be best to get the car in Dijon as the pick-up locations in both towns are closed Sunday. Prelinimary stops after Dijon and Beaune, as we head North, all subject to change:
La Rochepot, Auton. A swing to Chateau Chinon, Semur-en-Auxois,Fontenay, Vezelay the list is long. Many chateaux, fortresses, great architecture, amazing history. We nee to narrow it down to the "biggies" in the area. By the time we leave Beaune, we have 3 days to see and do before leaving the car. I suppose we could change the route and take the train back to CDG on the AM of the 22nd and that would give us another day. Trying to figure out what is best is sometimes frustrating, especially since a car rental is involved. Thanks for any advice.
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
It sounds as though you have done some homework, so you really need to set priorities based on your interests.
I found Dijon to be the least rewarding place I visited in Burgundy, so if you are pressed for time you might consider dropping it.
La Rochepot and Autun might be seen as a long day trip from lovely Beaune, so why not make that a base for part of your trip? Similarly, Semur-en-Aixios makes a great staging area for a visit to the Fontenay Abbey.
This is course is very personal and your preferences are the best ones. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
Pat... It is very easy to take a cab to Orly and rent a car from there. We did this last October and will do it again this October. We rented from Hertz and got a good rate because we are AAA members. We rented a Prius and got great gas mileage.It had a GPS, also. The Prius is in the green category and is a midsized car but we saved on gas. We love Burgundy and it is especially lovely in May and October. There are lots of medieval towns and villages to see--Chateauneuf- en Auxiuos, Montreal, Noyers,etc. The Burgundy Canal is lovely and a good place for a picnic.The roads are very easy to drive and there are trails and picnic tables all over. If you are interested in a lovely spot to stay, send me an email.
Posted by
Lebanon
711 posts
I almost forgot.. Flavigny is where some of Chocolat was filmed. There is a very nice winery at the foot of the hill behind Flavigny. They speak English and will let you taste all their wines.They also sell the best fig jam there.