Leaving this Thursday to meet friends in Paris!! Spending 5 days in Paris, driving down to Chartres, then on 2 days in the Loire Valley. From there was thinking of heading over to some combination of Auxerre, Fontenay, Vezelay, Autun, Beaune. Then end up in Chamonix for 2 days. Question is, what are your personal selections/favorites for the Burgundy region? I get the feeling that Rick doesn't really like the region that much because his guide book is rather lacking. I have Michelin, Eyewitness, and National Geographic which are helpful. I was thinking of hitting Vezelay and Autun, staying the night in Autun, and moving on to Beaune but really unsure. What would you all suggest for this Loire --> Alps intermetsso?
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
I think your Burgundy picks are good, though I have never been to Autun. Auxerre is okay, but not tops. It sounds as though you are planning to drive from the Loire. That is feasible (and you will want wheels in Burgundy), but in your position I would consider something like this. Take a morning train to Dijon or Montbard, pick up a car there, and drive to the Fontenay Abbey. Spend the night in a really charming small town on the Serien, Noyers. There's only one hotel there, a kind of Guide Routard sort of place, but if that's not your thing there are several higher-end chambres d'hote in the area. Fro there it's an easy drive though the beautiful Cousin valley to Vezeley. You can also visit Avallon or Auxerre or Autun (but probably not all of them in a day) and end in Beaune. If you have more time than I think you do you can see more. There are also some lovely walks in the area, and bikes for rent in Beaune. If you do drive, I think your best first stop is Vezeley, and either sleep in the area or push on to Noyers. The next day could be the Fontenay Abbey and then to Beaune via (perhaps) Semur-en-Auxois. Noyers is really a gem, worth a stop even if you do not sleep there.
Posted by
OP
Chicago, IL, USA
26 posts
THanks for the input! I didn't see any places to stay in Noyers - do you know where you stayed? Also, what exactly is there to see in Noyers - is it just more of a city that's worth experiencing because of it's feel? And any more input on Burgandy would be appreciated!!
Posted by
Boston
4132 posts
Noyers is a small wonderfully preserved town. In a sense there is nothing to see thereno blockbuster sights. It IS the sight. You either like that sort of thing or you don't The only hotel in town is the decidedly no-star Hotel de la Tour. No stars, but lots of character. Again, you either like that sort of thing or you don't. I usually refrain from discussions about hotels, because I have "low" tastesI'll take charm over luxury, and I have my own ideas about charm. And I'm a cheapskate. But since you have lured me out I will mention that Les Glycines, in Vezeley, has some wonderfully spare singles and a brilliant location. I hope you have a great trip.