France

Cassis is a bit out of the way. Why there?

Many small towns in Burgundy are not served by rail or bus. However, I spent a wonderful week there with a bicycle, and got to go wherever I pleased. That's not for everyone, but I can really recommend it.

I don't think I can do a bicycle.....is it still possible? What towns do you recommend?

I think the best home base for Burgundy would be Beaune. Here's a link to map you can play around with that will show you what towns are serviced by trains. http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-map/france-train-maps.htm You could also book wine tours out of Beaune.

Thanks, Linda! I'll look into it........I was also thinking of Beaune, maybe that's what Rick suggests?

Do you have a problem with driving? It might be something to consider. When I have been there, I have had a rental car. It's really easy to drive around the area, and you can see so much more...

Most of the small wine villages in Burgundy are not served by public transportation. But Beaune is a very good place to use as a base, and there is no shortage of good wine producers whose wines you can taste there. And wine tours to outlying villages. On your way by train to Beaune, consider stopping in Dijon for a day or two. Great city, great food. Do you mean Cassis near Marseilles? That seems really far south for your other venues.

Without wheels of some sort, it is hard to get far into Burgundy. However, Beaune can provide a nice taste of the region, and it is served by frequent trains. The two principal train lines run west-east (Paris-Dijon) and north-south (Dijon-LyonBeaune is on this route). Montbard is on the west-east route, if you are interested in the Fontenay Abbey (but cab or good walking shoes required to get to it from the station). There is another train line to Northern Burgundy from Paris that goes to Auxerre and beyond, but after Auxerre the trains are infrequent. There are, or were, in season, buses from Montbard to Avalon and (maybe) Vezeley, but not frequent, similarly from Beaune to Autun. Unlike some other comm enters, I think that Cassis can work if you fly into Marseilles and out of Paris. The train to Beaune from there should be straightforward if not quick. I love Burgundy but it may not be the best choice for an extended visit if you limit yourself to trains ad buses. You might find more to see and do in Provence.

We were in Burgundy two years ago this fall and were fortunate to be there during grape harvest. The small towns surrounding Beaune, especially Volnay, were fun to visit and see the harvest celebrations. We stayed on the outskirts of Beaune in Meursault. Driving in this area was easy and made the small towns accessible. PM me for hotel suggestions. Since we're neighbors, we could also meet and share ideas.

Dense, that sounds like a great idea. How do I send you a private message with my contact information? I would love to drive around the area, but since I am traveling alone, the car rental is just too expensive. Plus, I really don't like the idea of driving around alone. I have driven several thousand miles around France and Italy, but always with a companion--even when I did all the driving myself! It is definitely my favorite way to go as I am an independent traveler--not a "tour" person. I have not determined yet if I can get a frequent flyer ticket around the time I want to go, but I am going to start checking.......... Do let me know about how to contact........ Patricia

Patricia, go to the post from the person you want to PM, right under their name is a link which reads
Send Private Message . Click that and you just fill in the PM form like a post. When they log on they get a message that in their Profile are Private Messages, and if they ticked the box they also get an email saying that there is a message. I've just sent you a PM.

Yes, thanks, I saw that right after I posted a reply! Haven't used the site in a couple years so forgot that it was there...........We did get in contact.

I strongly recommend renting a car. Many small, charming towns do not have good public transportation. With a car you can find B&Bs and also people renting out a room in their home for a reasonable price. I second Beaune as a home base for Burgundy. My wife and I love the Dordogne River Valley (Chateau de la Treyne was a special treat; we explored Rocamadour and the prehistoric caves of Lascaux), the Loire Valley, Normandy and Provence, each different and special in its own way.
Cary T., Brea, CA