Tour Overview
Welcome to Burgundy! The “heart of France” is an opulent province, blessed with glorious architecture, bastions of gastronomy, world-renowned vineyards and a beautiful, lush landscape. Come and explore Burgundy on our 6-day program. Depart from Paris in a private vehicle with your driver to visit the dazzling Chateau of Vaux-le Vicomte. See the medieval village of Noyers, considered one of the most beautiful villages in all of France. Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims with a visit to the “sacred hill” in Vezelay. Visit the market town of Saulieu and see the numerous medieval buildings in Beaune as well as the 15th century hospice known as the Hotel-Dieu, with its multi-colored roof tiles, magnificent courtyard and two religious masterpieces. And what would a visit to Burgundy be without a visit to its famous wine cellars?Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Depart Paris- Noyers- Dijon, FranceThis morning meet your driver and private vehicle for your transfer to Dijon.
En-route, visit the dazzling chateau of Vaux-le-Vicomte. This chateau was built between 1656 and 1661 fro Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s finance minister and is widely seem as one of the best examples of 17th century French splendor and richesse. Then continue on to the medieval village of Noyers, which is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France with its half timbered houses and narrow cobbled streets which exude a delightful old world charm. You will be confirmed in standard accommodations for four nights, including buffet breakfast at the Hotel Sofitel La Cloche. Located in the heart of Dijon since 1884 and only a short distance from the historical center, the Hotel Sofitel La Cloche is the “grand dame” of Burgundy’s first city and was designated a protected building in 1975. The hotel boasts 68 rooms and offer modern design and comfort in a classical setting. Enjoy dinner in the “Les Jardins de la Cloche” restaurant and look out over the beautiful hotel gardens.
Hotel Sofitel La Cloche Day 2: Dijon- Vezelay- Dijon
Today follow the footsteps of medieval pilgrims with a visit to the “sacred hill” at Vezelay. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for the basilica of Ste. Madeline where Saint Bernard preached during the second crusade in 1146 and whose carved capitals are one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. This afternoon is at leisure to relax at the hotel or explore the medieval town, which surrounds the hill, with charming shops and old streets.
Hotel Sofitel La Cloche
Breakfast Day 3: Dijon-Saulieu- Beaune
This morning visit the market town of Saulieu, which is situated in the beautiful, rolling countryside of the Morvan Regional Natural Park. You may wish to enjoy lunch in the garden at the renowned restaurant of the late Bernard Loiseau at your leisure, whose legacy of nouvelle cuisine and the high standard of three Michelin stars is now being maintained by his wife. (Note: lunch is not included in your tour price). In the afternoon, continue onto Beaune, with its numerous medieval buildings with their colorful roofs, a reminder of the towns wealthy past.
Hotel Sofitel La Cloche
Breakfast Day 4: Beaune
Today visit the 15th century hospice known as the “Hotel Dieu”, with its mulit-colored roof tiles and its magnificent courtyard “Cour d’Honneur”. The hospice is also famous for housing two religious masterpieces: the wooden statue “Christ de Pitie” and the altar which holds Roger van de Weyden’s depiction of Judgement Day. Then continue on to the Maison Champy, the first wine house established in Burgundy in 1720, and enjoy a wine tasting. Enjoy a free afternoon. You might wish to visit the private cellars of the Countess de Loisy in Nuits-Saint-Georges followed by dinner in her town house. (suggestion only, not included in your tour price).
Hotel Sofitel La Cloche
Breakfast Day 5: Beaune- Beaujolais- Bagnols
Today enjoy wine tasting at the Chateau de Meursault and then continue to the innovative Chateau de Chassagne-Montrachet for a visit of its celebrated cellars. Enjoy lunch at your leisure and then travel on to your next hotel, passing through the rolling countryside and vine-clad hills of the Beaujolais Region. You will be confirmed in standard room accommodations for one night including full breakfast at the Chateau de Bagnols. The Chateau de Bagnols is 12 miles north of Lyon. It is a lavishly and meticulously restored 13th century chateau with moat, drawbridge and colored stone set among vineyards, forests and green hills in the heart of the Beaujolais region. It has 20 bedrooms and apartments, magnificent reception salons and superb grounds with a swimming pool and panoramic views over the Beaujolais Hills. The hotel also boasts an excellent gastronomic restaurant in the magnificent Salles des Gardes with an impressive Gothic fireplace. The Chateau de Bagnols is like a museum and the epitome of a chateau-hotel and probably one of the most impressive in the whole of France. You will feel like you have traveled back in time!
Chateau de Bagnols
Breakfast Day 6: Bangols- Paris
Today you will be privately transferred to Paris Airport.
Breakfast
