Back to Burgundy & beyond

Bonjour,   In a couple of weeks, we’ll be meeting our tour group in Lyon for several days exploring this fascinating city and its twenty centuries of history.  Julius Caesar made it his base in 43 BC, while he conquered Gaul and there’s still plenty of evidence of Roman settlement – walls, baths, an amphitheatre, a forum,  a temple and a circus, among  other features.  But that was just the beginning – Lyon later became a cultural and commercial centre, famous for silk weaving, arts, science, engineering  and trade.  Something for everyone, in a glorious setting around the confluence of the Rhone and the Saone rivers.

Then, we’re off to Beaune, in the heart of the Cote d’Or wine region of Burgundy, for a week.  There’s lots to see and sample here too, including the magnificently medieval Hotel Dieu (photo).  Founded in 1443 as a hospital by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin, and still working as a general hospital till the 1970s, it is one of the best preserved medieval buildings in France.  We’ll be sampling local wines at the many vineyards around Beaune, and enjoying  a cooking class and lunch at one of our favourite restaurants with the chef, owner and old friend Didier Denis.  During the week we’ll also visit Dijon, former capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, and head east into the rugged Jura region for a special lunch and to taste its unique wines.

After visiting a local truffiere for a truffle hunt and lunch, our tour will finish in Auxerre, another Burgundy jewel, and a mecca for boaties, with the Yonne river and the start of the Nivernais Canal.   The view of the town from the river is dominated by the mighty Gothic cathedral of St Etienne and Abbey of St Germain.  We’re looking forward to seeing it again, it’s been a while.

Cordialement,  Barbara & Robert