Beaune is Beautiful
No trip to France can be complete without a visit through Burgundy, one of the most famous wine regions in the world. We spent our evening in the historic town of Beaune, the region wine capital. Our family operated hotel matched the charm and personality of this beautiful pedestrian friendly commune. We took a lazy stroll along the quiet roads admiring the fruit stands and cheese shoppes. Approaching the town center, our group enjoyed watching both children and adults celebrating life at the town carousel. As our stroll was complete, we were all ready for our evening meal and wine tasting.
Entering a wine cave is an experience never to forget. Approaching the cool, candlelit underground, we were greeted by family vintners with an intense passion about their wine and lifestyle. Our tasting began with a lesson on how the grapes and terrain influence the character of the wine, as well as how to properly sip and taste. We learned that wine in Burgundy is primarily dry, and only from two grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Our tasting concluded with a traditional dinner of beef bourguignon, salad with cured ham and local vegetables, and some of the finest creme brulee I ever savored. Fortunately, our hotel was within walking distance; a well needed luxury after our meal and wine experience. Our evening ended in the private outdoor gardens of the hotel, sipping more wine and sharing stories under the twilight of the sky.
After an early breakfast at our hotel, I took a stroll through the side streets of this pleasant town before settling upon a quiet cafe' for a rest. I began sipping my expresso and admiring the local flower shoppes and gardens, all while enjoying listening to the whispers of French conversations near my table. Feeling adventurous, I continued exploring the roads of the town before realizing that I was completely lost, and that English was not commonly spoken. With only two hours before our tour bus was scheduled to leave, I was fortunate to find a very polite gentleman, smoking a cigarette, who directed me back toward my hotel. You can always depend on the kindness of strangers!
I used the final moments at our hotel to enjoy some croissant while updating my journal and e-mailing my family back home. Within the hour, I rejoined our group at the motor coach and we soon were headed for my most anticipated destination of the entire tour: the Alpine Villages nestled in the Swiss Alps.
Me in front of our wine cave after dinner - Beaune,France
(Notice my satisfied and relaxed pose !!!) I think the person taking my photo felt the same way)
(Notice my satisfied and relaxed pose !!!) I think the person taking my photo felt the same way)