Locale

Things to See and Do

Puligny Montrachet is a beautiful town at the heart of the Cote de Beaune. The surrounding vineyards offer plenty of opportunity for walking and cycling to relax and enjoy this unique landscape. Meander slowly along the vineyard roads in any direction to Chassagne Montrachet, Meursault, Volnay, Auxey Duresse, or Pommard to name but a few of these famous villages. The wine Domaines are always ready to welcome you in for a degustation of their famous wine. There is no need to venture further. Sipping a glass of chilled Puligny Montrachet on your own sun drenched terrace in the middle of this picturesque village, what could be a better way to enjoy your holiday?

12 kms north along 'La Route des Grands Crus' you come to Beaune. The capital of Burgundy wine is just a pleasant short drive from Puligny Montrachet.

Wander through the medieval cobbled streets to discover the wealth of historic mansions and half-timbered houses. Walk the city Ramparts and enjoy the award winning flowered squares and gardens. Visit the world famous Hospice de Beaune, the Collegiale Notre Dame Basilica and of course, the Wine Museum.

Below the streets is another world. Since the Middle Ages, Beaune has been an important centre for the world renowned Burgundy wine trade. Each of the citys' wine domaines invites you to discover their cellars and taste their wine. Many have conducted tours where you will learn the basics of their production techniques and be given the opportunity to appreciate the nuances of their wines.

There are many other production sites to visit for other local specialities such as Cassis, mustard, cheese and Cremant de Bourgogne.

The calendar of both local and international events is year round and we recommend you visit the Tourist Office in the Hotel de Beaux Arts to obtain a Beaune Pass for visiting all the historic sites and reviewing up-coming events. www.ot-beaune.fr

Outside of Beaune, the surrounding vineyards and extensive forests are home to abundant wildlife; chevreuil deer and a wide variety of birds of prey. There are miles of beautiful walking, cycling and jogging routes through the vineyards and woods. The wild flowers in early spring and summer make it a magical place for picnics. You can hire bicycles in Beaune and they will give you a map showing good cycling and walking routes that take you through the vineyards and pretty, stone wine villages.

Picnics

We would highly recommend that you enjoy some time for a picnic in the vineyards. There are some lovely views and it really gives you the sense of what Burgundy is all about. All the unmade lanes through the vineyards are actually public roads so as long as you respect the precious crops no one will object and there are plenty of low walls that make a convenient perch.

Musee de l'Hotel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune

Probably the most photographed building in all of Burgundy. 10€ entrance fee. Guided tours available.

La Moutarderie

All you will ever need to know about mustard in the 1 hour guided tour of this museum. 10€ entry.

Visio-train - take a tour of the town in the tourist train.

45 mins long, you travel through the narrow streets and out to the Beaune vineyards, with English commentary. A good quick overview.

Winemakers

There are many large negociants in Beaune; Reine Pedauque, Patriarche, Bouchard Pere et Fils to name just a few. Outside of Beaune, in the wine villages, the Chateaux all have cellars you can visit: Pommard, Meursault, Savigny-les-Beaune and Aloxe Corton.

But for a truly memorable experience, we would strongly recommend you try some of the smaller domains. Each village has a co-operative shop where you can taste wine from the local producers (sometimes you might be asked for a small payment) but it is also worth making a visit to the producers themselves. Wherever you see a sign 'Vente Direct' you can knock on the door to see if they have time or can make a time, to show you their production. Please remember, everyone has lunch between 12-2pm and Sunday is usually a family day so they won't appreciate visitors at those times. Many speak a little English and most will expect you to buy something after your tasting.

A few of our favourites include;

Domaine Rebourgeon: Is in the main square in Pommard. One of the few domains where you can taste Rougeon, considered to be one of Pommard's most prestigious vineyards.
Albert Boillot in Volnay: Beautiful old cave, producing both Pommard and Volnay as well as Cremant.
Domaine Michelot in Meursault: You need about 2 hours to enjoy a tour of the cellars and to taste these delicious Meursault wines.
Domaine Allexant in Cissey: Offers a unique opportunity to taste 18 different appellations of the Cote d'Or in one cave. Patrice and Dominique speak fairly good English and will enjoy showing you their production.
Domaine Comte Senard at Aloxe Corton: This is a beautiful location and a great place to enjoy a wine tasting lunch. They are closed Sunday and Monday.

Do make a reservation. Tel +33 (0)3 80 26 41 65

Wine Tours

We can recommend an excellent company, French Wine Routes, to arrange a private wine tour for a day suitable for a couple. They are an English company based in Puligny Montrachet and will happily arrange a tour to suit your particular requirements. Tel: 03 80 21 94 88. If you are a group larger than 2, we recommend Burgundy By Request. Tel +33 (0)6 85 65 83 83 Tracy will make a tour to suit your particular needs.

Within an easy drive

La Rochepot - and its chateau - A spectacular fairytale chateau. Well worth a visit. Guided tours available and entrance is 10€.
Saint-Romain en Haut - Drive through the village of Saint Romain and keep climbing until you reach the signs for Le Vieux Chateau. Park and walk to the end, where you have the most lovely views. The church is also very unusual as it dramatically steps down inside from the entrance.
Evelle and Baubigny - are pretty villages with great views. There is an artist/potter in Evelle and it's a lovely place for a picnic.
Nolay - a medieval town. Often plays host to antique, art and sculpture exhibitions.
Dijon - our nearest big city with many impressive historic monuments and museums, good shopping, theatres, parks and gardens with an entertaining calendar of exhibitions, fairs and concerts throughout the year.
Autun - the Roman town. Many well preserved Roman buildings and monuments to visit, including the amphitheatre and a magnificent cathedral.
Morvan Regional Park - Bibracte near St Léger sous Beuvray, is the archeological site of the former Gaul settlement. Magnificent view point from the top of Mont Beuvray, and fascinating museum dedicated to the archeological finds on the mountain. The park itself is a vast forest, and home to large lakes, including Lac des Settons. Pretty villages throughout the 'Parc regional'.
Semur en Auxois - an extremely pretty medieval town. Several museums, and a very pretty riverside walk.
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain - this is the famous village where the film 'Chocolat' was made. Abbey, museum, village tours.
Alise-Sainte-Reine - Alesia. More Gaulish history, battleground and a new dedicated museum.
Chateauneuf en Auxois - an impressive fortress high on the hills alongside the A6, near to Pouilly en Auxois. The village alone is worth a visit with its tiny antique shops. Lovely views, and then drop down to the canalside at Vandenesse. There is a canalside café, and pretty walks along the towpath.
Sully Chateau - half way between Pommard and Autun. A very pretty chateau and parkland. Guided tours, shop and walled kitchen garden.

This is just a small example of what's available in the region. For full tourist information please visit the tourist office in Beaune situated at the Porte Marie de Bourgogne and Musée des Beaux Arts.