Burgundy - Beaune et la Côte d'Or

We traveled to the heart of the Burgundy region last week.  Our visit to Dijon, the capital of the Côte d'Or region, was fantastic.  Walking through the city we saw different styles of architecture and different eras of history and we enjoyed it all.  We also had the opportunity to explore areas south of Dijon.  Our explorations took us to the city of Beaune, three very different châteaux, a new wine festival(vin bourru) in Nuits-Saint-Georges and a Crème de Cassis Factory.   

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We started our trip with the idea of visiting the Château de la Rochepot.  The guidebook and the back of the map said that it was a fairy tale castle worth visiting.  So off we went.  We weren't even half way there when two of us had to go to the bathroom.  What to do?  We saw a sign for a restaurant, pulled over and inquired only to find out that the sign was from the previous decade and we were then invited in to use this person's private toilette! I was amazed by such kindness given to us.  So finally, we arrive in Rochepot, drive up to the château only to find out that it closed on the 28th of August!  Thanks to the internet we found another château to visit not too far away.  We drove to the village of Ivry-en Montagne and visited Chateau de Coraboeuf. The weather was not perfect but the château and its setting was.  It was lovingly restored by the many branches of the family that still owns this historical monument.  Visitors are allowed to visit the history presentation in the dungeon (donjon) and walk the grounds.

Château de la Rochepot

CLOSED!

Disappointed and wet but happy!

 

Château de Coraboeuf

Next, our explorations took us to the city of Beaune, which is located about 45 minutes south-east of Dijon.  This walled city had links to the Dukes of Burgundy and there are many historical monuments to visit.  We visited the Hospices de Beaune - l'Hôtel de Dieu.  This hospital or Palace of the Poor was created in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins to serve the poor and needy of the region.  The hospital was run by the Sisters of Hospices de Beaune until the 20th century.  Today you can visit the great halls, sick rooms, kitchen and apothecary that were used for 500 years.  Throughout the building there are many works of religious art and antiques that are on display.

Hôtel de Dieu- Beaune
Fantastic tilework

La Grande Salle des Pôvres

Coats of Arms on the Chapelle

The next day we decided to taste some wine.  Our first stop was the Château du Clos de Vougeot.  This château was built by the Cistercian monks in the 12th century.  Over the centuries it changed hands many times and although it no longer produces wines, the vineyards surrounding the château have the prestigious name Clos de Vougeot.  The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin (Brotherhood of the Knights of Tastevin) saved the château and currently helps to promote Burgundy wine throughout France and the world.  Today you can visit the chateau kitchens, reception hall and pressing rooms.  The giant presses and barrels are formidable.  

Press used by the monks to make wine

Statue representing the harvesting of the grapes

Never in vain, always in wine

Château du Clos du Vougeot

Vineyards - Château du Clos du Vougoet

 After visiting this château, we headed to Nuits-Saint-Georges to partake in the Fête du Vin Bourru - new wine festival.  At the festival you get to try Vin Bourru, newly fermented grape juice.  It is sweet and is slightly effervescent.  There were many vendors giving wine and food samples at the festival. One of the specialites served at the festival was a dish, citeau-flette, made with potatoes, onions, bacon, and local cheese .  The man serving the dish was dressed in honnor of the Cistercian Monks who make fromage de cîteaux, a local cheese

Cîteau-flette, a Nuits-Saint-George speciality

Our final stop for the day was the Cassissium, a factory that makes Crème de Cassis, blackcurrant liquor.  We learned all about the blackcurrant berry and the different varieties throughout the world.  The guided tour of the factory ended up in the tasting room where were allowed to taste all of the products and the children were allowed to taste as many fruit syrups (sirops) as they wanted.  I bought a bottle of Crème de Cassis and a bottle of Crème de Griotte, a Cherry liquor.  Our adventures in the Côte d'Or region of France was full of tasty morsels for our eyes and mouths.  I would not hesitate to visit the area again.