A food and wine lover’s guide to the top 10 must-see spots in Burgundy

Oct. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- Burgundy is one of the most fascinating regions in France, and one that offers endless gratification for one’s taste buds.  If you are looking to experience France’s wide-open, romantic countryside and the simple pleasures of life then Burgundy offers is your answer.

Dijon is the capital of this charming region and throughout the countryside is a diverse range of unspoiled and exquisite villages. Often touted the ‘land of fine art and living’, Burgundy has a rich and glorious past that can be explored through its churches, museums, archaeological sites and monasteries. Burgundy’s well known Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay are abundant and accessible through a range of vineyards dotted across rolling peaceful. Burgundy has many spectacular locales that all devout foodies should put on their to-do lists, and here we list our top ten recommendations.

• Abbaye de la Bussiere - Set in 15 acres of beautiful parkland, the former monestry has been transformed into a luxurious chateaux hotel and Michelin-star gastronomic restaurant and bistro, where you can relax and enjoy the unique, refreshing atmosphere of this ancient place.

• Hospice of Beaune & local favourite restaurant Ma Cuisine – An ancient hospital built in 1443 with astonishing architecture including its colourful roof, covered in tiny glazed multicoloured tiles. Built after the hundred-year war, for the poor people of Beaune.

• Lameloise in Chagny - Hotel and Michelin Three Star restaurant (lead by illustrious chef Eric Pras) defining itself as a place where tradition and modernity work harmoniously together to uphold the level of excellence.

• Markets in Beaune - A delight for gastronomes, the street markets in Burgundy reflect the region’s reputation as the stomach of France, where visitors can sample snails and packed eggs cooked in Burgundy red wine.

• Chalon-sur-Saone - Located in Southern Burgundy the Saint Vincent Cathedral square share amazing locally produced fruit, vegetables and meat that will stimulate and inspire your inner gourmand.

• Route Des Grands Crus – Stop off here for a lunch at Le Bar a Vins in the village of Gevrey Chambertin, home to many of Burgandies Grands Crus (French wines).

• Le Ferme de Poiset - Witness the traditional way of making goats cheese on a farm originally inhabited by Louis XVI’s bodyguard, accompanied by a charming gentleman who claims wine is better for you than water!

• Chateau le Rochpot - A beautiful 13th century chateau near Beaune perched on top of a hill overlooking the village.

• Basilique Sainte Madeleine, Vézelay - Famous for the starting point of the crusades, the basilica is the very centre for this charming medieval town with an outstanding history and breath-taking interiors.

• L’Abbaye de Fontenay - One of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in France with warm sandstone finishings and a UNESCO world heritage site since 1981.

Burgundy epitomizes all the finer things to savor in life. Through the Tastes of Burgundy you too can experience the chateau life with a select group of foodies, learning to produce your own Burgundy culinary delights.

Tastes of Burgundy is offering this experience to those interested in fine cuisine, wine and learning different techniques in the kitchen from three of Australia’s best chefs. The eight day tour will visit many of the aforementioned sites and will no doubt delight food and wine connoisseurs of all levels.  

Trips to the market to pick up local produce and cook in the kitchen with a helping hand from your chosen chef are a delectable way to spend the afternoon. Meals will be savored at the finest restaurants Burgundy has to offer, where your senses will be greeted by the smells and taste of the traditions of France.

Serge Dansereau, Andrew McConnell and Kate Lamont have all accepted invitations to be a part of individually hosted week in the amazing region of Burgundy, commencing in April 2012.

Tastes of Burgundy is an opportunity to travel with one of three of Australia’s most acclaimed and recognized chefs, in a small intimate group, to a region of the world that is eponymous for its produce, food and wine.

Extremely limited places - visit www.tastesofburgundy.com for more information.