Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
You'll pass through low-slung vineyards south of Meursault, then enter Puligny-
Montrachet(eachwithsmallgrocerystoresandcafésinthetowncenter).Atthebiground-
about with a bronze sculpture of vineyard workers, find the
Caveau de Puligny-Mon-
trachet
and a chance to sample the world's best whites and a good selection of reds (see
Marronniers), with
Hôtel-Restaurant Le Montrachet
and
Café de l'Estaminet de Meix
Gobacktotheroundaboutandfollowsigns
toChassagne-Montrachet
and
St.Aubin,
leading you through more manicured vineyards. To tour
Château de Chassagne-Mon-
here,cyclistscandoublebacktoBeauneorcontinuetoSantenayandthenChagnyandtake
thetrainbacktoBeaune.DriversshouldcontinueontoChâteaudelaRochepotbymaking
a hard right on D-906 to St-Aubin and following
La Rochepot
signs onto D-33. (Bikers,
this is where the going gets tough.) As you head over the hills and through the vineyards
of the Hautes-Côtes (upper slopes), you'll come to a drop-dead view of the castle (stop
mandatory). Turn right when you reach La Rochepot, and follow
Le Château
signs to the
castle (described below).
Aftervisitingthecastle,turnrightoutofitsparkinglotandmoseythroughBaubigny,
Evelles, and rock-solid Orches. After Orches, climb to the top of Burgundy's
world—keeping straight on D-17, you'll pass several
exceptional lookouts
on your right.
Getoutofyourcarandwandercliffsideforapostcard-perfect Burgundianimage. Thevil-
lage of St-Romain swirls below, and if it's really clear, look for Mont Blanc on the eastern
horizon.
Then drive down to St-Romain, past Burgundy's most important wine-barrel-maker,
Tonnellerie Francois Frères
(it's above the village in the modern building on the left).
Inside, well-stoked fires heat the oak staves to make them flexible, and sweaty workers
use heavy hammers to pound iron rings around the barrels as they've done since medieval
times. No one slacks in this hardworking factory, where demand seems strong. The work-
shop is closed to the public (
www.francoisfreres.com
).
Next, follow signs for
Auxey-Duresses,
and then
Beaune
for a pretty finale to your
journey.
▲
Château de la Rochepot
This very Burgundian castle rises above the trees and its village, eight miles from Beaune.
This pint-size castle—splendid both inside and out—is accessible by car, bike (hilly), or
infrequent bus.