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
here ) . A block straight out the door of the caveau leads to the town's big square (Place des
Marronniers), with Hôtel-Restaurant Le Montrachet and Café de l'Estaminet de Meix
(both described on here ) .
Gobacktotheroundaboutandfollowsigns toChassagne-Montrachet and St.Aubin,
leading you through more manicured vineyards. To tour Château de Chassagne-Mon-
trachet (well-signed,see here ) ,turnleftonD-906,andyou'llseeitsoontotheright.From
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.
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