Berry – Burgundy

Start in Vaux-le-Vicomte, a preserved genuine masterpiece of French 17 century art.

The architect, decorator and gardener who created Vaux-le-Vicomte are the same who created Versailles later.
Vaux was the tragic setting for the downfall of Fouquet, a faithful minister who paid the price of life imprisonment, accused of an embezzlement he did not commit, victim of the jealousy of the 'Sun King'.

Wine tasting in Menetou-Salon chalky-clay hillsides close to Sancerre produce very good, expressive, fresh and balanced white (Sauvignon) and red wines (Pinot Noir)

Dinner and overnight at La Verrerie, a lovely castle built in the 15th century, nestled alongside a romantic lake and surrounded by a large forest, near the Sancerre vineyards

Bourges. Capital of the Berry region, visit St Etienne cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece and the Palais Jaques Cœur.

Born in Bourges around the year 1400, Jacques Coeur rapidly rose to the top of the social ladder. After he became Finance Minister to the King Charles VII and a nobleman, he began the construction of his Palace, which was finished around 1450. This monument unique in France for its time illustrates the original personality of its builder.

En route to Burgundy, Lunch stop at La Charité-sur-Loire. The village rises in terraces from the majestic sweep of the river Loire. The priory church, despite the damage, is still a good example of Romanesque architecture in Burgundy.

Vezelay. Built on the top of a hill overlooking a small river valley. The basilica of Sainte-Madeleine, towering over the town with its old houses and ramparts is a masterpiece of the Romanesque art in Burgundy, and one of the treasures of France.

Dinner and accommodation near Dijon, capital of the Burgundy region.

Dijon. Former capital of one of the most important duchy in Europe, Dijon offers an exceptional cultural patrimony, such as the 'Palais des Ducs' and the Fine Arts Museum.

Walking tour and lunch.

In the afternoon, departure for our tour of great Vintage Wines Road (Route des Grands Crus) :

Drive through the vineyards that hold the illustrious names of the Burgundy wines to get to the town of Beaune

Tour of the historical Clos de Vougeot, built by Cistercian monks in the 12th century. Surrounded by magnificent vineyards, it houses prestigious cellars and collections of winepresses from the Middle Ages.

Arrival in Beaune, ancient city with a splendid architectural heritage and Capital of the Burgundy wines. Visit the 'Patriarche' wine cellars, dating from the 13th/14th century, where you will be able to taste about 13 different kinds of wine!

Dinner and accommodation near Beaune

Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune, a marvel of Burgundian-Flemish art.

The medieval building, with its preserved décor and magnificent colored glazed tiles, houses the famous polyptych of the Last Judgment, by Rogier van der Weyden, masterpiece of Flemish art.
From the 15th century until recently it served as a charitable hospital, it is now an impressive repository of art and mementos of customs and medical practices in medieval Burgundy.

Picturesque drive through the vineyards of the white Burgundy from Beaune to the impressive setting of château de La Rochepot (outside visit). Wine tasting in the little town of Meursault, where the white wines, with a taste of hazelnut, dry and mellow at the same time, are considered among the best in the world.

Lunch in Pommard. Who has never heard this famous name, inextricably linked with the tradition of wine-making ? The village huddles tightly around its square bell-towered church as if to leave room for the vines ! Appreciated by such great men such as Victor Hugo, the wines of Pommard are outstanding.

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