We’re Off To Explore Burgundy

In French it’s called La Bourgogne and the name comes from the Burgundians, an ancient Germanic people. It’s one of this senior’s favorite regions in France. History abounds in Burgundy, however it is most famous for it’s wines, one of France’s main wine producing areas.

I always thought that Burgundy wine was red, but I discovered on one of my Food and Wine Tours of France that its white wine is tops. There are five main wine regions in Burgundy: Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais. The producers are famed for the quality of their wines which they make using traditional methods. 130 Burgundy wines from select independent growers are shipped worldwide.

Wine, grape growing and the making and selling of wine have shaped the region for over 2000 years. The “terroir” of most vineyards have a base soil of limestone overlaid with limestone and marl (a mixture of clay and limestone formerly used as fertilizer), sometimes mixed with sand or gravel. Where limestone is dominant, white wines grow; where more marl exists, grapes for red wine grow.

Variety and Scenic Wonders Draw Senior Visitors

Burgundy has a fabulous selection of countryside, small villages, vineyards in all directions. The city of Beaune lies at the center of the region and abounds with tasting rooms.

I recall a particular tasting room right on the main square where my daughter and I sampled some of the finest they have to offer.  If you are an oenophile, you will enjoy discovering the various rooms for tasting in Beaune. A plethora of activities all combine to make this region the ideal place for senior citizens to discover and appreciate la vie française.

History and architecture rate high for visitors and for you senior bikers, take one of the cycle routes along the canals, the Voie Verte or right through the vineyards. Ride along with my travel hero, Rick Steves on one tour.

From Givry down to Mâcon there are many wine producers located among the rolling hills and pretty stone villages. A French acquaintance of mine wrote this great link on the region with many specifics that include how to reach the Burgundy area. The Hôtel Dieu Beaune is definitely NOT TO BE MISSED. It’s an awesome site and formerly a hospice.

Of course Google is always a great place to start your exploring and Fodor’s Choices are highly recommended.  Burgundy’s green-hedgerowed countryside, medieval villages, and stellar vineyards deserve to be rolled on the palate and savored. Like glasses filled with Clos de Vougeot (don’t miss this vineyard), the sights—from the stately hub of Dijon to the medieval sanctuaries of Sens, Auxerre, Vézelay, and Cluny—invite senior visitors to linger and partake of their mellow splendor.

This is one very rich and fascinating place to visit. I feel that you will enjoy Burgundy as I have. jeb