skatterfly

Hi folks,
We have begun in earnest to dream, talk, hypothesize, and speculate about being able to return to France next summer, 2015,---specifically to Burgundy----and what better place to look for ideas than here at Fodor's? The timing would be early June.

My husband loves (loves loves) pinot noir and is enchanted with the notion of terroir... and his dream is to stay on a working winery or set amidst (or adjacent to, or with a view of) vineyards. I also plan to look through VRBO, but would love to know of any recommendations you all have as well. Also any advice on which part of Burgundy is much appreciated.

We will be with the 2 kids (girls, 12 and 9), and no grandparents on this trip, so no built in babysitters—so we don't plan to partake of winery tours and wine-tasting. Just good, relaxing family time set amidst French vineyards.

--We like to cook (and want to partake of the local markets) so a functional kitchen is a must.

---Walking proximity to a village would be a nice feature, especially if the property is particularly charming.

---Then again, I'm not opposed to being out in the countryside a car ride to pastries and wine shops.

---2 bedrooms would be ideal.

---A yard the kids can go into, or park nearby, or walking or biking trails nearby would be good for the children. (This would of course be mitigated if it were part of a village we could get out into and explore.)

---In the Loire Valley our last trip, we found several great bike trails and rented bikes a couple times. Are there safe (off main road) bike paths in Burgundy such as they have in the Loire Valley? We'll travel with our helmets because we'll be visiting the Loire again on this trip... we'd love to find something similar in Burgundy.

As far as what part of Burgundy to stay, I'm completely open to suggestions. We'll have a car.

Thanks!
-skatterfly

PalenQ

http://translate.google.com/translat...m/&prev=search

Are you familiar with France's wonderful Gites de France - country houses or residences in small villages - rural areas that might just be your cup of tea.

If wine is a proiority then try to stay in the vicinity of Beaune, anywhere along the Route des vins bourgogne, a marked highway that goes past many wine houses and thru towns with pedigreed wine famous the world over.

skatterfly

Hi PalenQ... Thanks. I've actually never seen those listings. I will check them out. I have always used VRBO but I really want to find just the *perfect* place... And we are probably starting the search a little late for June next year.

Also, many of the places that I've read about online... Especially places that have been written about in publications as places to stay on a working winery... Are often romantic couples places or b&b's suited more to couples.

Any suggestions on safe (ie paved) bike routes or walking paths?

Thanks again!

PalenQ

skatterfly - Gites are an institution in France and many of my French in-laws and friends use them as get a ways for a week or to (not available usually for shorter rentals in season as least I believe) - they are self-catering (have kitchens) as they are often someone from Paris or some big city - their rustic country home.

I biked all over Burgundy but my main aim would be the Route des vins bourgogne but that may be too busy a road for kids - generally if you get a Michelin map of the area (1:200000) sold everywhere locally the D (departemental) roads colored in yellow are often nearly untravelled paved back roads (there are nearly no dirt roads in France IME of biking all over it) - there are some newer bike paths that I may not be familiar with.

MaineGG

If you Google 'cycling routes Beaune' you will get a lot of hits. Here's the Beaune Tourism site information about the Voie des Vignes/Vineyard Trail:

http://www.beaune-tourism.com/Wine-t...-road-next.asp

The countryside all around Beaune is covered with vineyards, and the town of Beaune is a good center.

rhon

There is a dedicated bike trail called the Voie Verte in the region south of Beaune. It partly follows an old railroad track and extends for around 100 kms [ I think ]. We stayed near Cormatin and saw people riding bikes along it. There are a couple of photos here of the Voie verte and I am sure there will be a site or it will be mentioned on Burgundy info sites.

http://www.france-voyage.com/en/

We like the area around Macon. There are some lovely villages such as Brancion, Chapaize, St Gengoux le National, Cluny. It is a big wine region as well with lots of vineyards. If you would like a climb, it is worthwhile climbing up the Roche de Solutre near Macon. Not difficult [ I am a not terribly fit Grandma ] and the views are wonderful.

Beaune has a good market I believe - have not been. But have been to the market in Chalon sur Saone [ Friday and Sunday mornings ] and it was very good when we were there.

Burgundy is one of our favourite regions in France.
Bon voyage.

sandralist

Do you and your husband have this book?

http://www.amazon.com/Food-Wine-Burg.../dp/1892145758

I am extremely sympathetic to your husband's feel for actually immersing oneself in water, air, earth of a food and wine producing environment, and eating and drinking what is 0 km to where you are. I wish I could say I know Burgundy, but I do not, but I feel confident that book would be an asset. The authors also write about Italy, and I know from experience they really understand the relationship of taste and food to environment.

sandralist

Just tossing this into the pot as an apartment possibility

http://www.houlala-bourgogne.com/cha...roduct_48.html

sandralist

... and tossing this in too

http://www.graperentals.com

MarySteveChicago

I don't know if this fits the requirements but we stayed in this Canadian/French couple's 2 BR apt in Beaune. They also have houses near Beaune that look lovely. The apt was fantastic and Franck and
Laura (parents of small children themselves) are wonderful to work with!

http://www.graperentals.com

skatterfly

Thanks everyone. This is exactly what I'm looking for, and can always count on Fodors to steer me right. Actually, I had read Laura's book a few years ago... and didn't realize she had properties.

I also saw the bike links... great info.

So many fun possibilities.

tuscanlifeedit

I know nothing except for this: we were recently directed to stop in Beaune to visit the Hotel Dieu de Beaune, and it was incredible. Truly one of the most beautiful, interesting and well preserved historic, religious, artistic sites I've ever visited.

If you are anywhere near Beaune, I beg you to to visit.

HappyTrvlr

This is a wonderful rental near Beaune, a cottage in a small hamlet
www.franceburgundycottage.com, 3BR, bikes, nice kitchen.