Visiting Burgundy for the first time in July. We'd welcome sugesstions for vinyards to visit where the experience is likely to be pleasant. Also looking for a nice Chateau in the Beaune area for acommodations.

Don't know if you will consider this a "nice" chateau - - more like a spectacular chateau.<BR><BR>http://www.slh.com/france/gillylesciteaux/hotel_gilgil.html<BR><BR>Chateau de Gilly.<BR><BR>or see www.chateauxandcountry.com<BR><BR>and for vineyards - - more than you can shake a stick at see www.frenchwines.com<BR><BR>specifically http://www.frenchwines.com/uk/bourgogne/bourgogne_viticulteurs.html<BR><BR>Bonne degustation<BR><BR>and as always,<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

You might want to check this site out. <BR>http://www.pilot.co.uk/Planet_Food/burgundy.html

My husband and I loved Beaune. We didn't spend enough time in the Burgundy region, but I figure that gives us a great excuse to return. We stayed at Hotel Le Cep (not a chateau) and loved the hotel as well as being in the city. The best meal we had during two weeks in France was at Ma Maison (owned by a husband/wife team ... she is the chef, he runs the restaurant and also runs a wine cave). I can't wait to return!

Vezalay is a good town to walk around. Park your car at the bottom of the hill and walk up and around and down. You must get to Beaune - the best. See the Hospice - a highlight. If you want to stay there the most recommended is:<BR>Hotel Le Cep <BR>27 rue Maufoux <BR>21200 Beaune<BR>France<BR>Tel: 011-33-3-80-22-35-48 <BR>Fax: 011-33-3-80-22-76-80 <BR>I don't remember much about the other villages although there are plenty of them. <BR>In Beaune, the Tourist Office has "Safari" van tours of the vineyards that last about two and a half hours, three a day. <BR>In addition to hitting the individual wineries, there are a couple of good tasting places to sample various wines of the regions. In Beaune itself, go to the Marche aux Vins - fun wine tasting.<BR>Also be sure to visit the Hospice in Beaune.<BR>One of the best wine tasting places is Le Caveau de Chassagne-Montrachet<BR>Chassagne-Montrachet<BR>Take N6 to D113A<BR>tel: 80-21-38-13<BR>fax: 80-21-35-81<BR>They have tastings by the glass of all wines from the area, not just one winery.<BR><BR>In the Beaujolais area further south:<BR>Le Hameau en Beaujolais (Deboeuf's)<BR>LaGare<BR>71570 Romaneche-Thorins <BR>Gives tour of how wines are made, history, soil, tasting, etc.<BR>Off the A-6, near Lyon.<BR>For Paris information e-mail me: [email protected]

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Sorta pointed out already, but worthwhile to mention that the Beaujolais is a very separate and distinct region almost down to Lyon. It's own twist on Bourgogne cuisine, and of course, the wines are different. And not all just le nouveau Beaujolais. Even some interesting whites.<BR>

We stayed at the lovely Chateau Chorey Les Beaune, just outside of Beaune in Chorey Les Beaune. A 13th century chateau with modern bathrooms, it has its own vineyard and the family produce their own wine. It was a pleasant place to stay. Also, in Puligny Montrachet, the Hotel Montrachet was just gorgeous, a good spot for exploring the area. The largest vineyard we visited was Chateau Pommard, which gave you a tour and a tasting. Otherwise, we just went to some of the smaller places and took our chances that they would see us - the Marquis D'angerville in Volnay, Jean Moreau in Santenay, Rene Le Clerc and Philip Le Clerc in Gevry Chambertin. We used a great book - Touring France the Wine Country by Herbert Dieter (sp?). Have a great time.

ttt for Marie

We stayed at the Chateau De Gilley=it was fabulous and so were the meals at the chateau-- Would not hesitate to reccommend it!