Mr frogoutofwater and I are heading back to France this summer (we moved from France to the US two years ago) for a 12-day wine tour. We're planning to go back to Champagne, then Burgundy, followed by a day in Sancerre (because we love the wines) and then end up in Paris for a few nights. I've sorted out most of the itinerary in terms of sequence, number of nights, etc. but am having a little difficulty choosing a second base in Burgundy. We're planning to spend at least 4 nights in Burgundy because it's a region we haven't visited before. Given that we'll be coming from Champagne and continuing on to Sancerre, I am thinking that we probably will not want to tour the southern part of Burgundy and, instead, will stick to the middle and upper parts of the region. If we base ourselves in or near Beaune for a few nights, can anyone suggest a second base in Burgundy for two nights - or will be Beaune be central enough to reach what we want to see and not make the drive to Sancerre too onerous? I'm thinking of Chablis partly because of the location and partly because we tend to drink more whites than reds. What we're looking for is a nice, moderately priced hotel or B&B in a charming village or the countryside. By moderately priced I mean in the range of 75-125 euros. Any suggestions for a particular hotel or B&B in or near Beaune also would be welcomed.

Frog folks:

We headquartered in Beaune recently and visited several parts of Burgundy that we missed on prior visits. We found Beaune to be a very convenient place to be, found the very comfortable Hotel Athanor (3*) in the center €90....free parking lot a long block away. Here are the pix which should give you an idea of the surroundings. We drove as far afield as Vezelay, but did most of our daily wine touring along the cote d'or alongside Beaune. No traffic, easy driving.

Stu Tower
[email protected]
http://picasaweb.google.com/stuartto...eBurgundy2009#

We recently spent 2 weeks in a gite just 10 mins south of Beaune. Good location - but we spent too much time on the freeway driving to northern Bungundy (Auxerre, Vezelay, etc). For your situation, staying near/in Auxerre or Vezelay would be perfect.

Other Stu
Stu Dudley

You might like to think about this option. Beaunne to start with then follow Stu D's idea of Auxerre. But I would stay at http://restaurant-hotel.hostellerie-st-pierre.com/ in Cravant. This is well placed for Auxerre, Chablis, Irancy, St Bris etc and is a lovely little village. If you stay in AUxerre then more like a town and a bit less private. Chablis too much of a tourist town (i like it) but Cravant seems very nice

Hi F,

Auxerre is about 3 hr from your start in Champagne.
It has a very pretty old town on a hill above the river. I think that it is worth at least an overnight.

Beaune is about 4 hr from there.
We very much liked our stay at http://www.hotel-grillon.fr/

I also recommend that you consider http://myhomeindijon.com/
Coco is one of our members and isn't permitted to advertise here. Lot's of good reviews. My wife and I've spent a day with her - lovely hostess.

Either place is worth 2-3 nights.

From Beaune, you are about 4 hr from Sancerre via Moulins and Nevers,

You might find my trip report helpful: Ira Visits Europe – May, 2007 (Salzburg, Fuessen, Bodensee, Burgundy, Alsace)
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...2&tid=35014078

Enjoy your visit.

Track this thread, too:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ne-vezeley.cfm

I also think you'd be driving too much if you stay in Beaune and think that staying in or near Auxerre would be much nicer.

Last year, I stayed here near Auxerre at
http://www.chateauderibourdin.com/en/accueil_en.htm

I really liked it and it meets your criteria - it's on the outskirts of a village with a nice view of the countryside, it's about a half hour drive to Chablis, and it's inexpensive (about 70-80 euros/night). And Mr. Brodard was helpful with suggestions and very patient with my limited French even though he also speaks English.

Hi; We also stayed at the Chateau de Ribourdin and agree with everything Shanti said. There is also a wonderful restaurant very close to the chateau. Richared p.s. See www.burgundyeye.com/ for information on Burgundy

That looks terrific; I've bookmarked the chateau for our next trip to Burgundy. And what a good price!