Cote d'Or Region Attractions
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An important part of Burgundy is the Côte d'Or, a ridge of low hills which extends from Dijon to Chagny, with a series of villages whose names are a roll-call of Burgundy - Chenove, Brochon, Gevrey-Chambertin, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges, Aloxe-Corton, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Santenay.The region is divided into the Côtes de Nuits, named after Nuits-St-Georges and located on the northern section of the slope of hills, the Côte de Beaune commune in the south and, in the west, the Hautes Côtes.
Cote de Beaune Region
The Grands Crus of the Côte de Beaune are: Bâtard-Montrachet, Bienvenues Bâtard-Montrachet, Charlemagne, Chevalier-Montrachet, Corton, Corton-Charlamagne, Criots Bâtard-Montrachet and Montrachet.One of the world's greatest charity auctions takes place each year in the town of Beaune. The proceeds go towards running the modern hospital situated behind the original medieval Hospice de Beaune. The auction is held on the third Saturday in November as the climax of the three day festival: Les Trois Glorieuses.
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Meursault - Paulée de Meursault
The village of Meursault offers a number of attractions. The Boisseaux family (of Patriarche Père et Fils) now own this restored 15th C building. Occasionally they organize painting exhibitions. On the Monday following the Hospice de Beaume auction (third Sunday in November) the Château de Meursault is the site of the Paulée de Meursault.Also in Meursault, visits to the town hall and the Gothic church of St-Nicolas are worthwhile.
Volnay
Volnay is a village located high on the slopes of the Côte de Beaune region of Burgundy. Attractions include a 16th C chapel, a 14th C restored church and a statue of Notre-Dame-des-Vignes.
Santenay Region
The Santenay region is at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune. Producers of special interest include: Domaine du Château de Mercy, Domaine B. Bachelet et Ses Fils, Guillemard Dupont et Ses Fils, Domaine Lucien Jacob.The Château Philippe-le-Hardi has a 14th century keep and large cellars.
Satenay
The village of Satenay is famous for its medicinal springs which were discovered by the Romans. Since 1968, Satenay has been a hydrothermal and health resort.There is a panoramic view from the top of Mont de Sène, also called the 'Mountain of Three Crosses'. The village is also home to a Romanesque church dating from the 13th century.
Chateau de Bussy-Rabutin, Bussy-le-Grand, France
Château de Bussy-Rabutin was built in the 1600's near the village of Bussy-le-Grand. The interior has over 200 17th C. paintings collected by Roger Bussy-Rabutin, a cousin of Mme de Sévigné. The paintings provide a summary of ancient and modern history.
Cotes de Nuits Region
The Côtes de Nuits is the northern section of the Côte d'Or region in Burgundy.Information on local châteaux can be obtained from the Syndicat d'Initiative in rue Sonays in Nuits-St-Georges.The Hospice de Nuits auction takes place each spring on the Sunday before Palm Sunday.
Chambolle-Musigny
Chambolle-Musigny is a village tucked into a valley in the Côte d'Or. Estates of special note include: Daniel Moine-Hudelot, Domaine Jacques-Frédérique Mugnier, Domaine G. Roumier, Domaine Comte Georges de Vogüé and Gaston Barthod-Noëllat.Attractions in the village include a 16th C. church with a separate tower and an ancient hollow lime tree in the churchyard. There is also an arch erected for Henri IV.
Gevrey-Chambertin
Gevrey-Chambertin forms its own appellation offers southerly or southeasterly exposure to a line of Premiers Crus. There are two dozen land owners in the 32 acres around Chambertin.Sights in the village include a 10th C castle with vaulted cellars and a 13th C church with exquisite wooden carvings and decorated tombstones.
Nuits St Georges
After Beaune, Nuits-St-Georges is Burgundy's second most important center.Sights in the town itself include finds from the Gallo-Roman excavations at Les Bolards on display in the 17th C. bell tower and the church of St-Symphorien (late Romanesque).
Vougeot
The Château de Vougeot is a must-see. It houses a monumental kitchen and 14th C presses. Today it is the headquarters of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin de Bourgogne, an organization which promotes burgundy competitions, ceremonies and atmospheric dinners.
Fixin
In the village of Fixin itself there is a museum dedicated to Napoleon in the Parc Noiset. It is also the site of the grave of Noiset, a former captain of the Imperial Guard.
