A former abbey converted into a Relais & Château property, some of the world’s best grand crus, friendly wine bars well stocked with prized bottles, and the lasting memory of the Cistercian Order. Many cultures claim this part of Burgundy as their birthplace. Slowly, our journey trails along the Côtes de Nuits wine region. We get a glimpse of the colourful roofs on the Hospices de Beaune, the remains of Cluny and the medieval village of Brancion. Further along, the south of Burgundy heralds different riches: the region of Bresse brings you unforgettable markets and flavours...
Hotel and restaurant in a park. With a lake and a botanical garden, the grounds of this 12th century Cistercian abbey are marked by a long tradition of humility, peace and hospitality and exude tranquillity. Magnificently restored by the Cummings family, the subtle architecture of the exterior of the Abbaye de la Bussière contrasts with the spectacular interior design, which incorporates ancient frescoes discovered during the renovation of the building. Antique furniture and silken fabrics create an ambiance of subtle sophistication and pure elegance. Dine in a cathedral-like setting and enjoy a wine list that offers the very best of Burgundy.
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Even though it might not be the most impressive – far from it! – Cîteaux Abbey was the founding location of the Cistercian Order in 1098. The Rule of Saint Benedict (silence, poverty, solitude) is still respected by the resident small religious community, who also produce one of France’s great cheeses,...
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On the route
Village of Montréal
A small village of less than 2 000. You can stop here and take in gorgeous views of the Auxois horses, the pastures and the magnificent 13th century stalls in the Collegiate church.
Vézelay
Many well-known writers and artists have come here: Théodore de Bèze, Romain Roland, Jules Roy, Bataille, Maxpol-Fouchet, Picasso, Giacometti, and more. Their words and their influence fill the streets that wind up to the Abbey of La Madeleine; they all came to find freedom of thought and expression....
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Abbaye of Fontenay
It was in this small green valley where Cyrano de Bergerac was filmed and where Gérard Depardieu gave his exceptional performance. It is still easy to imagine 12th century monastic life in this Cistercian monastery.
Saint-Roch Chapel, Bazoches
A few hundred metres from Château de Vauban, in Bazoches, you’ll find a chapel, three firs and a cemetery with an incredible view of Vézelay and the slope; a country unchanged over 5 000 years.
Village of Montréal
A small village of less than 2 000. You can stop here and take in gorgeous views of the Auxois horses, the pastures and the magnificent 13th century stalls in the Collegiate church.
Vézelay
Many well-known writers and artists have come here: Théodore de Bèze, Romain Roland, Jules Roy, Bataille, Maxpol-Fouchet, Picasso, Giacometti, and more. Their words and their influence fill the streets that wind up to the Abbey of La Madeleine; they all came to find freedom of thought and expression....
Hotel and restaurant in a vineyard. On the banks of the river Bouzaize sits a beautiful white house with an elegant French-style garden and a majestic 17 acres park with century-old trees. This very charming property skilfully blends tradition and modernity, in the heart of the prestigious Côte de Beaune vineyards. In the gourmet restaurant the chef serves a traditional cuisine with a modern flair. The vegetable garden allows for simple, delicious dishes at the Bistrot du Bord de l’Eau in the ancient kitchen that dates back to 1750. Finally, the cellar boasts a selection of 1000 references from the most prestigious wines from Burgundy.
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Visiting the wine auctions at the Hospices de Beaune
Every year, on the third Sunday in November, the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune hosts the most famous charitable sale in the world. On this occasion, the bottles produced in the extraordinary 60-hectare vineyard of the Hospices are bought by collectors from around the world. Under the splendid coloured slate roofs,...
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On the route
At the heart of the remains of the Abbaye de Cluny
Before the construction of Saint Peter’s in Rome, the abbey church of Cluny was the largest Christian church in the West. Founded in 910, for many years it played an essential role between the Pope and the Kingdom. Dismantled after the Revolution, the abbey is a formidable reminder of its powerful past....
For Yohann and Stéphanie Chapuis, their bet has paid off. They have re-ignited the flame of this legendary restaurant in Tournus by honouring Jean Ducloux, the patron saint of Burgundy gastronomy. Trained in the kitchens of many a historic Relais & Châteaux, chef Yohann has taken traditional cuisine...
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At the heart of the remains of the Abbaye de Cluny
Before the construction of Saint Peter’s in Rome, the abbey church of Cluny was the largest Christian church in the West. Founded in 910, for many years it played an essential role between the Pope and the Kingdom. Dismantled after the Revolution, the abbey is a formidable reminder of its powerful past....
For Yohann and Stéphanie Chapuis, their bet has paid off. They have re-ignited the flame of this legendary restaurant in Tournus by honouring Jean Ducloux, the patron saint of Burgundy gastronomy. Trained in the kitchens of many a historic Relais & Châteaux, chef Yohann has taken traditional cuisine...
Hotel and restaurant in a village. Maison Doucet is the childhood home of chef Frédéric Doucet, who inherited his parents’ passion for Burgundian cuisine and hospitality. To experience the essence of Burgundy in refined relaxation, step across the threshold of this hotel brimming with character, set in the pretty village of Charolles, known as “The Little Venice of Charolais.”
This French property, just thirty miles from Mâcon, has preserved the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a family home, where you can freely amble through the rooms, even the kitchen. The Maison Doucet’s restaurant, looking out onto the pleasant garden and heated swimming pool, has an ambiance in keeping with its cuisine: understated, elegant, and designed to bring people together. The chef cares deeply about his homeland and showcases local, in-season ingredients. His richly flavored dishes capture his commitment to emotion and shared enjoyment, while his love for the region extends even to the guest-room décor, where contemporary comfort is dotted with interesting, authentic objects from the surrounding area.
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Brancion is one of those jewels which are sometimes forgotten in the tourist books. Perched on a hilltop, this small medieval village which has been expertly restored dominates the whole Mâconnais. You can walk slowly through its little streets, in the shadow of the old fortified castle’s ramparts, from...
Restaurant and hotel in a village. In Vonnas, Georges Blanc, emblematic Chef and visionary businessman, has developed a veritable Gourmet Village on the river bank, around a reconstruction of the inn of his great grandparents. Together with his family, Blanc constantly reinvents Bresse specialties through creations such as the “crêpe vonnassienne” with salmon and caviar or the legendary Bresse chicken with foie gras. Visits are available upon request to one of the five most exceptional cellars in the world, with more than 135,000 bottles. In just under five hectares of grounds, discover a heavenly spa, an aquatic space next to a pond and a large, landscaped park that is illuminated at night.
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A trip to Bourg-en-Bresse isn’t complete without visiting the Royal Monastery of Brou and the masterpiece that is the flamboyant, gothic church. The tombs, the retable and the stained-glass windows are simply magnificent.
Bresse Farms
The first Bresse farm you are able to visit is in Montrevel-en-Bresse. Hidden behind the timber-framed, cob-filled walls and the square sarrasine chimney lie the difficulties of an earlier time. The second farm is in the nearby commune of Romenay. Transformed into a museum devoted to the terroir, time...
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Les Glorieuses de Bresse: celebrating the fattened chicken
On the last Tuesday before Christmas, livestock farmers from the region line up their finest products in the vast warehouses of Montrevel-en-Bresse: fattened chickens, turkeys and capons, carefully plucked and ready to be admired and served up for tasting. Since 1862, Les Glorieuses de Bresse offers...
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Eglise de Brou
A trip to Bourg-en-Bresse isn’t complete without visiting the Royal Monastery of Brou and the masterpiece that is the flamboyant, gothic church. The tombs, the retable and the stained-glass windows are simply magnificent.
Bresse Farms
The first Bresse farm you are able to visit is in Montrevel-en-Bresse. Hidden behind the timber-framed, cob-filled walls and the square sarrasine chimney lie the difficulties of an earlier time. The second farm is in the nearby commune of Romenay. Transformed into a museum devoted to the terroir, time...
**Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges.
Total price communicated as an indication, based on a stay of the number of nights recommended on this webpage, taking place in the next 3 months, and based on double occupancy (excluding recommended activities, excluding properties not bookable online).
Reservation Service
To give you inspiration, Relais & Châteaux presents the Routes du Bonheur:
Suggestions for travel itineraries that you can fully personalise according to your wishes and the experiences you would like to discover. Our consultants are available to help customise your route and assist you in making reservations at our properties. It is up to you to reserve any recommended activities on-site or nearby that might interest you.
** Offer cannot be combined, valid for an itinerary in at least 2 different Relais & Châteaux establishments, reserved with Relais & Châteaux concierges, discount applicable on certain rates and certain establishments. List available from our concierges. Call our concierge to tailormade your booking and itinerary*. *Price of a local call
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