The Burgundy region of France is a sparsely populated area famous for its wine and fine cuisine. An area mostly with rolling hills, grazing cattle, pleasant woodland, small towns and valleys full of vines (eventually to be transformed into a great red, or white).
It is not just the vineyards that pull in the crowds however, along with ancient monasteries, old castles and some of the most beautiful villages in France, there is also ample opportunity to sample some of the best restaurants in the country, along with a generous collection of independently run hotels. Many are found in the quietest, most out-of-the-way locations.
Chateau de Courban is a family-run 17th-century hotel that has been renovated to include a luxury spa and highly rated restaurant (run by executive chef Ismael Ylmaz who has been awarded several Michelin stars). With 20 individually decorated bedrooms, the property offers a luxury escape with the feel of a cozy B&B.
Found in the small town of Courban, with the exception of pleasant stone-built farmhouses and green rolling hills in every direction, there is little in the area that would be called an ‘attraction’ but the beauty of the location and standard of personalized service is enough to keep most people occupied for the day.
For those that want to wander further afield there are many worthwhile visits in the area: the Abbey of Fontenay, Colombey les deux Eglise- with its memorial to its most famous resident Charles de Gaulle, Chateau de Bussy, the village of Epoisses (of strong smelly cheese fame), Alesia (an ancient Roman ruin) and wine cellars galore, including those of the village of Chablis.
Rates start from under €100 for a double room with a variety of half-board packages available from €150 to €350. A three-course set menu in the hotel’s restaurant is available from a very reasonable €40 per person.
Book online at Expedia.
Photo Credit: Chateau de Courban
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