This morning we were met by Tracy Thurling, proprietress of Burgundy By Request, who was to be our guide for the day through the Burgundy countryside. She has lived in the area for @20 years, having relocated from the UK. She is quite knowledgeable about the area and very flexible since we had all day. The goal was to visit medieval ruins, abbeys, chateaux, etc. and check out the area west of Dijon and Beaune. Our first stop was the Abbaye de Fontenay, a UNESCO site, and an excellent example of a 12C. monastery. It is amazing what those people built out of stone long ago.
After driving around the Auxois region, an area well-known for agriculture and stock-raising, we visited the battle field of Alesia where Julius Caesar fought the Gauls, led by Vercingertorix. While I'd heard of Caesar and many of his exploits, this battle was news to me. Of course, Lloyd, the history buff, was keenly aware of everything that happened here.
Since we were in the area, we drove into the valley past Montbard on the Burgundy canal. Lloyd asked Tracy to follow the canal route as much as possible since we had originally planned to see Burgundy on a canal barge. We soon came to a pretty lock on the canal, but no barge was in sight. Oh, well: see canal and lock system--check!!
It was approaching lunch time, and Tracy had made a reservation in the town of Flavigny, the picturesque village where the popular French movie "Chocolat" was filmed. I must admit, while the town looked very quaint, the empty shop seemed sad and desolate. But there is a placque on the wall, marking the film work. Lunch was in an old grange building, cleverly called Le Grange. It is run by the local farmers and their wives. Food was all fresh, local, and delicious. There is also a beautiful old church there. OK: see Flavigny--check!
Tracy, our guide, and the Chocolat shop facade
Eventually we saw a canal barge, but upon closer inspection, it was not one that we would have hired. Hmm, see canal barge--check!
The final highlight of the day was a visit to the chateau named Chateauneuf en Auxois, built in the 12th century by Jean de Chaudenay for his son. The name Chateauneuf means new (neuf) chateau (house). I guess Monsieur Chaudenay had a sense of humor. Anyway, the chateau was donated to the state not long ago--the most recent family, although wealthy, apparently did not want to pay the taxes nor the upkeep. There were workmen (obviously state workers) busily rebuilding the old stone wall and moat.
The weather today was chilly and gray until the afternoon, but we still had a delightful time visiting and seeing new things. See the countryside--check!
Off to Paris tomorrow.
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