The daily diary of a wandering restaurateur
April 30 - Around Burgundy
Beaune is the heart of the Burgundy wine country and a magnet for tourists. It does, however, have a great feel ... and a lot of antique shops.
The Hotel Dieu in Beaune, a 15th century charity hospital. The courtyard has the Burgundian tile roofs. The beds in the main hall were each occupied by two patients and tended by nuns.
Semur-en-Auxois sits in medieval splendor above the river. There is not that much to see here, but it is worth a visit just to soak up the narrow twisting streets and alleys.
The Abbey of Fontenay is well-preserved but pretty well devoid of furniture and furnishings. While it makes things a bit stark, it does permit the spectacular architecture to shine forth without competition.
The fields of Burgundy are almost a fluorescent greenish-yellow, particularly in the sunshine! We thought these were mustard fields, but it turns out to be rape seed which is used in animal feed and for oil.
Located in a strategic hilltop position, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain is a medieval town long known for its famous anise candy ... and more recently as the location for part of the movie "Chocolate" with Johnny Depp.
© 2004 Restaurant Doctor
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