30 November 2006
France Deux
After leaving the Dordogne area; we headed east to the Auverne area of France, which is on an elevated plateau so very cold (snowy in places). Unfortunately the whole area, or at least anything outside large towns, seems to shut down over winter, including entire villages! This combined with the fact that it rained pretty much the 3 days we spent in this area meant that we were a bit concerned that we had made a dreary mistake being in France in November and December. Fortunately, on moving further north-west to the lovely Loire Valley, our faith was restored. All the fabulous attractions have remained open, including all the famous chateau, the museums, wine degustaçion (tasting) caves, and others. So we spent 6 days in this area, staying in the same "4 star" campsite at night and driving around each day to visit the villages and attractions. (Excuse the chateau-heavy photos in this update, but they are pretty amazing, and all very different.)
"The burning bush" - autumn colours in France
Chateau de Hautefort, Dordogne area
Chateau de Chambord, Loire Valley area
Chateau de Chenonceau, Loire, built over a river
Now we are to the west of the Loire, in the famous Burgundy (Bourgogne) area, specifically the Cote d'Or wine region. This has included Beaune, Dijon and small wine villages. Our friend Carrie's grandparents live in this area, so we are jealous that her and Colin and the girls regularly visit this region. This area has also been great for us. You cannot help but be swallowed up by the French and their joy of wine growing, making and especially drinking around here. Last night we stayed, for free, on a Cotes de Beaune winegrower's property, in amongst his pinot noir vines!
We've said "Dieter and Bruni's spirit and generosity is worth bottling" (Aussie saying), and here it is! Inside the Musee Hospice de Beaune
Ian and Gail tasting Burgundy's wines. This historic place in Beaune has a 2 hectare underground wine cellar with 5 km of passages containing between 4 and 5 MILLION bottles of wine for aging at any one time. For €10 each you can wander through the labrinth, taste 15 red and white Cote d'Or wines, and keep the special tastevin tasting cup
From here we'll travel north to Strasburg (still in France, near the German border) before heading back towards Frankfurt.
"The burning bush" - autumn colours in France
Chateau de Hautefort, Dordogne area
Chateau de Chambord, Loire Valley area
Chateau de Chenonceau, Loire, built over a river
Now we are to the west of the Loire, in the famous Burgundy (Bourgogne) area, specifically the Cote d'Or wine region. This has included Beaune, Dijon and small wine villages. Our friend Carrie's grandparents live in this area, so we are jealous that her and Colin and the girls regularly visit this region. This area has also been great for us. You cannot help but be swallowed up by the French and their joy of wine growing, making and especially drinking around here. Last night we stayed, for free, on a Cotes de Beaune winegrower's property, in amongst his pinot noir vines!
We've said "Dieter and Bruni's spirit and generosity is worth bottling" (Aussie saying), and here it is! Inside the Musee Hospice de Beaune
Ian and Gail tasting Burgundy's wines. This historic place in Beaune has a 2 hectare underground wine cellar with 5 km of passages containing between 4 and 5 MILLION bottles of wine for aging at any one time. For €10 each you can wander through the labrinth, taste 15 red and white Cote d'Or wines, and keep the special tastevin tasting cup
From here we'll travel north to Strasburg (still in France, near the German border) before heading back towards Frankfurt.
Comments:
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Howdy Ian and Gail, great to see that you're having such a great trip. I was culling email and found thie link to your blog site! Ian we're still battling away with the residue area closure studies. ABC complete and F underway. You'll probably be surprised how little progress when you return in Jan. We're heading to Vic on a caravanning trip in a couple of weeks, will catch up in mid Jan I guess. Regards to you both Don Glenister
# posted by 
: December 01, 2006 6:49 am
: December 01, 2006 6:49 am
Hi Ian & Gail. You seem to be having a wonderful trip I am so happy for you both and a little envious. Continue to enjoy and see you both when you get back. Keep well. PS: keep up the blog it helps us to see what you are up to. I'm glad Gemma is okay Vicki.
# posted by : December 04, 2006 9:21 pm
: December 04, 2006 9:21 pm
Hi Guys....
Aussie Col here. Jealous as hell that you've made it to Cote D'Or. Savour every moment of the monumentous wines they make there. There's nowhere like it on Earth...
I'm expecting a glass of something exceptional along with the full story when you get back.
Pick up a couple of bottles of Beaujolais Nuoveau 2006 if you have a chance - you won't be disappointed.
Aussie Col
Aussie Col here. Jealous as hell that you've made it to Cote D'Or. Savour every moment of the monumentous wines they make there. There's nowhere like it on Earth...
I'm expecting a glass of something exceptional along with the full story when you get back.
Pick up a couple of bottles of Beaujolais Nuoveau 2006 if you have a chance - you won't be disappointed.
Aussie Col
# posted by : December 08, 2006 8:50 pm
: December 08, 2006 8:50 pm
Happy Birthday again Gail. Hope our SMS was received on time. Just love the gorgeous photos - especially the villages. Looks like you're in the right place to celebrate in style. Time is running out for you. We are organizing your sumptuous homecoming dinner - which just happens to be Christmas Day!! Can hardly wait. B & G seem to be alive, well and busy. Love from Mum & Dad.
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# posted by : December 09, 2006 9:44 pm
: December 09, 2006 9:44 pm
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