Touring Routes

Chablis to Ancy-le-Franc

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Chablis is a good starting off point to discover the gently rolling countryside in northern Burgundy. This little town offers a choice of accommodation and restaurants, and of course you can taste the famous white wines the area is so renowned for. The town has a good Sunday morning market, and boutiques.

There are two châteaux in the near vicinity, Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc. Of the two, Ancy-le-Franc (right) is outstanding and the continuing restoration work goes on apace. This is what you would expect in a grand château – frescos and friezes, marble and gilt – a magnificent Renaissance building set in a large park. Château de Tanlay is an imposing building from the outside, set in extensive parkland. Inside, the highlight is the trompe-l’oeil gallery which is quite magnificent.

The pretty river Armançon flows through this area and at Perrigny-sur-Armançon, Roland Gillot keeps his flock of Angora goats, a rural idyll to be sure. He has a small shop there selling clothes and rugs in vibrant colours. All articles are lightweight but cosy, and ideal for travelling.

Drive through the undulating landscape, in spring ablaze with yellow rape seed and on to Noyers, one of the best preserved medieval villages in Burgundy. The lavoir, half-timbered buildings, cobbled streets and ramparts are the things picture books are made of. Noyers stands on another pretty Burgundian river, the Serein, a good place to stop for a picnic. Or en route back to Chablis, the Auberge de la Beursaudière at Nitry is well recommended for lunch or dinner and has nine charming rooms.

hotels

• La Belle Etoile ** Chablis
• Hotel Le Maxime *** Auxerre
• Hotel Parc Les Maréchaux *** Auxerre

holiday homes

• Château de Percey, sleeps 4 and 10

luxury bed and breakfast

• Château de la Resle, Montigny-la-Resle
• La Borde Maison d'Hôtes, Leugny near Toucy