Chablis to Beaune

Thursday, July 11

Our plan was to start with a visit to Domaine Brocard, which used to be outside of Chablis. Going through Chablis, we noticed they also had a shop in the village, and we realised that although the Domaine is still outside the village, they do not encourage visits there. So back to the camping we went, and then walked into Chablis – just a 5-minute walk.

However, since we love taking our time in the mornings, it was now time for lunch. We found a small and very un-charming café with really good food. I had the best Croque Monsieur I have ever had, and a glass of Chablis. This morning was quite cool, so we had geared up with sweaters and umbrellas, but Jens had to walk back to the camping with all the extras. Luckily the camping is so close!

And then Brocard, just across the street from the café. Lovely wines of course, but since they are available in Sweden (and not much more expensive at home than here!) we only bought a few bottles.

On to La Chablisienne, where many of the smaller domaines sell their wines. We thought there would be more info on Chablis to be had, so were a bit disappointed (we love maps and like to frame them).

After dinner “at home” we were surprised to run into a Danish couple. We had met them and their dog several times on the camping and always said our “Bon jour” but had no idea they were fellow Scandinavians. We invited them over for a glass of wine, and had a really nice evening together. Turned out, this was their fourth time in Chablis. Small wonder, nice camping, lovely area.

Friday, July 12

On to Beaune, a 2,5 hour drive. We had tried to book 3 nights at Camping Cent Vignes in Beaune, but had got no answer. (We later understood that you have to make reservations one week ahead, so that’s probably the reason they never answered.) We were a bit apprehensive, but found the camping without problem, and staying 3 nights was no problem. This is a great camping. A 15 minute walk from the city centre. There is a bus once an hour, but so far the schedule hasn’t matched ours.

Walked into town after we had parked our RV. Really hot, and it got worse. We looked in some stores, didn’t buy anything, but tried to remember where we had been on previous visits. I was here maybe 20 years ago, and Jens was here in 2004.

The walk home was an ordeal. You will have noticed how the heat does not agree with me. Well, it was super hot, no shade. The 15 minute walk probably took close to 30 minutes. I thought I would pass out from the heat. Felt better after a lie-down and several glasses of water.

Saturday, July 13

Wanted to sleep in late, but a family from the Netherlands with 3 little kids had other plans. In Germany and France there is usually an absolute no-no on noise between 10 pm and 8 a. This family was up and about at 6.30. I was not happy.

However, today was cooler than yesterday, such a blessing. Walked into town, and checked the stores for dresses. Had lunch at a very busy restaurant at Place Carnot. OK food, very slow service. Always difficult to find restaurants that will cater both to vegetarians (Jens) and dog-owners, so sometimes we just have to make do with what we get.

After lunch we had planned a visit to Bouchard père et fils, one of the great Domaines in this area. However, we found out that they have now become so “great” that we should have made reservations... plus no dogs allowed in their wine cave. Oh well. Next time. We’ve been saying that a lot!

Decided to make it an early day home, and walked back. Passed a small patisserie where we bought a lemon tarte on our way back. Our dinner was the last of the mushrooms, a couple of lovely cheeses and the lemon tartes. We are so spoiled...

Tomorrow is not only Sunday, but also July 14, their national day, so everything will be closed. We’ve decided to drive around in the area south of Beaune – where we were 20 years ago – just to do some sightseeing. No problem if the restaurants are closed – our kitchen is in the back of the car!

No wine tasting as of yet here in Beaune. There are many wine handlers - but we didn't feel like schlepping boxes of wine in the heat, and the streets are really to small for our RV. Instead we plan to visit a large winehandler just outside of Beaune. Probably less charming, but more practical.