This apartment with its balcony is ideal for a couple wanting a quiet base in the heart of Burgundy from which to explore the hidden treasures of the region.It was completed in 2010 being accessed by a shared atrium with the main property; it has its own front door from the first floor landing.Although essentially a modern construction ,it has been sypathetically built using traditional methods and materials with exposed beams in the main living area.
It comprises 30 M² of living space, providing dining facilities for up to 4 persons, comfortable easy chairs and a pull-down double bed which retracts into a storage unit in the daytime, should you so wish. The studio includes home entertainment centre, English /French TV, and Wi-Fi link. There is a Galley Kitchen equipped with multi-function oven, hotplates, and refrigerator with icebox. There is a contemporary shower room. All of which is heated by radiators and a wood burning fire (should that be necessary. Tables, chairs, and recliners are available with a BBQ for use in the 4,000M² of gardens which guests are welcome to wander through. We specialise in roses and have nearly 200 in flower from late June. our heather beds flower throughout the year and we have over a 1000 spring bulbs; the weather here is very agreeable for most of the year with autumn extending well into November and spring bringing the garden to life in march;
Our newly constructed swimming pool is available for the use of our guests, who might otherwise choose to swim in one of the larger lakes typical of the region.
We provide an extensive range of visitor guides and are usually available on site to assist with a program of activities. Ann was one of 3 to produce 2 visitor guides to the area written in French and English to link the watercolour paintings of a local artist.
The property is readily accessible from Paris and Lyon, both 2.5 hours’ drive away. Alternatively, you may choose to arrive by train via TGV to Montbard or local service to Avallon. A day trip to Paris can be easily accomplished using the TGV (65 minutes to Gare de Lyon), similarly Euro Disney.
Both Avallon and Montbard have sites for the major rental firms.
The markets in Avallon and Quarré- Les -Tombes on Saturday and Sunday respectively provide the opportunity to experience an important part of French life at first hand, just sitting and watching the world go by in a cafe or salon de thé is very rewarding. In rural France, everyone has and takes time. Lunch can take 2hours! Both places have the necessary shops and services and are only 7 kms away.
If you seek a gastronomic evening try one of the many fine restaurants nearby including 2 Michelin starred, where you can taste fine wines and enjoy the wonderful foods of this region.
One of our walking groups spends 2-3 hours following the well-defined footpaths just to end up at a local hostelry for a 3 course meal for less than €20, of course you can spend upwards of €40 for a menu de degustation (tasting many courses and accompanying wines) The famous Burgundy vineyards of Beaune and Chablis can be visited, needless to say one can spend a day in either region sampling the array of products. Organised walking tours are now increasingly popular where food and wine are included, our version of the triathlon, walk, eat and drink! we are trying the Côte de Nuit this summer.
Our house and apartment are to be found on the edge of Marrault, a small village known for its 2 lakes and its association with Louis Pasteur. Importantly NOT isolated like some, we are very much part of the community here. From all the windows, there are outstanding panoramic views. The house faces south so we have 180 degrees to watch the sun rising and setting. Both footpaths and Mountain bike routes pass the foot of the garden and we will happily give you maps and directions; Many would be best described as challenging, but canal footpaths provide a more leisurely alternative. A walk around the village will enable you to look over the chateau and its associated chapel and could take you down to the valley of the River Cousin and the Mill.
The area of the Morvan is heavily wooded with streams, rivers, and lakes, each of which is designated for a recreational activity. Attractions include canoe/kayaking, fishing, a tree climbing activity centre (try the black route!), and several horse trekking centres. The Morvan is noted for its wildlife and the garden which is regularly visited by a wide range of birds.
There are many fine chateau and fortified villages to be viewed, notably Montreal, Epoisses, Semur and Noyers; Art galleries abound and there are numerous concerts to be experienced; We have a medieval castle under construction at Guédelon, which must be one of the most exciting of archaeological projects in the world today. A walk through some of our small towns will take you into another age of history. You may choose to research the life and times (Louis X1V) of Marshall Vauban, whose birthplace is nearby as well as his home at Bazoches. On the southern edge of the Morvan lies Autun with its Roman amphitheatre, museums, and military history; a new interactive museum is to be found at Alécia which tells the story of the battle between the Gaul’s and Caesar; The areological site is to be found nearby; as is Flavigny-sur-ozerain, the village where the film " Chocolat" was made, another of the "plus beaux villages de France". President Mitterrand on his retirement helped establish the Musée de la Resistance locally at the National Park centre which also hosts a history of the local culture.
The World Heritage site of Vezelay can be reached in 20 minutes where you can ascend the main street to the Basilica, from where there are magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. The start of a long-distance walk to the north of Spain, the village has true historical significance as well as being an art haven;
Our local town of Avallon, not to be outdone was recently voted into the top 100 towns to visit in France, perched as it is on a rocky outcrop overlooking the cousin valley. The river historically provided the power for over 20 mills treating everything from grain to leather. a walk around the old town reveals so much with its art galleries, museums and churches; The ramparts originally had over 20 towers but only 7 now remain.
Dijon is well worth a visit. The administrative capital of Burgundy, it can be reached within the hour by motorway or you can take another 15 minutes by the old route national; For its history, we would refer you to the website for Burgundy. Auxerre is closer and in our view, is a beautiful city with great churches standing above the Yonne river. you can take boat trips from here as well which follow the river and the broad canal. the river was once used for floating timber up to Paris in large rafts. the logs originated from the Morvan and were flooded down to Corbigny and Clamecy to be assembled.
Many of our guests have also chosen to progress onto a week or more on the canals travelling up/down the Rhone valley from Lyon, or as already referred to Nevers to Paris taking in the Loire valley;
So why is the region described as" the hidden secret of France" you may ask; We have come to think that it is because visitors rush by on their way to Paris, travelling North or to the Mediterranean travelling South, possibly stopping off overnight but never long enough to explore the area. those that do are truly surprised by what they find. one might add that the locals like it the way it is! We would be only too happy to enable you to become among the informed.
For further information, do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to seeing you.