I had the pleasure of staying at the beautiful Les Cerisiers in the heart of rural burgundy last…read moreweek. I was spending time with a group of women I used to walk with when I lived in London, and we decided to organise a 5th anniversary break which provided a fantastic opportunity to meet up with friends that I hadn't seen for a while, and explore this amazing area of France. The Big Dream Company, and Les Cerisiers, is run by Janice and Mark, a lovely expat couple who have fallen in love with this area of France and have consequently made this their new home and business. The house is rented out as a private chite during the summer months but is also used for specialised retreats during the off season. Courses that have been run here so far include creative writing, art, quilting and textiles. In the future, Janice and Mark hope to offer wellbeing weekends, motorbike and walking breaks. They have managed to create a lifestyle and business which includes all the things they love doing - I'm completely jealous of what they have managed to achieve here!! The house itself is self contained with six bedrooms and four bathrooms, plus a spacious lounge and beautiful kitchen. There is a barn conversion next door which can be used for the courses that they run. The grounds also include an orchard and swimming pool, as well as beautiful views of Mont St Cyr, the highest peak in the area. Although the facilities are designed for self-catering, Janice and Mark also offer the option of a fully catered break. We were quick to take them up on this offer and were treated to large continental breakfasts, tasty lunches of cold meats, cheese and salads, and traditional French dinners with delightful puddings, plus cheese and plenty of wine. Not to mention afternoon cakes when we were around, thank goodness this trip also involved reasonable amounts of exercise! The area is very rural and extremely beautiful, ideal for walking as there are numerous paths and tracks that allow you to explore the beautiful countryside. There are very limited facilities around, so probably not the place for you if you want a pub or cafe on every corner! However, for me, this was pretty close to paradise. As well as walking, I was able to experience archery, swimming, yoga and massage during my short stay. I returned home feeling revitalised and energised (and a little envious of what these guys have managed to achieve!)

La Maison Rouge has thought of every detail in providing an exceptional place to rest and relax…read more From the location just 5 minutes to town, yet in a quite and beautiful farm setting. Complete with a exquisite breakfast of homemade pastries, jam, large variety of teas, yoghurt, juice, and fruit. Each suite is delightfully decorated with a unique theme to include Old time school, Alp mountains, Countryside, and Baroque and Angels romantic room. This charming old farmhouse dating back to 1790 has been tastefully refurbished to bring all the comforts of present yet keeping the warmth and history of its beginning. You will be pleasantly surprised by the gem of a place this is. I initially planned on staying one night but was so comfortable and relaxed I used it as the home base for exploring Dijon, Beaune and the surrounding area for three nights. The Hosts were exceptionally helpful. They were kind enough to include me I joining them for the Saturday visit to the market as well as sharing a dinner together. I had a parcel held in customs in Paris and hours were spent in assisting me with getting it sent to me in Cannes. I will forever be indebted to this fine and generous hosts.

From the owner: La Maison Rouge est une maison d'hôtes située au calme à 5 kms de Beaune qui propose 4 chambres…read moretrès confortables, ainsi qu'une piscine et un grand jardin. Toutes les chambres sont équipées de TV, Wifi, plateau de courtoisie. Les petits déjeuners (compris dans le tarif) sont servis dans la salle à manger des propriétaires ou sur le terrasse aux beaux jours. Profitez de cette belle ancienne bâtisse rénovée à quelques kilometres de l'autoroute et du vignoble.

From the owner: Au coeur historique de Beaune, la Maison du Chat Lunatique, est un hôtel particulier de la fin du…read moreXVIIIe siècle. Une chambre pour 2 personnes est aménagée au 1/2 étage avec des meubles de famille, elle donne sur un jardin intérieur fleuri et calme, avec bassin en pierre ancienne. A la belle saison, le petit déjeuner est servi au jardin, sinon dans une petite salle à manger située au rez-de-chaussée.