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 wines the area is so renowned for. The town has a good Sunday morning market, and boutiques for gifts.

There are two châteaux in the near vicinity, Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc. Of the two, Ancy-le-Franc 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.

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.

Places to stay

La Belle Etoile ** Chablis

Hotel Le Maxime *** Auxerre

Hotel Parc Les Maréchaux *** Auxerre