The names of the tiny wine-producing villages to the north and south of Beaune are world-renowned. And how good it is to stock up your cellar with wines that you selected while you were 'sur place'. For somewhere to stay at the very heart of things, look no further than the Clos du Colombier, a cross between a boutique hotel and a private house.
Indeed this former vintner's residence is the home of Madame Pothier, who with her husband, has created a most comfortable B&B in the prosperous village of Pommard. The light and airy bedrooms were gutted before being dressed in the ubiquitous dernier-chic colours of grey, black, chocolate and mauve; and the designer bathrooms are just as smartly turned out. The website tells you which accommodation has the best views; but it fails to mention the fact that the thoughtful Pothiers provide tea and coffee making stuff in all the spacious bedrooms.
For this is no bog-standard maison d'hôtes. There's a heated outdoor pool and a reading room if you don't fancy a turn in the sauna or jacuzzi. You can even hire a bike and pedal along the Beaune-Santenay-Cluny cycleway. A copious breakfast will set you up for the day and, for, dinner, there's a pleasant village restaurant within walking distance.
Romantic, relaxed and peaceful. Hard to beat.