As befits an historic town which lies adjacent to a major European crossroads, Beaune is not short of hotels. They come in all shapes and sizes but few can offer the character and tranquility of Le Clos.
Way back in 2001, experienced hoteliers Alain and Christiane Oudot came across an 18th century stone farmhouse in Montagny, a village just to the south of Beaune. They set about the restoration of the main structure and its outbuildings with meticulous attention to detail such that the result of their endeavour is now a most charming hotel.
Pride of place goes to Madame Oudot's manicured garden with its collection of aromatic plants and boxed parterres. Rusticity is revered with a few agricultural implements displayed in the grounds and there are two terraces - one for breakfast which catches the morning sun and the other for an apéro or digestif at sunset. If the weather is unkind, the bar/lounge welcomes you with a log fire blazing away in the imposing hearth. Banisters and exposed beams abound here and in the accommodation which includes five duplex suites (nb: bed upstairs, loo downstairs).
The lack of a restaurant is not serious as Le Berger du Temps, the village auberge (menus from about €24 - closed Mon), is a short stroll from the gate. Le Clos is therefore a nigh-on the perfect stopover hotel and it's hard to believe that the jam-packed Autoroute du Soleil is less than a couple of miles away.