Culture thematic : "Secret of Burgundy"
DAY 1
Morning :guided tour of Auxerre through the historic centre of the town, second largest protected sector in Burgundy (visit inside the monuments are not included).
Visit of the Auxerrois vineyards which cover 10 municipalities to the south and south-east of Auxerre. There are approximately 1000 hectares of vines in production, covering the hillsides and plateaux of the Yonne valley. Pass through the vineyards and the cherry orchards on the way to Saint-Bris-le-Vineux. Visit of the village: Old timber-framed houses, 13th-16th century church, 16th century Jesse tree. Return to Auxerre. End of the guide’s services.
Lunch in Auxerre or its region.
Departure for Arcy-sur-Cure. Visit of the Arcy caves where, as well as the natural monuments created over thousands of years, you can catch sight of the paintings left by Neolithic man and which are of great interest to today’s archaeologists.
Visit of the Bailly cellars. These cellars overlook the Yonne river and are situated inside a former quarry, covering four hectares, 50 m underground where 5 million bottles of crémant (sparkling wine) are stored. At the end of the visit there will be a tasting of “ Crémant de Bourgogne ”.
Return to Auxerre and transfer to 2* or 3* hotel according to your choice. Dinner and night at your hotel.
87 KMS
DAY 2
Morning : meeting point with your guide at the Tourist Office and departure for Vézelay.
Guided visit of the mediaeval borough surrounded by fortifications, at the top of the “eternal hill” and of Saint Magdalene Basilica (12th century), part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The basilica in Vézelay was built to house the relics of Mary-Magdalene and, until the end of the 13th century; it was one of Christianity’s most important places of pilgrimage. It is a masterpiece of romanesque art and a treasure of Western civilisation.
Lunch in Vézelay or its region.
Guided tour of the picturesque village Noyers-sur-Serein which is built down of a rocky ledge, with its ramparts, fortified gates, numerous half-timbered houses, its village squares and covered passages... A stroll through the Middle Ages.
Visit to the Gallo-Roman site in Escolives-Sainte-Camille with its 4th century thermal baths. 6.30 pm.: Return to Auxerre. End of guide’s services.
145 Kms
Availability : every day, all year, except on Sunday and bank holidays.
Price : 128 € 2* accommodation or 137 € 3* accommodation Based on 31 pers
Promotion on 2* and 3* accomodation from 1st November until 31st March 2012
Gastronomic thematic : "Days of Bacchus"
DAY 1
MORNING : Meeting point with your guide at the Tourist Office. Departure for a guided tour of Auxerre, whose hillsides have long been planted with the best vintage wines. Discover the Saint-Pierre church, in the ancient wine-maker's neighbourhood, and the Saint Etienne’s Cathedral.
Departure for Irancy, one of the largest red wine vineyards in Burgundy. Irancy is located in kind of amphitheatre of vineyards and cherry trees. Birthplace of the architect Soufflot, the village perpetuates Auxerre's winemaking tradition. Visit of wine cellar, followed by wine tasting.
Lunch in the Auxerre or Chablis region.
AFTERNOON : Departure for Chablis. Presentation of the world-famous vineyards whose vines spread across 4 000 ha of the Serein Valley hillsides. With its annual production of around 200 000 hl, Chablis is the biggest white-wine producer in Burgundy. Visit of the village and Wine tasting with commentary in a typical cellar.
End of the visit. Return to Auxerre. End of the guide’s services. Arrival in rooms (Accommodation in a 2 or 3 star hotel in Auxerre or its region.)
Traditional Burgundian dinner at the Domaine Borgnat. Entertainment (tales, songs, dances) by a local folk group : please consult us.
85 Kms
DAY 2
MORNING : Meeting point with your guide at the Tourist Office. Departure for Tonnerre. Visit of Hôtel Dieu (medieval hospital), founded by Marguerite de Bourgogne at the end of the 13th century. This hospital was partially funded by Tonnerre vineyards. Magnificent framework and beautiful 15th century entombment.
Departure for Epineuil. Birthplace of Alfred Grévin (of the Paris Grévin museum), Epineuil has replanted its beautiful hillsides over the past 20 years, which were ravaged by phylloxera at the beginning of the century. The chevalier d'Eon already appreciated this village's "nectar" in the 18th century. Visit of wine cellar followed by wine tasting.
Lunch in a typically burgundian restaurant or in the region of Tonnerre.
AFTERNOON : Departure for the village of Coulanges-la-Vineuse. Discovery, in an old Barn, of one of the last specimen of press dated of 18th century. Tour of the wine and vineyard “Ecomuseum”.
Transfer to Bailly. Tour of the Bailly Lapierre cellars. These cellars overlook the Yonne river and are situated inside a former quarry, covering four hectares, 50 m underground where 5 million bottles of crémant (sparkling wine) are stored. At the end of the visit there will be a tasting of “ Crémant de Bourgogne ”.
End of the tour. Return to Auxerre at approximately 6.30 p.m. End of the guide’s services.
Day 1 : 95 Km and day 2 : 109 Km
Price : 146 € in a 2* hotel and 157 € in a 3* hotel basis 31 persons
Availability : All year
Promotion on 2* and 3* accomodation from 1st November until 31st March 2012
For information, quotations, suggestions ... your contacts
Approval no. AU 089-98-0001 Office open Monday to Saturday Hélène Chaumont Emmanuelle Pillaz Tel.: +33 (0)3 86 52 85 72 Fax: +33 (0)3 86 51 23 27
Write to : groupe@ot-auxerre.fr
