January 2007

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: BURGUNDY

Admittedly, the name Burgundy is inextricably associated with world-class wines, but in our travels throughout this region, the Discover France team has come across quite a variety of sites of historical, cultural and scenic interest in addition to its celebrated vinicultural resources. This newsletter will introduce you to a number of Burgundian venues that provide a glimpse of the region's vast tourist appeal. Though the heart and soul (not to mention the majority of the region's financial and political power) lie in the in the prestigious cities of Beaune and Dijon in the southern part of the Côte d'Or, today's newsletter features will take us to the northernmost "département" of the Burgundian territory, called l'Yonne, a good hour to hour and a half drive from the famed wine villages around Beaune and home to another one of Burgundy's top-name appellations (http://www.chablis.net/an/index.php). Let's start in the Puisaye, known for being the home to one of France's most beloved early 20th century authors, Colette (http://www.yonne-89.net/MuseeColette.htm).

Guédelon

Vézelay

Noyers-sur-Serein

Pontigny

Taking a day trip in Paris?! It certainly is a touristy thing to do. Here is some commentary and opinion that might help you decide. Yes, it is a bit biased, but the intent is to help:

First of all - unless you are French and a former resident of Paris, you are a tourist. You can try to blend in, but odds are that you will not be taken for a local by other locals, so do the touristy things!

There is so much to see and do in Paris, so much to learn and know, that getting some help and information through a tour is a great way to get informed quickly and even get special access to sites.

Many tours are going to include the highlights that you may already know something about, but you will probably come away with new information and a discovery of sites you didn't know before. The source of information is almost always excellent, as professionals deliver factual info you could spend days learning separately.

So, BUS or MINIVAN?

Bus is less expensive usually, but very impersonal. Bus usually requires you to get to the departure point. More space means better chance of getting on. There may be a bathroom on board and seats are probably more spacious than a van.

The minivan usually picks up at your hotel - time savings! The ambiance is much more personal with groups between 4 and 14 persons depending on the van size. Easier travel through traffic - quicker access.

Questions to ask: is there a bilingual driver or guide on board? Are any entrances included? How many stops? Guaranteed departures? Refund/cancel policy?

Tip: book in advance if you travel between April and October!

Conveniently, we at Discover France offer some excellent day tours by minivan for visit in Paris and sites outside the city such as Giverny.

We also offer tours and guided visits for repeat travelers who have done all the common tourist things.

© 2007 Discover France (SM)