More of Dijon, Burgundy, Abbaye de la Bussiere-sur-Ouche, and Vandenesse-en-Auxois, France

Not a sign we would normally see in the USA.

Square Darcy in Dijon

 We attended a wine tasting lunch at Abbaye de la Bussiere.  The vintners were Jean-Michel and Christine Jacob of Domaine Lucien Jacob Winery.  We enjoyed meeting and chatting with Christine and Jean-Michel.  We learned about their winery, and discussed the land and how they make their wines.  We were particularly intrigued with the fact that they use Acacia wood to age one of their Chardonnay.  That was a particular favorite of mine.  We look forward to visiting them at their winery and sampling more of their wines.  The event took place in the Monks Wine Cellar of the Abbaye.  Adorning the walls of the room were interesting three dimensional wall hangings created by Jean-Michel.  (He uses old wine barrels to create wonderful art.  I may need to purchase one of his pieces for our boat).  The Michelin starred chief did a fabulous job with the meal and the wines were delicious.  We were a small group as word hasn't gotten out yet as to what a special annual event this is. If you are ever in Burgundy, the Abbaye is a place you should consider visiting. The grounds, food, and the public spaces are amazing. We haven't seen any of the rooms, but  understand they are beautiful, and reasonably priced.  With the owners being very hands on, you are likely to meet one of the family members during a visit.

Wine and lunch at Abbaye de la Bussiere

The wines we sampled from Domaine Lucien Jacob

 The grounds of the Abbaye La Bussiere are spectacular.  Adding to the drama of the setting are these three bulls by the artist Paul Day resting on the front lawn.

After Chamonix Tina and Allen joined us on Rabelo.  We wanted to show Tina and Allen a few of the sights in Dijon before taking them to the countryside.

An exhausted Tina and Allen finally arrived in Dijon after a long bus ride from Chamonix.

 We went with Tina and Allen for lunch at one of our favorite little restaurants in Dijon, DZ Envies.

Allen enjoyed the Burgundy beef cheeks.

Tina and I enjoyed our lighter deconstructed seafood salad.

The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy is a place we recommend to all first timers in Dijon.

In the Guards Hall the tombs of John the Fearless and Margaret of Baviera

In the Museum of Fine Arts

 Rue Verrerie:  most of these houses on this street date back to the 15th Century.  They are timber framed and corbelling out (onto the street).  They have been systematically restored over the past several years.  Their typical facades are an example of what Dijon was like in medieval times with narrow streets lined with workshops.

Rue Verrerie dating back to the 15th Century

Cruising along the Burgundy Canal with Chateauneuf in the background.

We met up with Neil and Louise with their family for dinner in Morey-Saint-Denis at Chateau Gilly

  Tom and I enjoy our long walks and when possible search out new sights.  We took a road that went away from the Burgundy Canal.  We found the little village of La Lochère.

This looks like an original roof

Another view of an old building in La Lochère

I couldn't figure out what these people were collecting and placing on their doors and windows.  They certainly added color.

The light is exquisite on the harvested fields of hay.