Off the Beaten Track in Burgundy, France

Tower of Charles Le Temeraire XV Century

 Upon entering Charolles we found a beautiful village crisscrossed with rivers and canals. It is nicknamed Charolais Venice.  We climbed up to the Castle of the Counts of Charolais and enjoyed the panoramic views of the old city.

Climbing up to see the sights and entering a park where the Mayor’s office is located.

What was once an old Clunisian priory is now a museum of local art history where earthenware is displayed along with paintings and sculptures.  The priory may have been founded in 929 and was linked to Cluny at the beginning of the XII century (1104).

Beautiful pottery was displayed in the museum.

It was a small but excellent exhibit.

The building’s structural integrity had us somewhat concerned as the timbered beams were all sagging.

This shows how the windows were being supported.  

A beautiful street of homes in the center of Charolles with a stream running through it.

I photographed this children’s store because it shows what the world is today with all ages being required to wear masks.  It’s our new reality world wide.  A beautiful home on the water is reflected in the window.

Picturesque old building with a tower on one side.

Church of the Sacre-Coeur

Interior of the Church

This beautiful canal with the lone fisherman was behind the church.

Years ago when we last cruised through Montceau Les Mines we discovered a Michelin rated restaurant located away from the center of town.  I was anxious to revisit Restaurant Jerome Brochot and see if we could get an equally delicious meal.  Last time there was no one who spoke English.  This time we were fortunate that the new server (of 2 weeks) did speak enough to help guide us.  Since we are adventuresome eaters we ordered the chief’s meal of the moment or Menu Gastronomic.It was six courses and we were not disappointed.  I requested a gluten free meal.  Tom was good for anything being served.  I haven’t shown here all of the courses.  But you’ll get the idea of what an amazing meal we had.

We ate inside as no outside dining was offered.  The tables were few and far apart.  Everyone had to show proof of vaccination in order to enter.  

Amuse Bouche

One of many dishes.

Seafood and vegetables 

Fish course.

Meat course.

Tom enjoying sorbet to cleanse the palate for the next course.

Our excellent meal was accompanied by this Sancerre.

Tom’s dessert for the grand finale.