Most people think of forests and lakes when they think of the Morvan. If they know the Morvan at all, for that matter. That makes the Morvan still wonderfully peaceful, even in summer. What many people don’t know is that the Morvan and its immediate surroundings also has three stunning sites that have been awarded the title of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A little introduction…
Vézelay and the basilica
As you drive up, you can see this beautiful Basilica Sainte-Marie-Madeleine from afar atop the hill of Vezeley. Amidst the grape fields of the Chardonnay made in the area. Tip: In the nearby village of Tharoiseau is the wine estate La Croix Montjoie. Not only do they have delicious chardonnay and irancy wines for sale there, but from the terrace you have a great view over Vezelay. In the summer months, a wine bar is open every evening between 6pm and sunset. There is hardly a more beautiful location to sip a wine. Don’t forget to book.Vézelay and the basilicaAs you drive up, you can see this beautiful Basilica Sainte-Marie-Madeleine from afar atop the hill of Vezeley. Amidst the grape fields of the Chardonnay made in the area. Tip: In the nearby village of Tharoiseau is the wine estate La Croix Montjoie. Not only do they have delicious chardonnay and irancy wines for sale there, but from the terrace you have a great view over Vezelay. In the summer months, a wine bar is open every evening between 6pm and sunset. There is hardly a more beautiful location to sip a wine. Don’t forget to book.
Fontenay and the abbey
Fontenay Abbey has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and is definitely worth a visit. The abbey has beautiful gardens that welcome you upon entering with huge ancient trees that are quite impressive. All the buildings on the grounds have been particularly beautifully restored. The forge with the still working wheel, but it is the abbey church you really come here for! Beautiful in austerity and on the sunny day we were there, the sun shone dazzlingly through the windows, creating a wonderful effect inside.
Tip: combine it with a visit to the medieval town of Semur en Auxois. You can enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants there or just wander through the streets past all the pretty gates, walls, towers and bridges.Fontenay and the abbeyFontenay Abbey has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981 and is definitely worth a visit. The abbey has beautiful gardens that welcome you upon entering with huge ancient trees that are quite impressive. All the buildings on the grounds have been particularly beautifully restored. The forge with the still working wheel, but it is the abbey church you really come here for! Beautiful in austerity and on the sunny day we were there, the sun shone dazzlingly through the windows, creating a wonderful effect inside.Tip: combine it with a visit to the medieval town of Semur en Auxois. You can enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants there or just wander through the streets past all the pretty gates, walls, towers and bridges.
The climates, terroirs of BurgundyIt couldn’t be further from the truth that the world’s best 😉 UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Chablis (and also in Beaune) there is a fun andmodern museum down that tells you all about the origins of the region, why the region is so suitable for making wine, but also how people deal with changes in the climate.
Of course, you will be treated to a glass of wine, but it is of course more fun to enjoy all the goodies this region produces afterwards at one of the many wineries or wine bars. Chablis also offers excellent food, for example at Au Fil du Zinc.
Want to visit these wonderful places? La petite maison is in the north of the Morvan, less than 700 km away. Vezelay is a 35-minute drive away and Chablis and Fontenay a 50-minute drive. It has a lovely quiet 2-bed cottage on the edge of a village and in the middle of nature. And hopefully in the not too distant future also a mini-camping site where you can pitch your tent.
À bientôt!