Pont Roche makes you discover its region
Things to do in Burgundy, around the Ignon valley
Are you planning to stay at Domaine Pont-Roche & Spa? Here are some recommendations fromThings to do in the Ignon valley and Burgundy to discover the region and its treasures.
Monuments and heritage
The Château de Bussy-Rabutin
Set in a remarkable hilly and wooded site, surrounded by a formal garden, the château boasts a décor created by Roger de Rabutin, Comte de Bussy. A cousin of Madame de Sévigné and author of the Histoire amoureuse des Gaules, Roger de Rabutin expressed his displeasure with the Sun King and his nostalgia for his tumultuous love affairs on the walls of his château during his exile in Burgundy.
The Salle des Devises, the Salon des Hommes de Guerre, the Galerie des Rois, the Tour Dorée and Bussy's bedroom are the testament to the most famous libertine of the Grand Siècle.
From Frenois, it's a 30-minute drive to the Château de Bussy-Rabutin.
Fontenay Abbey
Fontenay Abbey is a A must-see monument during your stay in Burgundy. Founded in 1118 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981, it is the oldest surviving Cistercian abbey in the world.
A visit to the building and gardens surrounding Fontenay Abbey is perfect for history buffs with a capital H and architecture enthusiasts alike.
From Domaine Pont-Roche, it takes around 45 minutes by car to reach Montbard, the Côte d'Or town where this exceptional historic monument is located.
The Hospices de Beaune
The Hospices de Beaune, also known as the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, is a Gothic-style monument that dates back to 1443, the brainchild of Nicolas Rolin and Guigone de Salins. This hospital monument is a majestic representative of theBurgundian architecturewith its glazed roofs and half-timbering.
To visit Beaune and its hospices, it's an hour's drive from the Ignon valley.
Buffon's great forge
A masterpiece of 18th-century industrial heritage, the Grande Forge was built by the famous naturalist Georges-Louis Leclerc comte de Buffon. It comprises a unique architectural ensemble, with the domestic section housing the blacksmiths, the forge master and a food garden, and the industrial section comprising the blast furnace, the refinery and the slitting plant, the three stages in the manufacture of iron.
Its magnificent staircase allowed guests to watch the casting of iron. Listed as a historical monument, it is a witness to the scientific genius of the Age of Enlightenment.
It's an hour's drive from Frenois to reach the great Buffon forge.
The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie in Dijon
For epicureans who want to discover Burgundy through its culinary and wine heritage, the Cité internationale de la Gastronomie in the heart of Dijon is a must-see.
With free access, the centre brings together shops dedicated to the art of the table and the Burgundian way of life, cafés, restaurants (including the gastronomic restaurant La Table des Climats), food shops such as a fishmonger's, a butcher's and a baker's, and the town's famous cellar.
At the Cave de la Cité, you can taste some of the most prestigious wines in Burgundy and the world. It's an experience not to be missed if you're a wine lover!
Vineyards
The reputation of the Burgundy wine region is well established. With a large number of Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée and world-renowned wines, the Burgundy vineyards are part of a rich terroir.
Your stay at Domaine Pont-Roche is an opportunity to discover the vineyards of the region, such as Domaine Cyrot-Buthiau, located near Beaune in the south of the Côte d'Or.
To discover the vineyards and learn many anecdotes about the region's terroir, contact Bruno Sotty, who will help you organise your visit. wine tourism in Burgundy.
Visit of the cellars with Bruno SOTTY
06 75 98 25 72
Handcrafted specialties
Les Anis De Flavigny
Anis have been made in the village of Flavigny since 1591. True to the same recipe, each aniseed is patiently wrapped in thin layers of syrup and delicately flavoured. It takes 15 days for the candy-makers to make their delicious sweets.
Simply three ingredients! Beet sugar, natural star anise essential oil and green anise seed.
The Anis de Flavigny factory currently employs 32 people. A small, family-run business, it devotes itself wholeheartedly to its delicious sweets! The Abbey houses the factory, the Carolingian crypt and the shop. And more recently, its museum and café.
It takes around 30 minutes to reach Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, the village where the factory and abbey are located, from Frenois.
The nuns
Nonnettes are a speciality of Dijon. They are little gingerbreads filled with orange marmalade and honey. They get their pretty name from the fact that they were made by nuns in convents.
Head to Mulot & Petitjean, in the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, to sample this typical Burgundy cake.
Les Halles de Dijon
Looking for other specialities from Burgundy? Head to Les Halles de Dijon, where you can sample countless delicious artisanal products. Browse the stands to meet the local producers and their delicious products.
Frédéric recommends finishing your tour with a delicious coffee at Café Guffo, in rue de la Chouette, just a few metres from Les Halles.
Nature and outdoor activities
For lovers of nature and the great outdoors, the Burgundy region has a wealth of activities to offer. Here are just a few of the Burgundy nuggets to discover during a stay in the Ignon Valley
Le Creux Bleu
Located in Villecomte, the Creux Bleu is the resurgence of the Francheville river. This natural tourist attraction owes its name to the colour of its bluish reflections. Just 10 minutes from Domaine Pont-Roche, it's the ideal spot for a picnic in fine weather.
The caves of Bèze
Bèze is a village whose name may make you smile, but it's well worth a visit when you're in the Côte d'Or, particularly for its caves. Book your ticket and embark on a 50-minute tour on foot and by boat. You'll discover the speleological beauty of the site and be able to admire the crystal-clear water that fills this natural cavity.
This an ideal activity in summer, when the caves are coolerIt is a 30-minute drive from Frenois.
The route des grands crus
For lovers of cycling and wine, the not-to-be-missed activity is the cycle ride along the Route des Grands Crus. This 60-kilometre route, which runs from Dijon to Santenay, passes through villages famous the world over for their vineyards, and gives you the chance to discover the various Burgundy wine estates.
For an even more breathtaking sight, cycle this route in autumn and admire the golden colour of the vines, which give the Côte d'Or department its name.
Head for Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, just 40 minutes from Frenois, to hire bikes and explore the famous Route des Grands Crus.
The cliffs of Baulme-la-Roche
The cliffs of Baulme-la-Roche are a must-see for those who love views. Around thirty kilometres by car from Frénois, a walk has been signposted to allow visitors to discover the breathtaking views from this spot in the heart of nature.
These cliffs tell the story of Burgundy's geological evolution through their rock strata. As well as the geological aspect, the peaceful atmosphere that reigns around the cliffs creates an ideal haven in which to recharge your batteries. To visit the cliffs of Baulme-la-Roche is to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of nature and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of Burgundy's natural environment.
