Vive la Bourgogne!

In yesterday's post, I mentioned the Hôtel-Dieu of Beaune in Burgundy (la Bourgogne).   Burgundy is, as one could guess from the name, one of the great wine-producing regions of France.  The area of Burgundy north of Beaune and stretching to Dijon is known as the Côte-d'Or ("Golden hillside/slope").  The "gold" refers in part to the premier cru wines of the area, arguably the worlds finest -- definitely among the most expensive -- Pinot noir and Chardonnay wines.  It also could be construed to refer to Dijon mustard, another of the many famous terroir products.

The region is definitely worth at least one visit.  From my convenient location, I can actually go there quite easily for a day trip, although it's much better to be able to stay for a few days in order to saunter through the vineyards, visiting caves (wine cellars) and tasting wines along the way.  HWMBO and I have travelled there on different occasions.  It's also a very popular bicycling and walking area.

It came as a surprise, if not actually a shock, to realize that my last visits to Beaune and the Côte-d'Or  were in 2006.  That is much too long.  I can probably find a good excuse to head back there soon to make up for this omission.  Making up good excuses to drink good wine is hardly a difficult pastime.

The old city of Beaune retains much of its medieval character and charm, in large part due to the charitable works performed at the Hospices (the Hôtel-Dieu and its regional affiliates).

Here is one of the shopping streets with a newer feel, with some colorful table linens displayed outside.

Here is the open market, about ready to close after a busy morning.  It is situated just outside the Hôtel-Dieu.  This stall exhibits modern pottery ware.

My last visit to Beaune was in June 2006, together with Healer Sis and Sis-in-law, perched at the sidewalk cafe here, just behind the impressive Harley-Davidson.  The Harley-Davidson rider and his companion had come over to Beaune from Zurich.

And here they are saying farewell to the Hôtel-Dieu.

I have the feeling that the farewell was after some wine-tasting!