Hostellerie Le Cèdre ★★★★★

A town known by wine lovers all around the world, Beaune is surrounded by 580 hectares of pinot noir vineyards (including 320 hectares of premier cru) and is situated right in the heart of Burgundy.

The hotel is just two kilometres from the train station, which gave us the chance to make our way there via the typical paved streets. The beautiful large houses reflect the wealth of the town and its vineyards. We were surprised by the number of wineries, wine bars and tasting venues that we spotted on our walk. The town certainly likes sharing its wine! We stopped in a friendly winery, where the kind gentleman explained that due to this year’s changeable weather the harvest was small but near to perfect in terms of quality. We then made a second stop, cultural this time, at the Notre Dame church to see the battlements. Beaune really is the ‘capital of art and wine’! Then, a pretty manor house caught our eyes. It was the Hostellerie Le Cèdre!

The noble facade of this five-star establishment is partially hidden by lush greenery, which gives it a charming, peaceful look. The garden unfolds out around a fountain, with structured paths and ancient trees. The hotel has forty different bedrooms which all share the same refined and contemporary feel. High quality materials, warm colours and superb furnishings give them an inviting atmosphere. We were delighted with our spacious bedrooms. They included wonderful king-sized beds, bathrooms with gorgeous bathtubs (a little treat I only give myself on holiday), and flat-screen television with international channels.

We made our way back downstairs and met the friendly barman of the Hostellerie lounge bar, who confirmed the wine seller's comments as he showed us his selection of wines by the glass. The piano, bookcases, wood panelling and leather armchairs by the fireside make the lounge bar a very comfortable spot to enjoy a drink. We had a lovely taster of Burgundy’s delights before heading to the restaurant Clos du Cèdre, which is set in a 19th-century wine-producers house in the middle of the hotel park. The dining room has original period mouldings, panelling and parquet flooring, but in fine weather it is even more magical to dine by candlelight in the garden. To ensure the perfect match with Burgundy wines (more than 400 are on the list here), Chef Christophe Canti always selects the best ingredients like scallops, foie gras, crayfish, Charolais beef and black pork. His kitchens are fit for a king. And the art of preparing is just as expertly mastered: tasty combinations, impressive cooking, well considered menus. I had hoped to find the French way of life, and here was a perfect example!

The park gave us the chance of a little walk in the moonlight, to extend our dinner conversation between old friends. Then, we made out way back to the bar for a little wine lesson, ensuring a restful night before the lovely day dreamt up for us by the concierge, who had perfectly understood our tastes.