Burgundy: Three Perfect Days
AT COMO LE MONTRACHET
Destination 5 minute read
COMO Le Montrachet is an idyllic French rural retreat in Burgundy’s wine country. It’s within striking distance of world-leading vineyards, as well as the medieval town of Beaune, steeped in history and vinicultural heritage.
Puligny-Montrachet is in the heart of Burgundy’s prestigious Côte de Beaune wine region. But without a guide, the tangle of vineyards — each one bigger, better, more famous than the last — can get confusing. We have designed three perfect days at COMO Le Montrachet, showcasing historic cities and iconic vineyards, to help you make the most of your stay.
Day One:
Exploring Puligny-Montrachet
After settling into your room or suite, take a hotel e-bike and set off into Burgundy’s rolling landscape to cycle among the local vineyards. If the weather’s good, you might choose to take a picnic prepared by Chef Romain Versino. He’ll make dishes to suit your preferences, whether healthy salads from the COMO Shambhala Kitchen, or crusty French bread and assorted charcuterie.
Along the scenic cycling route, you’ll find several places worth stopping. Around three miles from COMO Le Montrachet is Château de Meursault, an 11th-century estate with varied terroirs, producing fantastic white Burgundies. Continue for another three miles and you’ll come across Château de Pommard, an eighteenth-century estate well known for its Burgundy Pinot Noirs. We recommend a pre-booked tour at either or both vineyards, so that you can enjoy a tasting, and learn about the different viniculture and local traditions.
Once back at COMO Le Montrachet, round off the day’s exercise with a tasting of local cheeses. Relax, take a stroll around the pretty village square, or stretch out with some yoga.
For supper, head to Le Montrachet, an elegant restaurant with high wood-beamed ceilings and limestone walls. The chef’s speciality is pigeon, served alongside dishes created using seasonal local produce. Our sommelier is on hand to pair your every selection with wine from our cellar, which has over 1,200 appellations.
Day Two
Further Afield
A day-trip to Beaune is a great way to get a sense of this corner of deepest France. Just twenty minutes’ drive from COMO Le Montrachet, the town is extremely pretty, with cobbled streets and medieval architecture. In the Middle Ages, Beaune became the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy, elevating its political and economic influence. It became a central hub for the production and trade of Burgundy’s world-famous wines. If you happen to visit on a Saturday, the local farmer’s market is a treasure trove of fresh fruits, cheeses and charcuterie, but there’s plenty to do on any day of the week.
The landmark Hospices de Beaune — a 15th-century hospital with a distinctive multi-coloured tiled roof, which is now a wine auction house — is a good place to start your explorations. Then, take a walk on the city’s ramparts, parts of which date back to the Roman period, when Beaune was a fortified settlement along a major Roman road. If you need a snack while wandering, the Marie Boucherot bakery makes exceptional pastries.
For lunch, head to Loiseau des Vignes, with a traditional French menu and extensive wine list including options from local producers. Afterwards, make sure you visit the Place Carnot and the famous Hess cheese shop, where you’ll find Burgundian classics such as Époisses, Brillat Savarin and Citeaux. The Notre-Dame de Beaune is also well worth a visit; the basilica was constructed over several centuries and includes a 15th-century altarpiece by Rogier van der Weyden.
Those who want to expand their wine knowledge should stop off at the Cité des Climats, dedicated to Burgundy's wine culture and heritage, with a variety of workshops and exhibitions throughout the year. The Cité particularly highlights the Climats, a model of terroir-based viticulture that is unique to Bourgogne.
Should you choose to stay in Beaune for supper, L’Ecusson is an excellent choice. Chef Thomas Compagnon is known for his refined cuisine married with modern interpretations, from morel mushrooms and sweetbreads to frog leg crème mousseuse.
Day Three
From Vine to Table
After breakfast, set out on a half-day tour to the Côte de Nuits, around 40 minutes’ drive from COMO Le Montrachet. The region is famous for its red wines, especially Pinot Noirs. A wine specialist will guide you through the best-known domaine in Nuits-Saint-Georges, where you’ll have a tasting session. Afterwards, you’ll head to a leading domaine in Gevrey-Chambertin for a four-course lunch with wine pairings.
Once back at COMO Le Montrachet, join a cooking class with Chef Romain Versino. He’ll show you how to cook a typical Burgundian meal using fresh local produce. Next, André Berthier, head sommelier and guardian of COMO Le Montrachet’s cellar, will lead you in an intuitive wine class, sharing his deep knowledge of the local terroirs and specific characteristics of the Burgundy region.
For your final evening, enjoy a meal in our restaurant, and take a post-supper stroll around the local village.
Whatever your preferences, our expert team at COMO Le Montrachet are on hand to help you plan your stay. Please get in touch for more information.
