Daytrips - car/moto rally's

After 15 minutes travelling, a treasure is hiding near Châtillon sur Seine.

Then follow direction Montbard to Fontenay Abbey, built in 1098. Visit the gardens. The peace and quiet will enchant you. Near the Forge, if you had a nail, it would be too small comparing to what you are see here?!

Have your picnic next to the little running stream.

In Alesia the Gallic tribes definitively lost their freedom to the Roman general Julius Caesar. The old fortresses and defensive walls can still be admired.

Continue your journey to Flavigny sur Ozerain. Classed as one of the Prettiest Villages of France. Discover the small, winding streets and all its heritage. Whilst strolling along, look for a sweetness which has been savoured for many centuries ?!
After tasting the world-famous sweets (we can visit the local factory if you wish) and a nice meal do we head back home.

Our first short stop will be Semur-en-Auxois.
This very imposing medieval city, with full city walls, is built on a pink granite rock and encircled by the river Armaçon.

After passing small picturesque villages, we pass the abbey of Molesmes, founded in 1075. Several saints and some French kings did live here. Take a break and enjoy the tranquility that this place exudes.

Before Châtillon sur Seine turn left direction Massingy, and enter Domaine Brigand. Father & son produce Wine and Crémant de Bourgogne. Plenty to occupy you for a few hours, if you wish. Discover the bubbles, the Museum, the garden and vineyard, the total !!!
What is the cépage/grape variety in Massingy ?
What quantity of grapes is needed to produce a bottle of Crémant ?

*On reservation in advance a picnic basket can be organized with a tasting in the garden ( contact us for more details).

Lunch is your choice : either at the Domaine or in town, 12h30-14h30

Visit the Chatillonnais Country Museum, a journey back in time in our region. You can discover many different exhibitions. We could put flowers in it, but it would be too big to fill it, what is it ?

Next, wander around the town centre. Search for the fountain near the park. Further on, see us overlooking the city. What is the name of this building ? Afterwards look for the Douix and its shaded paths. What is the Douix? What is its legend ?

If you have the time on the return journey, go to Mont Lassois near Vix. Lovely views! Below there was a beautiful object found years ago. In these pastures, what is the breed of these beautiful cows in the region ?

Welcome back to the castle after a busy day, a glass of Crémant oblige !!!!

Take the direction to Essoyes passing by Neuville. At the top of the hill you will see a person who protects the winegrowers ? Who is she ?
Between the vineyards and forests, what sort of wild animal lives in this area ?

Arrival in Essoyes, city of which famous painter ? You will cross the bridge over which river ?

Take direction Bar sur Aube through the village of Champignol Lez Mondeville. Look for 3 remarkable monuments of the XVIII th century (for 2 of them are only remnants of the past). The 3rd present contains some objects registered in a very valuable inventory ?

Bar sur Aube, time for a break. Since the Roman times, is Bar-sur-Aube a market town. And became an important town in the Middle Ages, due to the trade between Italy and Flanders. Picturesque streets, churches, studded doors ….

What was the Town Hall once?
Looking for a body part that will show you the way ?
What is the name of the Templar Chapel ?

Now go to Bayel.
What to see in this place ? Certainly you know it ! In what year did the making of these sparkling wonders begin ? A must, visit the Museum. What are the 3 materials needed to make these objects?

Which prominent French figure from the 20th century was born and lived in this small village of Colombey-les-deux-Eglises?

Then to Cunfin. Small village that hides a lot of history !

What does this ancient Roman road « Bar Way » mean ?
Look for the Madonna, who is she ?

Return via Autricourt and Grancey sur Ource. Wonderful landscapes and scenes of our history to discover at the Museum of Mussy sur Seine. Information at the Tourist Office (Valerie).

Departure from Mussy to Les Riceys, made up of 3 villages. Great views on the surrounding vineyards.

How many "Appellations" are there in this Champagne village? And how many winemakers ?

What is the name of the next river and where does it come from ?
In Balnot, is a must see Le Clos Rocher at Domaine du Champagne Gremillet.
Fantastic views from the terrace over the landscape, vineyards and forests while tasting Champagne.

How many trees are there in the Clos Rocher Arboretum?

*A visit and/or lunch can be organized by reservation in advance. Contact us for more details.

If you have eaten, at a restaurant or a picnic at Les Riceys or Balnot, it will be already 14h30!

Your next step is to find a famous painter in Essoyes ! On the other side of the Seine. Also find it’s Museum, it’s history and it’s old home. Make a nice walk in the village.

By the way, what is the name of the nanny of the children of this famous painter ?

You still have time for a cellar visit/ tasting and dinner? Here again we can organize this for you at a winemaker. Consult us.

On the way back, crossing the forest and not far from Mussy sur Seine, at an intersection, a monument stands for the Memory ! What is the history of this place about ?

Have a nice day !

Our first stop of the day will be the Chaource cheese factory. Taste and judge for yourself. Hmmm delicious. Buy some for a nice breakfast tomorrow in the castle.

Our next stop will be the Pontigny abbey, founded in 1114. A guide can guide you through this impressive early medieval cathedral. Thomas Becket lived in this abbey for a few years.

After sniffing a little history in Pontigny, we head to Domaine Angst situated in the same village, for a tasting of their Chablis wines.

Than will it be time to head into Chablis for lunch. In this picturesque village there are numerous restaurants. Take good care of the inner person and soak up the atmosphere of the center of the Chablis Grand Cru!!

On the way back a stop in the center of Tonnerre is still worthwhile. This 2000 year old town hid the art treasures from Paris during the 2nd world war. Visit the library, the hospital, or enjoy a nice refreshing drink.

Head to Les Riceys to make a small stop and further back home to the castle to take a swim.

Lac D'Orient is immense with its 23km2 and is 'divided' in 3 parts.

Do you like beachvolley on a white sandy beach? Would you like to kayak, sail, windsurf, go to Mesnil-Saint-Père.

BBQ's are everywhere available :-)

Do you prefer to jetski or race with a motorboat? Do you like to enjoy a cocktail in a loungebar at the lake Lac D'Orient, go to Dienville.

Do you prefer to bike on the more than 100 km biking roads near the lake and through the woods? go to Camping Lac D'Orient at Mesnil-Saint-Père.

You can rent bikes on this camping.