Hoteliers, proud of their regions
- Sylvie Ramisse
Burgundy, a region of multiple pleasures
Burgundy is known for its fine wines and gastronomy, but its important not to forget its rich heritage. There are interesting towns to visit, each with its own particular charm. For a weekend or a longer stay, Burgundy will amaze you.
Sylvie Ramisse has been managing the INTER-HOTEL Normandie in Auxerre, her birthplace, for a number of years. After studying at l’Ecole Hôtelière, she spent 10 years in Paris working in deluxe hotels. Passionate about her profession, she decided to come back to Auxerre to take over the family hotel «for 2 generations». The property owes its name to the pastry chef on the famous cruise liner "The Normandy" who created this charming hotel with its big reception rooms. When Sylvie Ramisse talks about her region, it’s above all to talk about the warmth and friendliness of the people of Burgundy, but also the number of activities available: «it’s the diversity of the region that makes its attraction. There’s something for everyone."
From Dijon mustard to the Hospices at Beaune
Let’s start with a visit to Dijon, "capital" of Burgundy: A university town, and also a tourist centre, with a number of museums and the ancient palace of the dukes of Burgundy. The town is world famous for its mustard. Not far away is Nuits-Saint- Georges with its famous vineyards, and Beaune, capital of Burgundy wines, ruled over by the "Hotel Dieu" (the Hospices), with its varnished-tiled roof. In Paray-le-Monial, in the medieval streets you can discover the magnificent Basilica of the Sacre Coeur, a roman edifice built in the 12th century.
- Cathedral St-Etienne in Sens
It's in Auxerre, which has obtained the title of "town of art and history", that you'll find the superb cathedral Saint-Etienne, monument to gothic style, in the pedestrian area, as well as the clock-tower whose hands indicate the movements of the sun and moon. Close to the tower lived Guillaume Rousselle, better known as Cadet Rousselle, a baliff whose name has become famous thanks to a satirical song dedicated to him, which became very popular.
In Macon,you can discover a museum devoted to Alphonse de Lamartine, a native of the town. Don't miss the apothecary at the Hôtel Dieu, magnificently preserved, which will plunge you into the universe of the pharmacists of the 17th century, and the Saint Vincent cathedral, classed as an historical monument.
In Nevers, you just have to follow the "Fil Bleu", a blue line on the ground which guides you to the different parts of town. Admire the wooden houses, visit the cathedral or the Frederic Blandin museum with its superb collection of china from Nevers. There are possibilites for bike riding or hiking nature trails, or a boat ride on the Loire.
The Sens cathedral is considered to be the first gothic cathedral of the 12th century. Take a look at the "Maison d’Abraham", built around 1540, a picturesque monument where one of the sculptures represents the family tree of Jesus-Christ.
- Burgundy region: nature & sports
The Burgundy region, queen of gastronomy
Finally, a trip to Burgundy would not be complete without mentioning, and tasting, its cuisine: fondue bourguignonne, beef bourguignon, snails, gingerbread, to mention but a few dishes. As far as wine is concerned, the simple mention of Gevrey-Chambertin, Pinot noir, Chardonnay or Chablis will delight wine lovers. Burgundy will also please nature lovers, with 1,200 km of waterways, ideal for trips along the canals, and cyclists will find lots to satify their need for sport and fresh air.
In fact, you'll find such a variety of things to do in Burgundy that you'll have to come back to discover them all!
INTER-HOTEL is a brand of the