Hôtel de Greuze

Discreetly placed midway between Dijon and Lyon along the river Saône, the delightfully old-fashioned Burgundian town of Tournus is a pleasant mix of shops and cafes strung along small streets and alleyways. Tournus makes an excellent, good value base for explorations of the southern Burgundy and the rolling Mâconnais vineyard covered hills.

Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centers in Burgundy, and the 11th Century Abbey of Saint Philibert considered one of France's finest examples of Romanesque architecture.  Plan on lingering to explore the magnificent church nave, chancel and crypt.

The square surrounding the abbey is lined with shops selling regional foods and the works of area artisans (pottery and fabrics) together with antiquities. And it's here that the Hôtel de Greuze occupies one of the impressive residences, along with the adjacent Restaurant de Greuze. The Hôtel de Greuze is an excellent example of the traditional, small town French hotel with fine restaurant that seems to be steadily increasing in price, or disappearing from sight.

Expect a warm, friendly welcome and you won't be disappointed. The fully restored rooms are cozily luxurious. Each the comfortable and cheerful rooms have a bath/shower as well as TV, small fridge, mini-bar, writing desk safe and air conditioning.

Dining Tip:  The adjacent Restaurant Greuze is considered one of the few remaining serious strongholds of old-fashioned Burgundian cuisine in the region. The famous Sautéed Bresse Chicken is an excellent choice.

Excursion Tip:  After touring the Abbey of Saint Philibert, a short drive to birthplace of photography - nearby Chalon sur Saone. Visit the Nicephore Niepce Museum dedicated to the history, practice and applications of photography.

Reading Tip: The Vinter's Luck by Elizabeth Knox "A week after midsummer, when the festival fires were cold, and decent people were in bed an hour after sunset, not lying dry-mouthed in dark..."

Abbaye de St-Philibert, Burgundy, Tournus, France
Abbaye de St-Philibert, Burgundy, Tournus, France Photographic Print
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