Southern Burgundy, France

[oldagetraveller1]

First of all - a declaration of vested interest! I live in CHAROLLES, Southern Burgundy - about 55 kms due west of Macon. ( CHAROLLES is the home of charolais cattle). Also, together with a group of international ex-pats who live in the area, we organize an annual English Tea Party complete with Morris dancers, tea in bone china cups and saucers, scones etc, served by properly dressed 'nippies'. this year it takes place Sunday 24 July, at Viry a few kilometres from here. It is very well supported by the French who are heavily into folk music and dancing but visitors from UK are also very welcome to come and join in. But, my main point is that those looking for a quiet, relaxing break in a beautiful, but undiscovered area of France, would find CHAROLLES ideal. And prices at our excellent Municipal Camping are incredibly low. For 2 adults, expect to pay 10/12 Euros per day all in, including 16 amp electricity. As if that is not cheap enough, the superb, heated swimming pool adjacent, is free to campers! This area is close to beaujolais and maconnais wine country and is also a gastronomic centre. Not suitable for those on a diet!

 

[ValA.]

I'd agree it's a beautiful, if somewhat undiscovered area. Our first caravan trip (rather than camping) in France, in 1994, took us to Dompierre Les Ormes, which is about half an hour away from Charolles. Le Village Des Meuniers site had just opened, and we decided to give it a try. We loved the area, and went back two or three times afterwards. The villagers had a welcoming picnic for campers/caravanners from the site, in the aboretum nearby, which was absolutely delightful.
My sons still remember the climb to the top of the Rocher de Solutre, which is not that far away, and we loved some of the villages and towns in the area. There really is something for everyone, and all within a quite small geographical area.