The area around Saint Vallerin is rich with activities along with the obvious wine culture and tours; there are many other activities on offer throughout the year. During the summer months, every village in the region will hold some form of fair or event. Cluny is a picturesque 30 minutes drive away and boasts a beautiful abbey and a multitude of shops, bars and cafes lined along cobbled streets. Cluny is famous in France for equestrian activists and so horses form a theme for many of the local events. Other Châteaux in the region will frequently host special activities throughout the summer. Most villages and towns have a market day every week, selling locally grown fruits, vegetables, cheeses, breads meats and poultry. A list of these market days will be in the information pack in each cottage.
Green Trail (Piste Verte) – Walks on horseback/Mountain Biking/on foot walking.
The Green Trail, created on Departmental Equestrian Tourist Committee, is open to each form of non motorised hike, equestrian, walking on foot and mountain bike. The Green Trail links: on the south, Cluny, Tour ronde market, next to the stud farm to, on the north, Santenay (Côte d’Or), locality “Les Bruchottes”. Crossing the communes of Cluny, Lournand, Collonges, Flavy, Cortevaix, Confrançon, Bonnay, St Hyppolite, Curtil sous Burnand, Burnand, St Martin de Croix, St Gengoux le National, Sercy, Culles les Roches, Saules, Chenôves, St Vallerin, St Boil, Montagny les Buxy, Cruchaud, Bissey sous Cruchaud, Rosey, St Désert, Givry, St Denis de Vaux, St Jean de Vaux, St Martin sous Montaigu, Mercurey, Aluze, Chamilly, Bercully, Chassey le Camp, Valottes and Santenay. Information: ask equestrian lodging at Tourist Office of Buxy. 2 equestrian centers offer walk on horseback: - Le Ranch Exotique in Messey sur Grosne offer walks on horse or pony for the hour or for the day. Information: Madame Bonnot at 03 85 44 09 31 ou 06 08 86 28 57. It is 9.5km from Saint Vallerin and just 10 minutes by car. Also, the Poney Club of Maizerolles in Sassangy offers to children lessons during July and August, for the day or the week with lodging under tents. Information at 03 85 96 15 15. 11kms from Saint Vallerin, just 13 minutes by car.
Fishing at the Etang des Vallottes
The pond of Vallottes in Chenôves (2 kms from Saint Vallerin) is a very nice place surrounded by greenery, quiet and clean. Fishing is open every day from April to February. There are a regular supply of carps, tenches, roaches and trouts. Annual and daily cards are on sale at the mini-market “Proxi in Saint Boil. Information: Monsieur Gressard Henri at 03 85 44 03 29. Near the pond is a horse centre with walks of 1 hour and lessons. They also sell eggs, chickens etc.
Possibilities for guided visits: The old medieval town, the church, hut cellars, The Museum of The Wine Grower, for a 20 persons group: 20 € The Cave Coopérative of Buxy: commented visit of the cellar, storehouse, casks. Information and reservation at 03 85 92 03 03 and email: labuxynoise@cave-buxy.fr The cellar of independents wine growers with tasting of the guaranteed vintage: Montagny. Information and reservation at Tourist Office of Buxy and area.
Voie Verte in South Burgundy - 117 kms Off Road Bicycle Track
When enjoying the outdoors on a bicycle, roller skates, in a wheelchair for the physically disabled or simply on foot, travelling over a safe route protected from automobile traffic is a desire shared by all of us when on holiday or during leisure time. The "Voie Verte" course, developed by the Saône-&-Loire Departmental Council, consists of a cycling path 117-km long laid out on a paved, smooth rolling surface along a former railroad line and canal towpaths. A number of facilities and services are accessible all along the route: car parking lots, water faucets, lavatories, picnic grounds, shaded rest stops, benches, bicycle parking, bike and roller skate rentals and skate parks, among others…
A total of 21 touring loops for the cyclist, all well-marked, are associated with the "Voie Verte"; they have been designed to allow exploring and relishing the artistic and cultural life experienced here in Southern Burgundy. A "Voie Verte development programme", voted by the Saône-et-Loire Departmental Council, calls for a network of some 400 km of cycling paths throughout the department over a 5-year horizon.
Over its 31-km northern section between Saint-Léger-sur-Dheune-Dheune and Chalon-sur-Saône, the "Voie Verte" borders the Canal du Centre and enables appreciating the charm of this waterway traversed by a large number of pleasure craft, while discovering the vineyards of the Côte des Maranges and those of the Côte Chalonnaise from a completely new perspective.
Beginning in Givry, the Voie Verte follows the path of the former railway line. Its 20.5-km section south into Saint-Gengoux-Le-National traverses a multi-faceted landscape composed of forestland and vineyard-clad hillsides showcasing the area's rural architecture, including "cadole" stone shelters, washhouses and fountains
From Saint-Gengoux-Le-National to Cluny, over a 20.5-km stretch, the Voie Verte makes its way through the heart of gently rolling countryside. Be sure to leave enough time to stop and visit the tourist centres of Cormatin (Château) and Cluny (Abbey).
From Cluny heading to the old train station in Charnay-les-Mâcon, the "Voie Verte" snakes its way for nearly 21 km through the homeland of the famous poet and statesman Lamartine. Graced by natural backdrops dominated by the Solutré and Vergisson peaks and Mont-Pouilly, which have been nationally distinguished for their splendour, this section criss-crosses the vineyards and villages of the Mâconnais country where Lamartine evoked so many touching memories. The route features more pronounced elevation differences along with the unique opportunity to traverse the 1.6-km "Bois Clair" Tunnel.The tunnel is closed from October to March in order to preserve the habitat of bats during the hibernation period. A tunnel bypass itinerary has been indicated.
To the west, the "Voie Verte" path also runs along the Canal du Centre over a 17-km stretch between Digoin and Paray-le-Monial. This portion of the path makes its way through the lush Charolais pastures and prairies that provide grazing land for the famous all-white breed of beef cattle, renowned for its savour and succulence. . This area also features a large number of Romanesque structures, a diverse array of arts and crafts activities and waterway cruises along the canals and rivers.
Lacs des Laives
Pretty Lacs des Laives are just 13 kms drive away (15 minutes by car). They are specially adapted safe swimming lakes with sectioned off shallow area, man made beach, life guards, water toys, paddle boats, restaurant and snack and refreshment kiosks. They also have volley ball net, and grassed picnic areas. There is also an acro parc, which is a great activity theme challenge in the woods at the lakes. Guests are harnessed and assisted. Allow at least 2hours, preferably a half day to complete the basic safety training and circuit at least once.
Swimming Pools
There is an outdoor pool at Tournus (25 minutes away) and also Chalon-sur-Saone have a great indoors/outdoor leisure pools with slides, waves etc. In summer the roof is open to offer outdoors swimming area.
Montceau-les-Mines is 30 minutes drive away and they have a large indoor pool.
Acro Parc
There are two adventure activity courses through the trees for children and adults nearby. There are numerous rope slides, rope/wooden bridges at high levels to complete with guided instruction and safety harnesses and helmets. One is at Givry (20 mins drive) and the other is at the Lacs des Laives. Allow at least 1.5 hours to complete the training and course. It would be easy to spend at least half a day enjoying this activity.
Golf
There are several golf courses in the region, the nearest being approximately 20 minutes away. You can purchase a Pass Golf de Bourgogne, which offers access to five of the most beautiful golf courses in the Burgundy region (Dijon, Beaune, Chalon, Chateau d’Avoize and Macon). Golfers can also sample the region’s charms during their stay, savouring the fine local cuisine and some of the world’s best vintage wines. Three rounds/week pass at Euros 80. Five rounds/week pass at Euros 130. Additional information is available from our local tourist office. If you wish to contact them directly, their e-mail address is; ot.buxy@free.fr (Office du tourisme Buxy) and website http://www.buxy-tourisme.com/anglais.html
http://passgolfsbourgogne.com/uk/golfs/index.html
Ski-ing
The following are a couple of the nearest ski resorts and have been recommended by regular skiers. They are both about a two and a half hour drive away from Saint Vallerin;
- Les Carroz-d'Arâches (Haute-Savoie-74). 263 kms, 2h38 drive from Saint Vallerin. This ski resort is at 1140meters.
http://www.lescarroz.com/
- Le Grand Bornand (Haute-Savoie-74). 257 kms, 2h37 drive from Saint Vallerin. 1000-1300 meters.
http://www.legrandbornand.com/hiver-winter/
Horse and Pony Riding
Le Ranch Exotique in Messey sur Grosne offers walks on horse or pony for the hour or for the day. Information: Madame Bonnot at 03 85 44 09 31 ou 06 08 86 28 57. It is 9.5km from Saint Vallerin and just 10 minutes by car. Also, the Poney Club of Maizerolles in Sassangy offers lessons to children during July and August, for the day or the week with lodging under tents. Information at 03 85 96 15 15. It is 11kms from Saint Vallerin, just 13 minutes by car.
Segway
Explore Dijon with ease on board a Segway, a motorised scooter. The Segway is the first of its kind, self-balancing personal transportation designed to go anywhere you go. Lean forward, it will go forward & lean backwards, it will go backwards.
It's a great new way to discover Dijon, where you don't have to walk or sit in a bus. Explore more while enjoying a ride like nothing you've ever experienced. You can do it alone, with friends or family. You will be asked to choose from the one of the following itineraries on day of travel:
Explore the historic city centre, which will introduce you to, among other places, the Darcy Garden, the covered market place, the Dukes' Palace and Notre Dame Church. The guide will point out details of the city's 800-year-long history.
Ride through the botanical gardens. You will be able to ride your Segway full speed!
http://www.viator.com/tours/Burgundy-and-Dijon/Dijon-Segway-Ride/d177-3032DIJON
Other
There are many artisans in our region and it seems that all villages have skilled artists, ceramics, jewellery and cheese makers whose doors are open to the public daily to view and purchase their work.
Wine
This is an ideal area for anyone who enjoys wine. In the village of Saint Vallerin, there are two degustation’s (wine tasting caves), where one can taste and purchase locally produced wine. A walk or short drive takes you to numerous villages offering locally produced wine and tasting caves from the grapes, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligoté.
Suggested URL’s
Wine Tours
http://www.burgundydiscovery.com
You can also enquire with our resident managers, who live in a cottage on site, for further information on personalised wine tours. +33 (0) 3 85 92 01 57.
Chalon-Sur-Saone Information
http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/cruising/chalon-sur-saone.htm
General Aviation
http://www.acbourgogne.fr.fm/
http://www.aeroport.fr/portail/fiche.cfm?&airport=CHA
http://www.fallingrain.com/icao/LFLH.html
http://perso.wanadoo.fr/aero.bourgogne/terrain/terrain.html
http://www.aircraft-charter-world.com/airports/europe/france.htm
Golf
http://passgolfsbourgogne.com/uk/golfs/index.html
Photography Book
Taken by a keen photographer friend who visited our Château, he has published a coffee table book available for purchase.
www.luckyheights.com
Recommended Nearby Restaurants
We can provide good, meals if requested, freshly prepared and cooked by our resident managers and these can be served to you in your cottage or in the courtyard. A more formal four-course meal with wine can also be provided, with arrangement. Further information can be provided beforehand on arrival or during your stay..
There are a multitude of restaurants within a short drive, and to name just a few that have been visited and recommended by us and our previous guests: -
Aux Annee Vins – Buxy 3.9 km (fine dining)
Café/Bar at Buxy (3.9kms) simple lunches of croque monsieur, salads etc.
Kebab House at Buxy, plus other restaurants located within small hotels.
Saint Gengoux-le-National (6kms) Italian, French, Kebab, bars)
Moulin de Mantorey (St. Remy 15 mins drive)
The towns and villages of Givry, Cluny, Tournus, Beaune, Nuits St. George are all worth exploring for their culinary delights.
Chalon-sur-Saone –Le Bistrot (20 mins drive at Rue de Strasbourg)
LE GRILL – Rue de Strasbourg – very good value and enjoyable food.
Chalon-sur-Saone is our nearest large market town which has a street called RUE DE STRASBOURG. It is lined with restaurants including Indian, French, Swiss etc.
Also in the heart of Chalon-sur-Saone, there are numerous lovely restaurants and cafes offering lunch and dinners.
There is a list of other recommended restaurants in each cottage.
Other Tourist Information
www.buxy-tourism.com (our local tourist office)
ot.buxy@free.fr (e-mail of our local tourist office)
www.raileurope.co.uk (rail service in Europe)
www.sncf.com (rail service in France) Book and pay on line
www.viamichelin.com (to plans drives, distances, length of journey etc)
Currency Converter
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
