dianeglasmanninfrance: Beth and Bob's visit from Boston and a trip to Burgundy!

What a wonderful visit we had with my cousin Beth and her husband Bob. We picked them up at their hotel in Lyon, stopped at the famous Sunday morning marché and then headed out of the city towards Condrieu. We stopped in Ampuis for wine tasting and were given a great recommendation for lunch at the Auberge du Rozay. After a great meal we continued on our way towards Grazac, over the mountain, to the Cret de l'Oeillon for a spectacular view. Cassoulet was ready and waiting when we arrived home. The next day we showed them around the area and visited the sites in Puy-en-Velay. The third day we all drove to the Burgundy region to spend the next few days together. It was a beautiful drive along the national roads with vineyards on both sides. We stopped in Beaune so Beth and Bob could visit the Hôtel Dieu as we walked the ramparts that encircle the town. Afterwards we all met up for a visit and dégustation at the Marché aux Vins. We stayed in a delightful B&B located just outside of Beaune owned by an English couple who have recently retired to France. We received another great recommendation for dinner at La Table d'Olivier Leflaive where 6 courses were paired with 5 wines. Following our stay in Puligny-Montrachet we drove toward Dijon. We were drawn in for another wine-tasting at Château de Corton André and a stop to see the famous Château du Clos Vougeot. We had a great time strolling the streets of Dijon and settled down for the night in the city. On our way back to the Auvergne we visited Cluny; the ruins of the second largest original church and monastery in Christendom after St. Peter's in Rome.