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September 30, 2018 - Tour of Wine Country (Burgundy, that is)

We toured Bourgogne on our rental bikes today. You knew we had to

find bikes somewhere on this vacation! Wonderful ride.

ABOVE LEFT - We opened the bike shop today. Fortunately we rented and paid for the bikes

(and signed the release forms) months ahead, or we would have been out of luck.

ABOVE MIDDLE - The beginning of the cycling wine route.

ABOVE RIGHT - Vineyards as far as the eye can see.

ABOVE LEFT - This was an absolutely beautiful ride. Bike paths criss-crossed

in the vineyards, some going up high, and some staying low.

ABOVE MIDDLE - Lots of stone walls along the route,

covered with fall-colored ivy .

ABOVE RIGHT - Fountain in front of hotel de Ville in Meursault, The fountain has been

moved and modernized, but the existing sculpture of iron and stone, obtained when

Meursault hosted the St Vincent fete in 1972, is still a central feature of the fountain.

ABOVE LEFT - Close-up of the fountain

ABOVE MIDDLE - There were various stone structures along the bike route

showing the proprietors of the vineyards.

ABOVE RIGHT - Halfway between Beaune and Chagny, Puligny-Montrachet produces

the wines which Alexandre Dumas said should be drunk "on your knees and head

uncovered", This sculpture, Les Travaux de la Vigne, represents vineyard workers.

ABOVE LEFT - I could live here! Lots of beautiful chateaux along the route,

covered with fall-colored ivy

ABOVE MIDDLE - We pedaled through the world famous vineyards of the Cote d'Or

on bike paths and quiet country roads. Grand Cru (designated level of presumed

quality of Burgundian wine ) is a controlled designation of origin wine (AOC),

produced on certain plots (the "climates" classified as grand crus)

ABOVE RIGHT - Wine press at the entrance to the village of Saint Aubin

ABOVE LEFT - The village of Saint Aubin

ABOVE MIDDLE - Map of "The Vineyard Way". We cycled from Beaune through the

vineyards and up to Chateau de la Rochepot, then up to Orches, and back down to Beaune.

ABOVE RIGHT - View at the top of the first big hill. Vineyards just beginning

to show fall colors. Most of the grapes have already been harvested.

ABOVE LEFT - Another shot of the vineyards from a hill just before Chateau Rochepot.

ABOVE MIDDLE - Judith and Fred stomping grapes. We were reminded of an

old 'I Love Lucy' show. And this large pile sure smelled wonderful!!

ABOVE RIGHT - Above the medieval town of Rochepot and standing on a rocky outcrop,

this stately fortress with its multicolored roofs

offers a romantic image of ducal Burgundy.

ABOVE LEFT - Château de la Rochepot: a Burgundian castle with its multicoloured roofs.

ABOVE MIDDLE - Geraniums on a house in Rochepot

ABOVE RIGHT - La Rochepot Castle is a 12th-century feudal castle of neo-Gothic-Burgundian

style, rebuilt in the 15th century. In the 19th century, it was completely restored and covered

with glazed burgundy tiles. We had a steep 16% grade climb

to reach this point but fortunately, the rental bikes had great gears!)

ABOVE LEFT - Vineyards near Orches.

ABOVE MIDDLE - On the climb up to Orches, Judith said, "I hope our route isn't on top of

that wall!" Of course it was. All along the top of the wall, picnickers were enjoying the view.

ABOVE RIGHT - Still a lot of grapes to be picked

ABOVE LEFT - We're back. This is one of the gates to the

city of Beaune - Porte St. Nicholas

ABOVE RIGHT - Our Chambre d'hotes at Les Jardins de Lois in Beaune.

Nice way to end our vacation! Now for the wine tasting in their cave (cellar)