As a group we visited Les Hospices de Beaune, the original hospital founded in 1443. While the rest of our travels will involve a lot of history, I find this visit really gave us an idea how normal people lived a few centuries ago.
The Hôtel-Dieu was founded on 4 August 1443, when Burgundy was ruled by Duke Philip the Good. The Hundred Years' Warhad recently been brought to a close by the signing of the Treaty of Arras in 1435. Massacres, however, continued with marauding bands (écorcheurs) still roaming the countryside, pillaging and destroying, provoking misery and famine. The majority of the people of Beaune were declared destitute. Nicolas Rolin, the Duke's Chancellor, and his wife Guigone de Salins, reacted by deciding to create a hospital and refuge for the poor.
Time to leave for Saulieu, our next destination. Saulieu is home to our most gastronomic destination in France, Bernard L'Oiseau. Taking a little more then an hour we travelled through the back roads, enjoying the beauty of the country side.
This walled town has existed since Roman times when it was known as Sidolocus (or Sedelocus), as seen on the tombs and engravings that can be found in the hills overlooking the modern town. Every Saturday morning a unique market is held in the square selling goods of many kinds.[citation needed]We stayed at a very charming place called La Tour d'Auxols. The room was very cute. We took a few hours to relax, take a hot and powerful shower and prepare for our culinary experience.
The restaurant was right in front of the hotel, a convenience considering the fact that many glasses of wine were to be enjoyed.
Bernard Loiseau established Bernard Loiseau SA in 1998, and was the first star restaurateur to establish the concept of having one's restaurant incorporated and traded. At the time of his death, he was the only French chef traded on the stock exchange.[2] Under Bernard Loiseau SA, Loiseau published numerous books, established a line of frozen foods, and opened three eateries in Paris, in addition to running La Côte d'Or and its adjoining boutique shop.
How can I describe the experience. It began with a glass of Champagne in a beautiful salon, followed by a perfect meal in one of the cosy dining rooms. The service was perfect, the dish delicious and the wines perfectly matched. After desert we were brought to yet another salon for a cup of coffee. An incredible experience.
Meanwhile in Longueuil they suffered through a strong storm with over 100kms winds. It's the second time we go on a trip without the kids, and it's the second time they go through tropical storm winds. A message perhaps?
