LOCAL FLAVOUR
Drinking good wine, with good food and in a great setting is one of life’s true pleasures and where else better than in the stunning region of Burgundy.
When you are planning your visit to Charolles or the surrounding area, enjoying the local wines and cuisine is an important part of the experience.
Not surprisingly, we have a few recommendations for you to consider.
In the heart of Charolles, you’ll find La Maison Doucet, this stylish restaurant with its light beige tones and whites make it an elegant place to eat and on a fine summer’s evening, a table on the terrace is a must.
This is a Michelin star restaurant led by chef Frédéric Doucet. It takes its inspiration from local products and provides some of the finest dining in the area. The restaurant is part of a hotel where the same stylish décor is applied throughout. If the formality of the restaurant is not for you, the hotel’s bistro also maintains the same high cuisine standards.
If you fancy something a little closer to home cooking, also in Charolles you will find the restaurant ’La Table’ at the Maison Charolais. Charolais beef is of course on the menu and so too is a wide range of other local products including AOC goats’ cheese and a good selection of wines from the Loire and Burgundy.
For those with a sweet tooth, take the D985 south out of Charolles passing through Saint-Symphorien-des-Bois, you will come to La Clayette. Look for the Office de Tourisme, it won’t be hard to find as it’s at the entrance to the Château. Here you will find a wide range of products on sale including locally produced honey. The “sweet stuff” is big here and includes flavours such as acacia, meadow, chestnut, dandelion and caramelised hazelnuts.
While you are there, take a trip around the castle grounds – there are some stunning views over the lake (Editor: Remember to take a camera).
And now for something completely…marmalade!
Jenny Rocourt created the Marmalade Factory in 2013 and produces a range of handmade citrus jams, all handmade in copper basins. In 2019, she was awarded gold, silver and bronze medals at the World Original Marmalade Awards, and her products are now available throughout the southern region of Burgundy.
We also have another idea for you. Every evening (Thursday – Saturday), she and her husband Christophe open their home in St Racho (to the south-east of La Clayette) to create a pop-up restaurant serving dinner for groups of six or more. You must book in advance. The meal consists of a starter, main course, dessert, mineral water, coffee, and tea. No wine but you can bring your own. There are 8 seats inside and 16 seats in the garden (weather permitting).
Talking of wine, here is a viticulteur (wine grower) well worth a visit. Vin des Fossiles at Les Chavannes in the commune of Saint-Julien-de-Jonzy. Winegrower Jean-Claude Berthillot is passionate about the wines he produces and welcomes visitors to sample his creations in typical cellar surroundings. The wines are full of character and delicate, with aromas of blackcurrant, and for the whites of grapefruit and peach. There is an interesting selection: Auxerrois, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Gris and Chardonnay for the white drinkers and Gamay and Pinot Noir for the reds.
On your way back to Charolles, take a small detour and call into Le chemin de chèvre at Le Montceau near Prizy. Jean François Bouillot is a renowned goat cheese maker (Editor: see what we did there, segued from wine into cheese, the perfect complement!). Have a look at his Facebook page to see the extra precautions he has put in place to ensure a safe and socially-distance visit.