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Converted Farmhouse |
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We regret that this house is not available for rent this year (2007)
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Converted Farmhouse |
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We regret that this house is not available for rent this year (2007)
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| The house is situated in an area of France called the Brionnais, a small subsection of the Charolais, in the department of Saône et Loire in the south western corner of Burgundy. | ||
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It is calm and rural with a magical atmosphere of its own. Neighbours will proudly tell you that the countryside is so distinctive that the 20 or so square miles of the Brionnais are easily distinguishable from a passing aircraft. Visit the only cyber café in the Charollais at our village of St Julien de Civry (http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Julien-de-Civry or try the French Brionnais website) This converted farmhouse contains a modern, comfortable bathroom and kitchen, a romantic bedroom, and a sitting room with a traditional stone fireplace, converted to a wood-burning stove. It would suit a couple or a couple with a small child. |
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The area is ideal for anyone who wishes to relax in surroundings which are both beautiful and different. The gentle and picturesque countryside has not been spoiled by the use of chemicals and wild flowers abound in the hedgerows. The quality of the ambient light and the colours are constantly changing and the area around the house always repays a morning or an evening walk. |
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| There is a wide selection of
eating places in the area. The second local industry - after farming Charolais
cows - is craft
manufacture. Studios whose artisans make
pottery, leather goods, glass, goat's cheese, and wood and metal artifacts
can all
be visited in the vicinity. It is also possible to
take an unstrenuous canoe trip on the nearby
unspoilt and slightly wild reaches of the upper Loire. |
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A building explosion in the twelfth century left the region dotted with beautiful romanesque churches. The area was never again wealthy enough to afford a programme of modernisation so most of the charming little churches remain to this day. There are two towns, each about fifteen minutes drive away: Paray-le-Monial, which boasts one of the finest twelfth century basilicas in France, and Charolles which is where Charolais cows come from. |
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Being in the centre of western Europe, it is also an excellent base from which to make day trips to the elegant city of Lyon, to Bourges, Bourg-en-Bresse, Dijon or Beaune, not forgetting of course the vineyards of the Beaujolais, the Maconnais, and the Cote d'Or. |
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Visit the only cyber café in the Charollais at our village of St Julien de Civry http://www.placenetcafe.com/new/accueil.cfm Visit the site of the English language estate agent in Charolles http://www.bentley-burgundy.com/accueil_gb.htm |
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Top Things to Do |
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The Romanesque Churches in the area are impressive, specifically Bois St Marie, Anzy-le-Duc, Chateauneuf, Charlieu, Semur-en-Brionnais, and of course Paray le Monial. Wine Country - Macon and Beaujolais are about an hour's drive away. The Cote d'Or and Beaune, the capital of the Burgundy wine trade are about an hour and a half by car. The village of Iguerande on the Loire has an outlet for very good, high quality nut oils which also make great presents. Historic Cluny is less than an hour away. Wine buying is, of course, encouraged in the main production centres. In addition we have bought very good value wine in co-operatives in Buxy (try making kirs with the Creme de Peche de Vigne, Creme de Mur, Creme de Cerise) and also in the village of Prissé near Macon. The house is equipped with a wide range of brochures and guides (in the blue file in bathroom cupboard). There are also a couple of maps, including a large-scale map of Brionnais area (ideal for planning long walks) and some hotel guides (the Logis de France are very good).
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Eating: Closest restaurant is Le Chidouarn, a reasonable, friendly fish restaurant. They are Bretons and they bring it in by van twice a week (03 85 88 32 07, closed Monday). Poisson (nearby village): La Reconce (03 85 81 10 72) is an extremely good place, keen to establish itself. Very well worth a visit; try the menu gastronomique if you fancy a memorable experience. On fine days sitting out on the terrace is beautiful (closed Tuesday). |
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Charolles: Hotel de la Poste (just near the church) is another good 'gourmet' restaurant. (Phone 03 85 24 11 32, closed Sunday evening and Monday. www.la.poste.hotel.com Paray-le-Monial: the Stromboli (closed Monday) is a very good pizzeria Charlieu: Le Sornin is a good restaurant. Chateauneuf: La Fontaine is classy (03 85 26 26 87, closed Monday) At Anzy-le-Duc there is a restaurant near the church and also a good pizza place which never seems to be open although it claims only to close on Wednesdays.. There is an excellent ferme auberge at Lavaux near Chatenay which is east of La Clayette but it is essential to book. They're open only on Saturday and Sundays. Lunch is our preferred meal - chicken and pommes dauphines as the main dish but if they're fully booked then the evening meal is still pretty good - the gateau aux foies de volaille is wonderful. 03 85 28 08 48 is the phone number. |
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