Friday, 28 October 2011
Friday, 21 October 2011
Food delight in Southern Burgundy
When you think of Burgundy the first thing that comes to mind are the fabulous vineyards, and usually you next think of the gastronomical delights that this beautiful region is known for.
Last Friday I was fortunate enough to get the chance to combine exquisite food with some of the regions best wines when I was invited by an expat client to have lunch at the well known Charollais restaurant Frédéric Doucet.
Famous for its fine creative cuisine such as the famous Charolais steak, breast of pigeon, fillets of Erquy sole or warm grand marnier soufflé. Frédéric Doucet offers elegant dining in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, where the waiting staff are extremely attentive and are the perfect image of the true French waiter with their crisp white aprons and black suits.
I chose the Menu "Instant Gourmand" which for 39€ you get starter, main and dessert. On top of this you have the pleasant surprise of being served two amuse bouches before the starter which are a small meal in themselves! These little savoury delights make you realise that you are in for a real treat with the rest of the meal.
For the starter I had fried foie gras with roasted apples, spinach salad with a rich sauce, followed by roasted hunted duck, candied apples and french chanterelles mushrooms, and for dessert I had the Doucet "All Chocolate" which consists of four small chocolate desserts:
My expat client had the warm soufflé with Grand Marnier:
Last Friday I was fortunate enough to get the chance to combine exquisite food with some of the regions best wines when I was invited by an expat client to have lunch at the well known Charollais restaurant Frédéric Doucet.
Famous for its fine creative cuisine such as the famous Charolais steak, breast of pigeon, fillets of Erquy sole or warm grand marnier soufflé. Frédéric Doucet offers elegant dining in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, where the waiting staff are extremely attentive and are the perfect image of the true French waiter with their crisp white aprons and black suits.
I chose the Menu "Instant Gourmand" which for 39€ you get starter, main and dessert. On top of this you have the pleasant surprise of being served two amuse bouches before the starter which are a small meal in themselves! These little savoury delights make you realise that you are in for a real treat with the rest of the meal.
For the starter I had fried foie gras with roasted apples, spinach salad with a rich sauce, followed by roasted hunted duck, candied apples and french chanterelles mushrooms, and for dessert I had the Doucet "All Chocolate" which consists of four small chocolate desserts:
My expat client had the warm soufflé with Grand Marnier:
After all of this delightful food I was rather full but we were in for another treat as when we were brought the coffees we were also served four small mignardises which was a dessert in itself!
Throughout the meal we were able to taste some of the wines the region is famous for: Pouilly Fuissé, and Givry. The wine menu was a very thick black book, and offers any wine imaginable!
I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who is in the Southern Burgundy area, or for those a bit further away it is definitely worth the extra miles as this experience will remain one of the pleasures that you will want to repeat again and again! And at the small price of 39€ it is definitely great value for money!
Enjoy......
Friday, 30 September 2011
Properties to suit all budgets in Southern Burgundy...
This month I have taken a look at what the Charollais/Brionnais region has to offer, and have put together a selection of properties to show you that for all budgets this area offers something for everyone. Enjoy…
49,000€
For those looking for a renovation project this Brionnais farmhouse near La Clayette could be ideal. This Burgundy stone property has the potential to create a 100m2 living space with room for a kitchen, living room, dining room and bathroom on the ground floor and two bedrooms above.
It is marketed at 49,000€ and is situated on a plot of land of 1,330 m2, in the heart of the countryside. Peace and quiet assured, but not isolated!
79,000€
Should you wish to be part of the community for a small price, take a look at this village house located between Charolles and La Clayette. On the market for 79,000€, this property offers fitted kitchen, large living/dining room, bathroom, 3 bedrooms (2 with original tomette tiles, one with parquet flooring) and a loft.
This village house has a nice sized courtyard and a separate piece of land of 500m2. With a little updating this house could be a great village home!
118,000€
10 minutes from La Clayette you will find a pretty village house fully renovated over 85m2. Offering fitted kitchen, a large light living/dining room with original stone walls, large bathroom, and a good sized bedroom.
This property offers potential to extend in the convertible loft. On the market at 118,000€ this house offers a finished product at an affordable price.
169,000€
For 169,000€ you could buy this charming stone house located in a beautiful setting between La Clayette and Cluny.
Renovated to an original country style this property offers 120m2 of living space over two levels, with kitchen, living/dining room with fireplace, laundry room with WC on the ground floor and office, two bedrooms and bathroom upstairs.
Definitely worth a look!
245,000€
In the heart of the Charollais countryside with views over the rolling hills, this charming farmhouse has been renovated with care: stone fireplace, tomette tile flooring, exposed beams, and Burgundy stone walls.
All on one level this property offers 180m2 of living space with a large living room, open kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom and vaulted cellar. The loft benefits from a good quality roof and could be converted easily.
Situated on 3,000m2 of land including a courtyard, garden, fountain and a well. Close to local amenities this house is on the market for 245,000€.
250,000€
For those looking for a true French style house why not take a look at this 19th century bourgeois property located in a Charollais village. On the market for only 250,000€ as it needs a bit of TLC, this property offers 220m2 of living space with vaulted cellars running below the whole of the property.
On the ground floor there is a large family kitchen, dining room with fireplace, a living room with parquet flooring, bathroom and large bedroom. On the first floor you will find four bedrooms and an office.
This is a real authentic French property with lots of character, with original tomette tile floors, fireplaces, and exposed beamed ceilings in all rooms. This property lies on 800m2 of enclosed land with a well.
A true piece of French country life for a reasonable price!
345,000€
And finally for 345,000€ this impressive country house with view could be yours. Located between La Clayette and Cluny, in a hamlet close to village with amenities, it is fully renovated offering 240m2 of living space with vaulted cellar.
On the ground floor is a large entrance hall, open kitchen over the dining room, living room, games room/office, and a shower room. Upstairs is a mezzanine living room, four large bedrooms, two with shower rooms needing to be finished, a bathroom and a dressing room. Floor heating is throughout the ground floor level and electric heating upstairs.
There is also an outbuilding attached to the property being currently used as a laundry room with a convertible loft above. Situated on 5,500m2 of enclosed land with fruit trees, wooden terrace, well, electric gate and videophone.
This month's newsletter just out!
Issue n° 2 of my newsletter is just out, giving you an insight into property, food and life in general in Southern Burgundy - take a look!
Burgundy Relocation Newsletter - issue n° 2
Burgundy Relocation Newsletter - issue n° 2
Friday, 16 September 2011
Afternoon walks in the Brionnais region
Yesterday I spent a pleasant afternoon visiting my mum at her new home that I found for her in the tiny hamlet of Mans located a short drive from La Clayette.
As it was another lovely sunny day my mum suggested going for a walk along one of the many routes she has discovered on her doorstep. I often catch her on one of her walks as she loves the outdoors, and as the weather has been fabulous for many months now she is getting to know her surrounding area rather well!
On our journey we had the pleasure of admiring the many Charollais cows and even a rather impressive Charollais bull. I never tire of watching these animals as they are very charming and funny to watch as they skip around the field!
On our way back I took photos of the view overlooking the hamlet, and as we passed one of the large country manors we had the pleasure of meeting its owner who is a very friendly retired lady who even though does not speak a word of English instantly said that my mum has to come round one day soon to have a cup of tea and a chat!
That is what I love about the people here, they are so friendly and welcoming that even a language barrier does not seem to stop them wanting to welcome you to the village!
As it was another lovely sunny day my mum suggested going for a walk along one of the many routes she has discovered on her doorstep. I often catch her on one of her walks as she loves the outdoors, and as the weather has been fabulous for many months now she is getting to know her surrounding area rather well!
On our journey we had the pleasure of admiring the many Charollais cows and even a rather impressive Charollais bull. I never tire of watching these animals as they are very charming and funny to watch as they skip around the field!
On our way back I took photos of the view overlooking the hamlet, and as we passed one of the large country manors we had the pleasure of meeting its owner who is a very friendly retired lady who even though does not speak a word of English instantly said that my mum has to come round one day soon to have a cup of tea and a chat!
That is what I love about the people here, they are so friendly and welcoming that even a language barrier does not seem to stop them wanting to welcome you to the village!
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| View over the hamlet of Mans |
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| I just love these charming animals! |
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| Very impressive! |
A view to lift anyone's spirit!
You often hear people say location is the key, you can improve your home but never the surrounding area. Up until now I have always lived somewhere where I loved my home but when I stepped outside I had to fight those niggling voices that said "I wish I lived somewhere nicer!"
It had always come down to budget, and before the property won over the location. This is the first time in my life where I have been able to combine budget and location. When I step out of my front door, no matter what kind of mood I am in, the view takes my breath away and lifts my spirits instantly!
This has all been possible due to the comparatively low house prices and stunning countryside and lifestyle that Southern Burgundy has to offer. There is no other place I would rather be and I intend on growing old and grey in this fabulous part of France!
It had always come down to budget, and before the property won over the location. This is the first time in my life where I have been able to combine budget and location. When I step out of my front door, no matter what kind of mood I am in, the view takes my breath away and lifts my spirits instantly!
This has all been possible due to the comparatively low house prices and stunning countryside and lifestyle that Southern Burgundy has to offer. There is no other place I would rather be and I intend on growing old and grey in this fabulous part of France!
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| View from my living room window |
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| View when I walk out my door |
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