A trip through Burgundy

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Here I sit in Monthelie in the Burgundy region not far from Bauné.
It is 08.00 and the weather is pleasantly chilly. It will warm up during the day, without getting too hot.
We got here by flying BNE - MEL - HKG - HEL - CDG , and will return the same way.
Our flights were QF Mel - HKG and AY for the rest. All in J.
The QF J was the usual product we all know and love. The AY J was a new experience for me, we flew in the A350.
Without getting into the nitty gritty, based on my experience, I am unlikely to bother with them again. The J layout is such that if you're in full recline / sleep mode, getting up for any reason, requires the seat to be restored to sitting position. We did receive an amenities kit, and slippers, both of which are quite nice. But no PJ's or bedding like the QF 747 offering.
Because we had a long layover (6 hours) in HKG , we didn't bother eating the evening meal and prepared for sleep. The breakfast 10 hours
After was IMHO almost not worth the effort. But beggars can't be choosers.
The flight form HEL to CDG was ok, but the was a little disappointed to discover J was a Y seat with a shadow.
Food again was average.
Paris was great, our first visit and was made even more delightful by meeting up with Pagingjoan and her + 1 . We enjoyed some delightful meals out.
School holidays meant that the many attractions on offer were difficult to access due to long queues. So we have resolved to return again in quieter times. We did manage to visit the Musée D'Orsay and the Petite Palais. A walk around the base of the Eiffel Tower and the obligatory trip on the big bus to get some idea of the geography. We stayed (after booking and then cancelling many other options ) at the Crowne Plaza La Republique. It is a little tired to be honest, but very confides and we had a "family " room (two queen size beds) enough room to spread out and have a party. :). I am informed that large rooms like this are a luxury in Paris. The breakfast was pretty amazing, the chefs know how to cook an egg without being asked or instructed. (Yay)
The set up for us was that we asked for and were given club room access for an additional €25.00 (between us not each) per day. For that we also got the breakfast thrown in. Normally that would cost us €25.00 euro each. ( a bit steep imo ) the executive / club room is a major fail. The only negative side of out stay. The positions of the hotel is great as a place to base yourself if getting about using the metro is your plan.
In any event we came away with positive vibes overall and we shall make a return visit, maybe staying in an apartment and for much longer than a few days.
From there we drove to Monthelie to stay with my dad in his house amongst the vines. This is truly a magic spot, great views across the vineyards and plenty to see and do. As I write we are preparing to visit another local village to walk through their market. We were in Meursault yesterday and visited their market. A great day out. (Some photos will follow).
So here we up to
 
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Looking forward to following your adventures. A long time ago now but we stayed in an apartment in Paris & loved the bakery breakfasts (maybe not so healthy long term)!
A bit surprised with your thoughts on AY- a long time since I flew with them but I usually read pretty glowing opinions of them.
Looks like your Dd has a top spot!
 
It all comes down to individual experiences. I spoke with someone else and they had a different experience. I am certainly not saying AY are a load of Cr*p. But I really feel their J offering isn't what I was expecting.
 
Every Easter there is an "Open. Door" festival, you buy a wine glass form the Maisie's office and you wander about tasting wines. And buying them of course.

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Enjoying your trip report. We will be in Beaune for 5 nights in July.
 
We are with you on the new AY.Previously have been OK but 6 months ago we flew the A350 HEL-BKK and were underwhelmed.mrsdrron has said it was our last AY flight.
 
Today we decided to visit the Chateau de Savigny lès Beaune . Unless you're interested in aviation, wine and motorcycles and racing cars, I would suggest you give it a wide berth :).
It was sensory overload for me. So I shall post only a few photos from the excursion

Edit: unable to download "any" of my photos. Not sure what's happening here
 
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In Reims today. Drove up this morning, did a walk about the city. Visited the Cathedral .

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How long did it take to drive to Reims?
looks like you are having good weather.
 
Nice photos. We enjoyed Reims more than we thought we would. It is a lovely city for walking around and we still remember a lovely bistro meal on a square just behind the Cathedral.

I could never pronounce the name of the city correctly - something like Raass
 
From Monthelie about 3 hours. We drove the on Péage, which cost about €25.00 as I recall.
We stayed at the Holiday Inn.
The hotel has quite good, but I would not recommend it if you're driving. The car parking is a nightmare.
Breakfast was fine, nothing spectacular, but good variety and quality was ok.
Reims has a lovely city centre, and we enjoyed the ability to walk around on a Sunday as there were very few cars about.
I would recommend a visit.

We are in Caours for two nights, then Epernay for another two, then head back to CDG for the long haul home .
A short trip, but we have enjoyed the experience.


How long did it take to drive to Reims?
looks like you are having good weather.[/
 
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A casual dinner or bread, Rillette (Pork of course) wonderful cheese form northern France, a glass or 3 of champagne. Followed by some red. All to fortify us for the ANZAC day ahead in the battlefields of northern France.
 
Just tripped over this thread!

We are now back in Oz, and have been on tour guide duties with o/s visitors - but the fun of the shared experiences in Paris is a great memory of our most recent European travels.

Wish we could have continued on with you but at least we made the most of our remaining time in Paris and then in Lille. :)
Enjoy some (more) bubbles for us!
 
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