The Place
Conveniently placed close to the driving route that takes you from Calais and Paris to eastern France, this 18thC watermill is remarkable for its bewitching atmosphere. The sound of the stream passing right by, the views over the woods and the working mill wheel create a lovely and peaceful setting, less than 20 minutes from the A6.
The 25 bedrooms are rustic and comfortable, spread over the three floors. The best ones are on the ground floor: four-poster beds, a period fireplace and exposed beams create a romantic atmosphere, and the small terrace over the stream is perfect for a pleasant drink before dinner. As you go up, space becomes more limited but you enjoy views over the woods and the whistle of a kingfisher in the morning.
The food is important here, especially as the secluded location means that you need a car to reach any nearby town for dinner (the nearest is about 3km on foot). The dining room has views over the garden and the mill race runs close to the tables and the outdoor terrace: an enviable setting. The river provides fresh fish and the woods supply mushrooms, wild herbs and berries, meaning that most – if not all – the produce is fresh and locally sourced. The wine list doesn’t disappoint, with an impressive number of references including many small, local names. Finish off with Burgundian plum liqueur.
Owner Jocelyne Rossi ensures that guests receive a personal welcome and goes out of her way to satisfy any request. This area of Burgundy, with the Morvan Regional National Park on the doorstep and the historic cities of Dijon and Beaune nearby – as well as plenty of vineyards – has much to offer.