Nuits St. George to Beaune and Meursault: Soaked to the Beaune
We loved our accommodation in Nuits St. Georges, and breakfast this morning did not disappoint. We were joined by a lovely young couple from the Netherlands, their incredibly well behaved dog and the most beautiful baby. It was such a nice way to start the day.
The weather forecast wasn't great, but Keith and I really wanted to do a loop around the area that we missed last time we were here. What a beautiful part of the world this is. We started out on a D road that we had almost completely to ourselves. It bordered the Foret Domaniale de Citeaux. Yes, I had to look up the spelling on the map. Our goal was the Abbaye de Citeaux.
At the entrance to the Abbaye. Unfortunately it is Sunday today, so tours are only in the afternoon. In addition to that, while exploring the grounds, look what happened.
Then it was back on the D road towards the big black clouds. In the morning we were lucky to avoid the rain but not so in the afternoon. The rain was on and off, but fairly steady. We certainly kept our eyes open for shelter as we rode.
We had several more bail under a tree moments (or whatever was available) through the rest of the afternoon, but the rain couldn't spoil what an amazing place this is to ride. We watched the grapes being harvested and had a conversation with one of the supervisors...I asked if all the rain is bad for the harvest but he assured me the grapes will be just fine. Just lots more mud involved in the harvesting. Well, that's a relief. I was worried about all that future wine.
We were riding a Tour de France D road for a time. The Tour was in Nuits St. Georges on July 7. There is still lots of evidence.
Then the vineyards. We were riding through the Grand Cru vineyards here. We love riding through vineyards. You climb a little and get such amazing views.
Lest you think I was exaggerating about the rain, there was also this. Keith rode through it, nearly came off his bike, and this puddle was deep. Safety first! I choose the grassy verge. Disaster averted.
In the end, we just kept riding through the lighter rain until Beaune, where we felt like we had arrived in Disneyland. Stores were open! On a Sunday in France! and I was grateful because I got a large coffee and Keith had a hot chocolate before the final few km to Meursault. Hot tea, a hot shower and a delicious dinner with good wine awaited us.
