It is funny how just one passing word in a conversation can bring back many memories. Over Sunday lunch today someone mentioned Beaujolais – the light red wine produced in a small region south of Burgundy and north of Lyon in France.

Every year in November a broad collection of vehicles (from the most basic to the most luxurious) race from Beaujolais to London to see who is first to bring the new vintage across The Channel to the beating heart of London. The festivities in London are great fun and if ever you find yourself there in November, head for a wine bar in Soho or the West End to join in the celebrations. Look out for promotions of the Beaujolais run! France is a wonderful country to visit – it is so much larger than we all expect and each region is quite different to the next. I have been lucky to have several holidays there over the years and now long to return, perhaps I am grateful to have missed this year’s heatwave mind you! A few years ago, we went for Christmas with family in Brittany – over in the west where they claim to cook the best crêpes and galettes; where the seafood is fabulous, the coastline rugged and the people welcoming.

Beforehand we had a week in Beaune, a small town north of Beaujolais and south of Dijon. This historical small, walled town was a joy – I wandered down the road every morning to pick up a fresh baguette or croissants for our breakfast, eaten with fabulous local butter and jam all washed down with café au lait. Beaune is home to the beautiful 16th century hospital, now a museum. It also is in the centre of Burgundy, and holds an annual wine auction where buyers come from all over the world. You can walk the ramparts, and while we were there the town held a Son et Lumiere where the historical buildings were floodlit and told the story of its history. The region was a delight with Roman ruins at Autun (well worth the visit), excellent restaurants, cobblestone streets, and fabulous markets.

We then drove west around five hours to Azay le Rideau in the Loire Valley where we based ourselves to explore the magnificent Chateaux. Apart from Azay’s own chateau, don’t miss Chenonceau which straddles the Cher and was home to Catherine de Medici in the 16th century after her husband Henry II of France died. Visit Villandry for the exquisite formal gardens. Chambord is a vast imposing chateau set in massive grounds – don’t miss the amazing historical kitchens with a collection of amazing brass pots and pans! In summer paddle down the rivers, or perhaps cycle or walk the towpath between villages. This opulent region was home to the kings and queens of France and their entourage … the history is fascinating and the area beautiful!

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