Discovering the Charms of Auxerre: Exploring Bourgogne Côte de Serre in Northern Burgundy

Exploring the Bourgogne Côte de Serre, a Hidden Gem in Northern Burgundy

Continuing their journey through the northern part of Burgundy, Marie and Alain from the YouTube channel "Destination Camping Car" find themselves in the heart of the Bourgogne Côte de Serre appellation. Established in 1990, this appellation extends across five villages on both sides of the Yonne river.

Auxerre: A Medieval Gem

Their first stop is the city of Auxerre, located just an hour and a half from Paris. Despite never having been to this city before, Marie and Alain are immediately captivated by its charming cobbled streets and numerous half-timbered houses. They also discover the lively quayside areas along the Yonne river, where locals and tourists enjoy outdoor terraces.

Auxerre is not only famous among soccer enthusiasts but also wine lovers. It is home to one of the oldest documented vineyards in France, the Clos de la Chaînette, dating back to the 7th century. Surprisingly, this vineyard is located right in the city center.

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Vaux-sur-Yonne: Exploring Vineyards

A short 5-kilometer drive south of Auxerre takes Marie and Alain to the village of Vaux-sur-Yonne. Here, they meet Edward and Xavier, winemakers from the Bourgogne Côte d'Auxerre appellation who explain the unique terroir of the region.

The vineyards of Bourgogne Côte d'Auxerre are located on the left bank of the Yonne river, while the right bank belongs to the commune of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux. The villages in this appellation have different exposures, predominantly facing south and southeast. The northerly orientation of the vineyards gives the wines their unique character.

Marie and Alain couldn't resist taking their camping car to the highest point of the vineyards, where they enjoyed the stunning view. The landscape is truly magnificent, with vine-covered hills and endless rows of grapevines.

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A Rich History: From Roman Legions to Medieval Cellars

The origins of winemaking in the region can be traced back to ancient times. Legend has it that Roman legionnaires introduced viticulture, followed by the influence of the clergy and the monks of the Saint-Germain Abbey. The vineyards once surrounded the old town of Auxerre, which has now developed into urban areas.

The wine trade in Auxerre and the surrounding valleys, such as Vaux-sur-Yonne, thrived due to the flottage system, where wine, stone, and wood were transported down the Yonne river to Paris. This flourishing trade contributed to the prosperity of the region.

Culinary Delights

Auxerre offers not only a rich history and cultural heritage but also culinary delights. With a love for gastronomy, Marie and Alain are excited to discover the local cuisine. They indulge in tapas, sushi, sashimi, white meats, and seafood, accompanied by local cheeses such as the Soumaintrain and the Persillé de Bourgogne. They also explore some fantastic restaurants in the area, promising a pleasurable experience for food enthusiasts.

Tasting the Wines of Bourgogne Côte de Serre

Of course, Marie and Alain cannot resist the opportunity to taste the renowned wines of the Bourgogne Côte de Serre. The white wines, with their golden hue, offer flavors of almond, hazelnut, and white flowers. The red wines are characterized by notes of cherry, wild strawberry, hints of licorice, and an underlying mineral quality.

Before leaving for their next destination, Marie and Alain visit the famous Bailly-Lapierre cellars, where they have the unique experience of driving their camping car directly into the underground caves. This cellar visit is not to be missed, as it gives visitors a chance to admire the vast network of historic cellars.

Continue the Journey to Coulanges-la-Vineuse

As their journey through Burgundy continues, Marie and Alain head towards Coulanges-la-Vineuse. This village is known for its exceptional wines and is another remarkable appellation in northern Burgundy.

With its rich history, charming towns, magnificent landscapes, and outstanding wines, Burgundy is truly a destination that wine and travel enthusiasts should explore.

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Discover the enchanting town of Auxerre, nestled in the heart of Burgundy, France. Explore its historic streets, visit the stunning Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, and indulge in the local gastronomy and world-renowned wines. Don't miss the opportunity to take a scenic boat trip along the picturesque River Yonne.

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