Of course, I knew Burgundy was France’s great wine region. But if I were going to go some day, it would have to be in style. I’d have to stay somewhere that echoed with the character of the land, thoroughbred, and its inhabitants, proud yet welcoming. A place grand enough to match the memories of childhood summers I had spent there years ago. But what place could rival such warm nostalgia? Welcome to the Hotel Ermitage de Corton.
I’ve always dreamt of reviewing luxury hotels. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it! And one of my favourite places to visit is always Burgundy, where I spent much of my childhood summers. When I was told about this offer from VeryChic the only answer that I could think of was “yes! I’ll go”, someone has to step out first!
So here I am whizzing down France’s “Road of the Great Wines”, which skirts Burgundy’s most prestigious vineyards. I am totally in my element, with neat rows of vines as far as the eye can see. Eventually, I arrive at the Ermitage de Corton hotel. The mansion’s interior is nicely in-keeping with the façade. This is a country house with cosy living rooms, an almost castle-like entrance hall, wooden floors, stonework and period ceilings, and an authentic style, all of which is shown off to its best advantage through lavish restoration. A plethora of eras, layer upon layer, that each adds its own touch of soul, seasoned with a lick of modernity to ensure maximum comfort.
The ‘hermitage’ or ‘retreat’ wears its name well, being, as it is, a country house slightly out of the way, a mansion infused with the spirit of a guesthouse, warm and familial, but with all of the trappings you’d expect of a four-star hotel. I am immediately struck by the genuine welcome I receive from Clémence and Nicolas Chambon, the property’s owners, who greet me as they might a member of the family!
In the spacious suites of 50m², I once again feel the same familiar warm glow of a family house in the country, with period furnishings, paintings of the owners, a large and comfortable bed. My favourite, above all; a breath-taking view out over the Chorey-lès-Beaune vineyard. With this panorama I’m reminded that I’m on the Wine Road and I’m tempted with the promise of a delectable day of discovery and tasting ahead.
Indeed, this place is also well known in the region for its gourmet restaurant. Conducted with flair by the masterful hands of the up-and-coming chef Vincent Chirat, who cut his teeth in star-restaurants, the creative menu revisits all of the traditional Burgundy favourites with a twist. It’s “honest, modern and balanced” cuisine according to the chef himself. The food is – of course – best enjoyed alongside first-class wine pairings. This exceptional wine cellar could turn any lover of Pinot Noir pale with envy.
There’s nothing like a revitalising breakfast in the restaurant’s delightful dining room to start the day. Fresh fruit juice, crispy French pastries, homemade cakes and yoghurts… A delicious sampling of these fine treats heralds great things to come from the Ermitage de Corton’s homely kitchen. Now it is time to truly begin my day!
The manor’s genuinely welcoming soul and homely vibe. Pretty décor is easy to find, but warm hospitality is much rarer.
The region’s seemingly endless fields of grapevines, and their seemingly bottomless cellars of wine!
The breakfast; this traditional French countryside affair will set you up for a whole day, with fresh fruit and light patisseries.
The accessible seclusion. The hotel is just a few miles for Burgundy’s capital, Baune, yet it still feels like the ultimate retreat.
