“Evil settles into everyday life when people are unable or unwilling to recognize it. It makes its home among us when we are keen to minimize it or describe it as something else.”
—Teju Cole, writing about the election.
“The racist, fascist extreme right is represented footsteps from the Oval Office. Be very vigilant, America.”
—John Weaver,Republican strategist who ran the presidential campaign of Gov. John Kasich, on the appointment of Stephen Bannon as chief strategist for the Trump presidency.
We’re in the states at the moment, engulfed in sadness and terror after the election. Sad for the for the inequality in our country that causes such terrible problems for our society, sad for those who rightly feel they’ve been left behind, and angry at an America who chose hatred as a misguided solution to our problems. Yes, I know the choices were bleak, but choosing hatred is never the answer. Any illusions that Trump would “become presidential” and “surround himself with good people” after the election (the excuses we heard so often) were dashed when he appointed a white supremacist as his chief strategist. I’m ashamed that the underbelly of racism, sexism, and hatred that lurks in every society has suddenly become so acceptable in ours.
The saddest part is that the elitist Trump’s policies are very likely to make things much worse for the middle class. If we survive at all; we’re handing the nuclear codes over to an infantile, vengeful, impulsive man. For me, it’s just too horrifying to contemplate. I know many of you will disagree, and I hope and pray you are right.
Sigh. I agree with Mr. Weaver that we must be vigilant and vocal, but, at times like these my thoughts turn to Burgundy, one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I know to escape.
So it seems a good time to do a bit of an overview of our adopted region. Actually it’s quite a good choice if you’re thinking of bailing, and are lucky enough to have the option. Let’s escape briefly to La Bourgogne, for those of you who want to move, to visit, or just to daydream. Burgundy has seen its share of strife in the past, but today it’s a bucolic idyll.
Looking at the Burgundy map above, I was struck by how many of the place names revolve around three things: food, wine, and ancient history. There are the many flavors of tart mustard that hark from Dijon. The pungent Epoisses is the queen of cheeses. There is a plethora of wine villages. Then there are the names that evoke Burgundy’s proud history: Cluny, Ancy-le-Duc, Autun.
La Bourgogne has four distinct departments to explore: to the north, the Yonne, anchored by the pretty towns of Auxerre, Avallon, and the Chablis wine area; to the east, the Côte d’Or, which is pricey red wine country and includes the departmental capital of Dijon and the wine capital of Beaune; the Nièvre to the west, a rural and sparsely populated area; and to the south, our department of the Saône et Loire. Here you will find the good value white Burgundies of the Maconnais. Here you also find towns with historic monuments, like Cluny and Tournus. (Actually there are now more departments, as Burgundy was recently was combined with the rural Franche-Compté region, and we’re still figuring out the details of that merger).
What to do in Burgundy? You might immerse yourself in its rich history, visiting the châteaus, abbeys, and cathedrals that are everywhere here. You could grab a bike and ride the voie verte (the “green lane”, a vast series of bike/horse/walking paths). You could cruise quietly down the canal and rivers that run through Burgundy, in a narrow bâteau de canal. You might take a driving tour of the beautiful villages, and in between drink in the gorgeous natural beauty of the gently rolling countryside. Of course you could follow the food and wine, from vineyard to village to gourmet restaurant. There is much to do, but the pace is leisurely and the road is peaceful.
And whether you’re visiting Burgundy and just visiting this blog, my deepest hope for all of you is peace and security, in these troubled ties.
In the COMMENTS: Jim, thank you for teaching us more about Reims, and now I need to go back to see that museum, plus the light show that Barbie told us about. Paula has added another great cathedral to my list. Julie, I'm happy to know more about the little libraries.
FAVORITE READS: Paula recommends a classic book, The Road from the Past. Traveling Through History in France by Ina Caro (1994-08-01)
And a techincal issue: I know sometimes your comments disappear and you have to add them again. I have discovered this problem too when I leave comments on other blogs. The fact is, they almost always go through, and I get two copies of your comments, one of which I delete. Thanks for your persistence, and I have reported the problem to the server.
28 thoughts on “A Burgundy Escape Route”
Thanks, Lynn. You are so right. Thanks for the ideas on experiencing which will help us focus on the positive.
Hello Lynn. I am also visiting the States at this terrible time – am in Louisiana with my elderly mom and the rest of my family who either supported Trump or were too ambivalent to vote at all. I can barely get through each day with the feeling of impending doom that’s hanging over me. Thanks so much for echoing my thoughts and feelings. It’s good to know I’m not alone. I can hardly wait to get back ‘home’ to Bordeaux and the sanity of France (at least until the election there next year.)
Keep up the good work.
Bonjour Lynn and merci for your insightful and honest view of our “troubled times”. When I speak of “our” I am not talking of just America but of the world when America’s new leader preaches evil, hatred, boldly tells lies and devisive views just to get elected. I have said that he is not what I fear but all those Americans who feel like he does but have not had the courage until Trump came along to voice their own hatred and racism. As a retired American military officer who pledged to protect the citizenry from perversiveness like Trump, I am not of the type to give someone like him a chance to prove that he is not the monster he was during his candidacy! He deserved nothing from me except loathing and disappointment. Nuff said. Dr. Herron
I’m living in Provence and have been in france since 2009, not for political reasons. I am so sorry for the majority who voted Democratic, and so mortified that my country has turned to hate and prejudice. I now introduce myself as a Californian. Yes, Burgundy is beautiful, I have visited there. Visit Cormatin if you haven’t done so yet, and don’t miss the sinks in the public toilet on the way out!
OH, that sweet cow made my day, after contemplating all you have said and of course, voicing all of our thoughts, but at some point we are going to have begin the vigilance on this cretin and start thinking about tactics to fight his policies and those of his right-wing, racist cabinet members.
Quel horreur for us all.
But we are strong and bullies need one thing: a BIG SLAP ACROSS THE NOSE, just like the cowardly lion. But who will give it? The American people, I hope, at least those who realize the big mistake that has just been made.
Thanks Lynn, I have really enjoyed that read and shall pass it on to those of our friends who love Burgundy and those who have yet to try it!
Thank you for your comments about the recent USA elections. You write a general interest blog and could have stayed neutral yet you expressed your true feelings– good for you. It something that we all must do
I wish I could just click my heels a la Dorothy and travel through time and space straight into that gorgeous pastoral photo, Lynn. Thanks for sharing some of that peace. I totally agree with you on your fears for the USA, and if I could afford it, would plan a long sojourn en France.
You GO GIRL! And it just seems to be getting worse… But, don’t talk up Burgundy too much – we love it just the way it is!!
So sorry you feel so negatively about Mr. Trump. You have accurately portrayed how I feel
About Hillary Clinton. Maybe we should all step back and pray
For our leaders rather than judge them the first week. Time will tell.
I enjoy your blog but please avoid politics.
Thank you, Texan who loves visiting France
we are in mourning…but trying to accept that which we can not change…Hope you and yours are ok! Miss you ..
Dear Lynn,
Are you in South Carolina? I just returned to Summerville after 5 weeks in France, cycling and then in London. I had voted before I left. I voted for Hilary. I was surprised on my return, not sure if it is/was “pleasantly” or disconcertingly, that everyone here in Summerville and Charleston are remarkably civil to each other, as if nothing monumental has occurred. And I am talking everyone, young, old, rich, poor, middle class and any and all races. I find it rather creepy, like a bunch of ostriches with their heads in the sand.
We are also, I am sure you are aware, in the middle of two of the worst crimes to happen in our state, the Mother Emanuel shooting and the shooting of Walter Scott. Which makes things even more bizarre.
I’m not quite sure what to make of it all, except that, I have never felt so scared for our country and it’s people. I keep hearing, hope, and strength and a “we shall overcome” spirit, but all I feel right now is despair.
All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing.
We cannot ignore politics in this very unsettling time.
I describe myself as a British European and will never come to terms with Brexit.
We are awaiting the French elections with the fear of Marine Le Pen polling well.
What will happen to those of us who live in Burgundy? I don’t want to go back to a UK filled with Little Englanders and I am sure that Lynne does not want to live permanently in a USA ruled by isolationists and purveyors of hatred.
Now is the time to speak up, not to avoid politics.
Lynn, fantastic piece of writing. Straight from your heart. Well said. I agree with everything you said but in answer to Derin Gemignani, above, maybe the reason people are acting like this is because they are trying to make the best of it and give him a chance as both President Obama and Hillary encouraged the American people to do after the election.
I tried for a few days but can no longer kid myself. I still speak to people who I suspect voted for Trump but we steer away from politics. Now that he is making appointments to his administration it is becoming more frightening even than before the election. I am shocked at myself for not seeing how far right he is.No wonder the KKK endorsed him. His appointment of Bannon and his open support of the alt right is like a nightmare. I can not believe he will be advising the president of the United States!
Thank goodness we have Burgundy to retreat to. At least for this year. We have to hope Le Pen doesn’t fly in with this new populist trend overtaking the whole world.
Thanks for a great post.
Hello Lynn and all readers,
This is Patricia, the French expat. I have been reading all the comments about the US presidential elections, and I think that this site should remain about France and its culture only. Politics should not be involved or at least, not the opinions of its creator, which would be you, Lynn, and the ones of its readers. I am disappointed just like I was with Rick Steves.
I did vote but I my opinion was that no matter the outcome, I/we will deal with it and I will respect my democratically elected president. I can’t tell the future and even the “experts” did not expect the outcome. C’est la vie! Let’s give him a chance and we shall see.
Lynn,you gave us a wonderful mini vacationback to Burgundy!
The Cote d’Or is an all time favorite of ours,and just revisiting it again,if only in oour minds,brings many happy memories.
Thank you!
I enjoyed reading all the comments.It appears a certainty that a lot of misinformation has
infiltrated every opportunity for opinion.
We have to overcome this tidal wave of bias and pull together for the sake of our great country.
Really…..we can’t escape political bloviating in our travel and cultural readings? Save it for Facebook!
While I love my own peaceful retreat in Burgundy (see some places on the map I’ve yet to visit), I am on edge about the possibility of Le Pen gaining ground. Yikes!
To all the people who view France as either Paris or Provence, get of the autoroute and explore a little. I love the Franche-Compté region (and cheese). We hike often in the Jura Mts. right up to the Swiss border where we watch the fountain below in Lake Geneva. But Burgundy will always have my heart because it reminds me of my Midwest home in the U.S.
I have another book to add to your list: Edith Wharton’s “Fighting France: From Dunkerque to Belport.” She was one of the few Americans who had permission to travel freely in war zones, so she went with a group to visit with and document the lives of soldiers in the field. She was close enough to look the enemy in the eye across forest lines. It’s a unique piece of reporting.
When I first saw your post I was wondering if you were going to say something about the election. I am so pleased you did and that you spoke your mind. So tasteful, eloquent & straight to the point. I did as well the other day online & I was attacked on all fronts. Some of the worst were sent to me privately & they were from extended family members, no less. I should not be surprised & frankly, I have absolutely nothing to loose by loosing them except for their vindictive remarks. I’ve been threatened, bullied and ridiculed beyond belief & they stand behind their self righteous indignant religious practices & God. It’s truly sickening. I just don’t get it.
I’m still in a big funk. I’ve really tried to move on & I’m certainly busy enough to keep myself occupied but this is about the worst thing that could have happened to America. I truly hope only the best for our country and the world. I hope these people that supported & voted for him are ready to have a hefty helping of well done crispy crow.
I must respectfully disagree with this post. Please DON’T avoid politics Lynn. We must have dialogue in order to understand one another. We are judging Mr. Trump on what he has said and done – these things are in print and video. They are not opinions, but rather facts.
The only people stunned by the election are those whose daily dose of media is confined to what they want to hear. To be informed and see both sides of an issue you need to to get out of your comfort zone and listen to concerns from other angles. The most telling aspect of this election came from the rust belt states where the jobs and economy proved more important than all the cultural issues that the left has focused on. Both are important and to label a vote for Trump to racism is simplistic and just wrong. I do not believe Republicans overall are more racist(or any other label of the day) than Democrats overall. The wailing and gnashing of teeth before he even takes office is premature. The results in the House and Senate confirm that those on the ground have spoken louder than those in the ivory towers.
Your blog, your words. Write what is in your heart. Free country, last time I checked.
Thank you so much for giving voice to these thoughts, Lynn. I live in a “blue state” which, unfortunately, now has taken on new meaning.
Well said, Lynn. Brilliant article. We feel such sadness at the paths both are countries are taking.
Thank you Lynn for posting your thoughts on the election. I don’t understand how people looked past Trump’s sexism, racism, cruelty, lies and infantile behavior to vote for him. How can those things be excused? In our President?? Any hope of my “giving him a chance” has been obliterated by his choices for cabinet positions and advisors = scary & dangerous. We HAVE TO take a stand.
Thanks Lynn. Wish you were here so all could be taken a bit easier – well can it be easy!? Here’s to doing all we can in our little circles to be kind and generous.
Well said Lynn.
Very sad.We must work and hope for better educated societies where beleives are not taken as facts where people can hear what politicians don’t say and where they understand what they actually say.
Hope we will make good choices for our election in May.
We gave them a good start this last Sunday.
Il est très important de ne pas se trumper…..
I enjoy your commentary occasionally and, believe me, understand the fear of Trump. However, I fear the evil of the Clinton’s even more. Trump may well damage our society, but I felt Clinton would end the Republic! Just look at the violence and vitriol released on their loss, they just do not have a way to overturn the results as much as they would like to.
When I awoke Nov 9 and found that Trump had won, I felt a profound sense of relief. Thank god I can visit France and do not need to move.