There are picnics (a sandwich on a park bench) and there are picnics (a blanket, a hamper of goodies). And then there are “les pique niques”! Shortly after we moved to Beaune, we discovered that there would be a picnic/wine tasting at the Château de Beaune, owned by and across the street from one of Beaune's famous wine houses, Paul Bouchard.
The Château de Beaune is indeed an in-town castle, complete with grounds and gardens and a colorful tile roof like the famous Hospice de Beaune. It's only a couple of blocks from our house; we had admired it on our walks. So we lept at the chance to see it up close.
And what a picnic it was! First of all the setting: one of the loveliest properties I've ever seen, with lush formal and woodland gardens on several levels. The pique nique itself was on a lawn in the shadow of an enormous tower. A quartet played soft jazz. The weather was perfection.
Big picnic blankets were laid out for us on the lawn. We sipped delicious wines and nibbled on sandwiches of jambon and fromage. Then we wandered up to the ramparts, through the rose garden and hedges of lavender, past several charming cottages that were on the property, and down an allée of boxwoods to the château.
That famous French elegance and lifestyle were on full display. As we lollygagged in the sunshine with our fine wine and sandwiches, lulled by the music, we were reminded of why we live here: there are so many things the French just know how to do right!
11 thoughts on “A Picnic too Elegant for its Name”
How I envy you and where you live! Gorgeous shots Lynn. Wonderful photo of you & your husband!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
the Flournoys
That is one of the most beautiful chateaux we have ever seen not to mention the cool sandwiches and flowing wine. Then to live two blocks away… Maybe there will be more events.
What an amazing picnic and to live a couple of blocks away must be very advantageous.Thank you for mentioning Loulou.s post!
Hi Lynn and Ron. I love your blog even more after having met you this spring. What a lovely picnic for such charming people. Happy Thanksgiving
Virginia
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, LYNN!
Leave it to the French to make a ham sandwich look like a precious gift! I was in Beaune once for a couple of days, and think I saw the chateau, but I don’t think it was a place one could visit. I was so impressed with the beauty of the town, and the roof of the hospice. I did visit it, and thought it was just marvellous, loved the kitchen and pharmacy. Your old house was great, but clearly you’ve made a super choice for a town home. Smile more Ron … He looks very handsome and dignified anyway.
bonnie in provence
I’m happy to see these great pictures. I always wondered what was up there and behind the ramparts. Looks like a lovely day!
Lynn,just the gorgeous picture of you and Ron is enough to whisk us away to incredible picnics in even more incredible surroundings!All I can say is WOW!!
And thank you for sharing with us!WOW!
Happy Thanksgiving,dear Lynn,and blessings always.
Bonjour Chérie, You and Ron have made a very wise decision to move to the center of the Burgundian wine world and all that it brings along with it. Bravo to you both! I too, like Ellen have always wanted to see what the Chateau was like and now you have kindly showed me. Mille Merci a tous !
The most beautiful pique-nique I’ve ever seen – what a pleasure!