The Johnsons travelled around and met with one of Sextant’s local agents after three or four days scouting the area. The agent secured two viewings of properties even though it was a Saturday, and as is often the case, the last house they saw was the one! It’s a four bedroom Bressane farmhouse with about half an acre of land set in pretty countryside. Having been previously renovated by an older couple, they could move in straight away, although not before the old owners removed everything, “including every light bulb and the curtains!” remembers Mr Johnson. Luckily they also removed their beer glass collection (numbering in the thousands!) that was housed on shelves in one of the rooms. To refurnish the place, the Johnsons turned to that cornerstone of French culture, the brocante, for their tables and chairs, chandeliers and more besides. They plan to use the house as a second home rather than a holiday home so they didn’t want to just make do. Mrs Johnson has even planted some daffodils, so a little patch of Wales will spring up next year.

As for the agent, Mr Johnson couldn’t recommend him highly enough. As well as speaking perfect English, having worked as an air steward beforehand, nothing was too much trouble and he helped them out when there was a leak, when the heating needed looking at and even when they wanted to install a Velux window.
Neighbours can be a big deal in the countryside, with sometimes only one other house for miles at a time. Luckily the Johnson’s neighbours are the good sort, and include a retired diplomat who sometimes calls round and another originally from Switzerland. You may often find friendly farmers come round with surplus fruit and veg, as well as the more curious among the local populace, who pop by to stare at the newcomers.
Mr Johnson says he doesn’t have too much trouble making himself understood, though his Welsh is better than his French! He mentions a restaurant owner in Aix with whom he’s had several conversations about horses around a bottle of wine. Even though neither speaks the other’s language properly, they still understand each other and enjoy each other’s company, much to his wife’s surprise.
The couple plan to see a lot more of France when they come over for 3 or 4 weeks at a time. They hope to discover the little things you don’t always see when you’re travelling around on business- typical shops, cafes and patisseries that the French are famed for. Mr Johnson is also into fishing and shooting, occupations he should be able to pursue in the Burgundy countryside as well as in Wales. And of course now they have a place there, there will be a never ending stream of family and friends (more than they thought they had!) passing through. Mr Johnson is planning a barbecue and a pizza oven in his garden, although laments the lack of wine cellar- “even the grotty apartments in Aix had one!” he laughed.

Burgundy is a great area to lay down roots in France- not too far from the UK by road and also serviced by budget airlines meaning getting there is a doddle, compared to other regions of France where flights only run for a short summer season. Burgundy is a rich land, and not just for the wine nurtured in its soils but also in terms of history, architectural heritage and culinary tradition. Properties are still fairly cheap although prices have risen by nearly 6% since 2009/2010, with the Cote d’Or being the most expensive department and the Nievre being the cheapest, which puts the Louhans area somewhere in the middle. At the lower end of the scale, € 50-60,000 can still buy you a charming little cottage with a small garden, although needing some form of renovation. For instance, a traditional farmhouse near Louhans with just under half an acre of land, a stable, a barn, a well and a couple of other outbuildings is priced at € 75,000. The French property needs updating but still comes with 2 bedrooms, a spacious living room and attic space to develop.
For a mere €205,000 you could be the proud owner of an imposing 19th century Bourgeois home with 1.4 acres of land, a guest house and outbuildings. The main house has four bedrooms and two reception rooms although it does need a change of décor! It’s located near Toussy, in the Yonne.
As your budget increases so do your choices- half-timbered farmhouses, striking stone builds, cottages, converted barns, stud farms, mansions and even old viticulture properties. If you’ve always fancied being a castellan, a picturesque chateau near Corbigny set in over 6 acres of woodland comes with a pool, stables and a dovecote. With 6 bedrooms and 550 sqm of living space it’s grand, but not too overwhelming.

Burgundy has lots to offer with unspoilt countryside, medieval towns, national parks and of course its celebrated wines. So if you fancy owning a little corner of this rich and diverse region, book yourself a viewing trip now, and you could be sipping some Chablis before you know it.

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The Provence is currently the first producer of rose in France (150 million bottles produced each year), and probably one of the biggest consumer of this wine as it is a real tradition when the temperature rises.  Moreover, France is currently the first producer of rose in the world with more than 29% of global production and despite the slump of red wine production, rose gains market shares every year: it went from 8.4% of all wine consumption in France in 1991 to 14.7% in 2003.

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However, Provence is not the only region where you can find quality rose, you can also find some in the Rhône and Bordeaux region (12% of the French national production of rose), in the Languedoc, in the South-West and in the Roussillon. Nevertheless, these regions are best known for their red or white wine produce rather than rose.

We can distinguish 3 different ways of producing rosé:

-          Skin contact

-          Saignée

-          Blending

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The first method mainly consists in crushing black-skinned grapes and leaving the skins in contact with the juice for a short amount of time. Then, the skin is removed, as opposed to red wine production when it must stay with the juice. The more you leave the skin with the juice the darker and more intense the wine will be.

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The Saignée or “bleeding the vats” is the process of producing rosé by using  red wine fermentation. In fact, the colour of the red wine can be influenced if a part of the juice is extracted at an early stage. Then the red wine will be darker as the volume of juice is reduced and the pink juice extracted can be fermented separately in order to produce rosé.

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The ultimate way to produce rosé, called “Blending”, was very controversial for years and only stopped being so in 2009 when the European Union recognized with absolute majority (France included) the mixing of red and white wine as a legal process to produce rose wine. Indeed, the blending consists in the simple mixing of red wine and white to obtain this particular pinky colour. This method is still discouraged in the major wine regions except for Champagne.

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Rose wines represent an art of living, a way of thinking, and there’s nothing more delightful than drinking a glass of rosé in your property in Provence, basking in the glorious sunshine.

And now imagine that it’s not any wine, it’s your own wine, directly taken from your vineyards with your name on the label, just imagine the incredible sensation of pride and honour which would invade you.

France as first producer of wine in the world gives you access to numerous vineyard properties in marvellous regions such as Burgundy, Alsace, Provence, the Jura Mountains and Corsica.

Moreover, in times of crisis, investing in vineyard properties can result in a beneficial operation if you decide to export the wine produced. And the possibility to participate in the grape harvest with the help of local villagers will delight all the family as it is pleasant and instructive.

Surrounded by typical French villages and with wonderful views over the vineyards, these properties will bring you peace and tranquillity. These little pieces of paradise are furthermore quite affordable and the prices will vary depending on the size of the vineyards. And since these French properties are not as trendy as houses by the sea, , they’re generally more affordable.

When the grape harvest is over, don’t worry, the huge size of the domain gives you various opportunities to modify the garden to suit your aspirations (putting in a pool, tennis court, football field…). And for those who dislike wine, you can still produce grape juice for the entire family.

With 144 000 vineyards covering a total area of 2154758.926 acres, there’s no need to add that there are various options available for you to choose the adequate property.

In addition, since each wine region has its own weather, there is a region for everyone:

-          The Alsace, the Champagne, the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions with a continental climate ( very hot in summer, very cold in winter)

-          The South West and the  Loire Valley with an Atlantic climate ( cool summers, rainy winters)

-          Rhône Valley, Provence and Corsica  with a Mediterranean climate (hot and dry summers and mild, wet winters)

When we ask English people why they moved to France, very often the answer will be related to wine! However, if the desire to manufacture your own wine makes you keen to buy a French vineyard, keep in mind that it requires commitment and although the property will  not always be expensive, it is necessary to hire a manager and some employees in order to maintain the vineyard.

If you’re still interested in this unique experience, remember that only very wealthy people can afford to buy vineyard properties in Champagne and Alsace, thus it is rather more interesting to look for properties in Burgundy, Aquitaine or even in Provence where the prices are lower and the prospect of development better.  I invite you to have a closer look to these regions, let’s live the French dream!

Prices start at 110,000€ for a village house to refresh with small vineyard (on a third of an acre plot), near Etang sur Arroux in Burgundy. You’ll also be able to find properties in the Bergerac area, known for its aromatic reds, dry whites and fruity rosés, including a stunning estate to renovate set in 40 acres for 477,000€. The 15 acres of vines include the famous “Rosette”. If you’re willing to push the boat out, how about a renovated guesthouse with 15 acres includes vineyards near Montmoreau in the Charente? It’s priced at 840,000€.We also have numerous properties with views over vineyards if you’d simply like to enjoy the surroundings without getting your hands dirty!

Have a look at the map of vineyards in Burgundy:

A little history of Burgundy wines

Indeed, we have to go back to the year 312 AD when the very first reference to Burgundy wines was documented. It is today known as the oldest one. Since then, Burgundy wines gradually acquired an excellent reputation throughout Christendom. Between 500 and 1300, a period of strong expansion saw the elaboration of famous wines in the Cote d’Or department near Dijon, as well as notions such as ‘terroir’ or ‘cru’. Wines benefiting from theses appellations often grew in the Chablis vineyards.

However, this reputation was highly boosted by the Dukes of Burgundy in the 14^th and 15^th centuries. They were even considered arbiters of taste for Europe.

Nowadays, 4 main grape varieties are planted in Burgundy:

- The Pinot Noir

- The Gamay

- The Chardonnay

- The Alligoté

- The Pinot Noir

Exclusively reserved to the upper classes during the Middle Ages due to its high quality, the Pinot Noir remains one of the most famous wines of Burgundy along with Chardonnay.

Most of the production of this red wine happens in Cote d’Or, there being over 1,500,000 acres of vineyards in this department. You would definitely benefit from landscapes of vineyards if you choose to buy a French property in Burgundy. It produces compact and purple/black coloured grape bunches containing an abundance of sweet and colourless juice.

What you probably don’t know: the juice of a Pinot Noir grape is colourless, and this is why the juice is used in the making of … champagne!

- The Gamay

This wine, whose name comes from a hamlet near the village of Saint Aubin, was already mentioned in a number of written sources. Roughly half of its vineyards are in the Beaujolais (a large part of Saone-et-Loire), and the grapes hold white juice. It is to this plant that red wines of the Maconnais and Beaujolais owe their reputation.

- The Chardonnay

It has been representing the prestigious white wines of Burgundy for centuries. Preferring the limestone soils that are more clayey, the Chardonnay produces beautiful bunches of golden berries – about the same size as the Pinot grapes – but more densely packed.

- The Alligoté

The Alligoté is a medium-fine plant whose grapes and berries are white, vigorous and large. In fact, they are larger than the Chardonnay and, consequently, higher yielding. You can find this plant almost anywhere . One particular trait with the Alligoté is that the wine made from it isn’t sold under the name of the village where it is grown but only goes under the official name ‘Bourgogne Alligoté’.

The local festivities:

The ‘Hospice de Beaune wine auctions’  have taken place every year in November for the last 150 years. Christie’s, the famous auction house organise it and  sells the official catalogue, which means it’s very easy for you to discover the great wines of Burgundy through this sale. Last year, the exhibition saw 642 wine bottles sold at auction in only one day (542 red wines and 100 white wines), which shows the great popularity of Burgundy wines.

Here is an overview of each part of France to help you to choose the right place:

- Northern France:

Northern France is ideal for people who want to pile the family and all their bits and pieces into the car. Its long sandy beaches represent an important part of the landscape in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. They stretch from the Belgian border right round to the Pays-de-la-Loire. You may even see seals that live in groups on small islets before migrating towards Greenland.

Another appeal of northern France is the easy access to the coast and a huge choice of inland countryside. The lifestyle varies according to the location but everyone in northern France enjoys ease of access from the United Kingdom and the year-round mild climate.

As far as the local architecture is concerned, there is every shape and colour of house in northern France from the coast to the countryside. From the red bricks of Pas de Calais to the black and white half-timbered houses of Normandy, the whitewashed houses of Brittany to the golden yellow stone houses of Vendee, a variety of properties with different architecture are set in quite a small space.

Nevertheless, prices there are not the cheapest in France but there is undoubtedly something to be found within most people’s budgets. Expect to pay from €100,000 for a seaside view apartment in Vendee or a one-bedroom holiday cottage in Brittany to around €200,000 for a good sized rural property.

- Central France:

If you’re looking for a ‘green destination’, central France is made for you. There is a feeling that time is at a standstill in this rural area. For anyone who likes cycling, walking, horse-riding, fishing and lazing by lakes, the Limousin has it all. Low property prices are a big draw as well as the peaceful surroundings.

The Auvergne region suits many people who like the idea of a long letting season. The snow in winter brings skiers from the three ski resorts in the Massif Central, and the warmth of the summer draws people to investigate the numerous mountain lakes, volcanoes and the famous cheese of course!

Burgundy also attracts year-round visitors who enjoy the wines and the canals, though the likely cost of a property will be around €250,000. Saying that, for €200,000 you can acquire something slightly more modest. On average, it is far more expensive than the Limousin. But again, it’s a matter of matching the style of house and the budget to the area that will suit you most.

The Rhone-Alpes region offers the best French ski resorts in the French Alps. It has a lot of expensive properties and prices are increasing rapidly. You will find chalets, apartments and country houses amongst others.

>Click here to see the best ski resorts in the French Alps and our properties in the area

- Southern France:

Southern France – particularly the south-west – has attracted more UK property buyers and holidaymakers than any other part of France. The warm sunny climate, vineyards, gorges or bustling villages have all attracted people to this part of France. If you intend to buy a holiday home for a rental income, you are unlikely to be short of visitors here. UK property buyers have been buying up large properties in the south-west to renovate and develop as holiday accommodation for a while.

From the Charente to the Dordogne, the Lot and Pyrenees Atlantiques, each department has something to offer but every region shares the very special nature of the south-west. The area is so vast that all sorts of properties can be found. Generally, houses will be in better condition than in the centre and north but will be more expensive (from €180,000 for a 2-bedroom cottage up to €500,000 for a gite or for anyone who is ready to make a business with a holiday home). If you are looking for bargains, you need to get away from the coastal stretch and go into the hills.

The south of France is known as the playground of the rich and famous, and the French Riviera lifestyle will always be an attractive place for those with time and money to spare.

What draws people to the south is:

-> the 300 days of sunshine each year

-> the international and glamorous lifestyle

-> the access to the Mediterranean

-> the mountains

Compared to the first semester of 2008 where the highest average was 2 549 € per square metre, we’ve seen an average of 2 580 € in the fourth quarter of 2010.

“The decline in prices recorded during the financial crisis which lasted from the second semester of 2008 to the first semester of 2009 has now completely faded”, observed Century 21.

However, this new record masks profound disparities between Paris and its suburbs, where prices have climbed a lot in 2010, and the more moderate rest of the country.

The average price rose by an average of 18.46% over 12 months in Paris, and by 7.8% in the capital’s suburbs, according to Century 21’s figures, based on the 49, 700 transactions the network carried out in 2010.

However certain areas saw their prices fall in the second semester of 2010, such as Alsace, Burgundy and Nord-Picardie.

For the year overall, Haute-Normandie is the only region to have seen its prices fall (-1.9%).

Century 21’s figures concerning Paris confirm the predictions of the Chambre des notaires, who had foreseen a 20% rise over the year in December.

Nonetheless, the records do mask a clear deceleration in the second semester of 2010, a period during which prices rose by less than 1% compared to the first six months of the year.

Considering the frailty of households’ solvency and in spite of the new mortgage loan with reinforced 0% interest, Century 21 is staying prudent.

The network estimates that the possibility of arise in house prices in France of between 2 to 3 % should not be discounted, but notes that the evolution of the market will mainly depend on interest rates.

“This rise in prices is very closely linked to and dependent on interest rates as these days, most other levers permitting access to housing have been called upon already,” concludes Century 21.

Here at Sextant we’ve decided to ask you about your favourite French property- preferably in a rural setting (including hamlets and villages) in order to find the most desirable one.
If you’re having difficulty making your mind up, here are several buying factors you may want to take into consideration:

The aesthetic appeal of the property- often first impressions count more than anything else. A property must look charming on the outside and have some sort of appeal even if it needs complete renovation internally. Character can be very important indeed- brightly painted shutters, wisteria creeping up a wall or the colour of the stone may all play in a house’s favour. If this interior requires modernisation or restoring this isn’t usually a problem; people tend to welcome the opportunity to put their own mark on a place.

The surroundings- The setting of a property can often be a make or break deal. A semi-detached house may not offer you the seclusion you crave, or a neighbour’s cow shed or hangar too close by could be a turn off. The most popular properties tend to be well set in their land with neighbours nearby (but not too close!) and amenities a short drive away.

The grounds- good quality and plentiful land is often near the top of a buyer’s priority list. A house in not particularly good condition, but nestled in 10 acres of land with dominant views across a valley may attract far more interest than a property in excellent condition with no more than a few hundred square metres of courtyard. Of course, small but perfectly maintained gardens bursting with flowers, trees, ponds etc. would also be a wonderful addition to any property. Rivers or streams running through or alongside the land would also be a plus.

The interior- as mentioned, the interior does not tend to carry as much weight as the above factors, however stand out period features (stone/wrought iron staircase, monumental fireplace, cathedral ceiling) may be enough to wow.

On our side, we will of course be considering the exterior of the property and its character, the views, the surroundings, the interior and the location. The house can be modern, or old, whatever has attracted your fancy, as long as it is privately-owned and not currently on the market.

Please submit your entry to this email: competition@sextantproperties.com with a photo and a short description indicating why this property should be crowned France’s favourite house, including information on its character, location, panorama and so forth (entries are valid until the 30th November 2010). We will be awarding a worthy prize to the winner sponsored by our partner Moneycorp- our preferred currency specialist- a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne so you can really toast your success!

Hunting is in fact the nation’s second most popular sport, taking its place of course, after football. Statistically though, the sport is in decline, as there are now fewer than 1.4 million people registered to hunt in France whereas in the 1970s there were over 2 million.

Hunting is very tightly regulated and controlled in France, falling under the governance of EU laws and policed extensively by the gardes de chasse. To hunt, one has to have a valid hunting licence (permis de chasse), specific to the area and animal that is being hunted, which is paid to the tax office or the local hunting association. Although hunting is a much less exclusive pastime in France, even those who participate in local shoots can expect to pay around €1500 a year for the right to shoot game. A licence has to be renewed and validated annually and there are strict penalties imposed if these regulations are not adhered to. Individual licences are issued to hunters at the beginning of the season determining the exact number of large animals that may be killed, and details of each kill must be noted down meticulously.

There are three types of hunting:

• Ordinary hunting on horseback or foot, using hunting dogs usually belonging to a cooperative hunting dog association (societe de chasse)
• Deterrage (underground) hunting on foot or on horseback of underground dwelling game using small hounds.
• Venerie (chasse a courre) which is very similar to the English fox hunt except other game are also hunted such as boar, hare, rabbit, red deer and roe deer. The mounted hunt is allowed until the end of March.

Whereas in Britain the mention of hunting conjures up images of traditional red coats and top hats on horseback, in France the image is far lower key and most hunting is actually done on foot.

One other big difference between hunting in France and hunting in England is the setting. In the UK fox hunting takes place in open fields and countryside, whereas in France hunting usually takes place in deep forests and woodland. The skill of riding is also not as preeminent in the French hunt and it is rare for the riders to be jumping. They are more focused on endurance and the work of the hounds.

What is hunted, where is it hunted and when?

The range of animal hunted in France is far wider than in Britain. In the UK the most infamous hunt that has attracted so much publicity is that of the fox, whereas in France the hunt consists of deer, hare, rabbit, wild boar and game birds such as pheasant and partridge. The time of year and the season determine what is being hunted.

The season generally opens in September and continues through till the end of February but the dates are regionally specific and decided by the regional prefet. The opening and closing of the hunting season varies with each region and it is very carefully decided in accordance with the department’s ecological needs, regarding its animal and birdlife.

Red deer stag, Roe deer, wild boar and Hare – this game is hunted from September to March. From June to September some shooting of male roe deer is allowed but hunters need a specific permit as there is a limit on deer hunting. This game is hunted in Normandy, the Region of the Loire chateaux, Burgundy, Medoc and Provence. In particular Lorraine is known as one of the best places to hunt for wild boar in France, as they are plentiful in number. From mid August wild boar hunting is also famous as a Provencal tradition.

To make the most of hunting in France, in the Centre region, why not look into properties with equestrian facilities such as this lovely stone farmhouse, which comes with stables and 14 acres of land for €140,050

Duck – duck and waterfowl shooting opens in mid August. It is mainly in Normandy, Picardy and Sologne (Loire Valley). Sextant French Properties has several properties in the Picardy region such as this 18th century property, located close to Abbeville and Auxi Le Chateau, consisting of four separate accommodations. If it is the beauty of the Loire valley that you are after then maybe this 17th century stone house for €340,000  would be perfect to enjoy the splendour of this spectacular region and get to know its hunting heritage.

Partridge and pheasant – this game is hunted from late September till mid January in the Loire Valley.

Snipe – this is known as the most challenging of game birds, and is hunted in the muddy marsh lands of Normandy and Picardy, near Deauville, Honfleur and Le Touquet. Hunting starts in early August and continues until the end of January. Located between Honfleur and Le Touquet you will find this impressive Anglo-Norman style manor house that Sextant Properties has to offer.  Set in 14.5 acres, this house comes with 7 bedrooms and a stable block.

So if you are tempted to experience a slightly different style of hunting in a country that is proud of its hunting heritage, then come and explore the regions of Normandy, Provence, Centre and the Loire where you can immerse yourself in the traditions of this sport.

•    Elsewhere on the ocean there are two other events taking place in September; the Cannes International Boat and Yacht Show and Les Voiles de St Tropez (http://ot-saint-tropez.com/index.php?page=voiles2010&choix_lang=uk).  Nowhere will you see such a fine exhibition of boats and yachts in such an atmosphere of luxury and glamour.  If searching the market for your own piece of nautical treasure then join the 57,000 other visitors that will descend on Cannes to soak up the opulent ambiance.  Alternatively, just down the road, the famous Voiles de Sainte Tropez, which takes place at the end of September (25th-3rd October), provides a wonderful opportunity to see both modern and traditional yachts battle it out on the water.  Expect lively parties and dinners throughout this week long event.
•    If you want to keep your feet firmly on the ground then there is the Sainte Savine Street Theatre Festival in Burgundy, although it cannot be guaranteed that you won’t find yourself dancing.  Hundreds of people descend on this small town, not far from Troyes, to see professional theatre companies put on marvellous productions and various street performers entertain with their weird and wonderful shows.  There can be anything, from puppetry and circus acts to theatre and mime.  With a plethora of live music and entertainment this event is sure to brighten up your day.  Whilst in this region why not head to the 10th Jazz Festival in Beaune (www.jazzabeaunefestival.com) where you can combine a passion for jazz with a passion for wine.  Featuring esteemed jazz artists and samples of Burgundy wines, this festival on the 9th, 10th, 11th, 16th, 17th and 18th of the month, is one not to be missed.
•    If music is what takes your fancy then there are several other events which might also appeal.  The Festival Marsatac takes place in Marseille on the 23rd, 24th and 25th of September and is an eclectic mix of electronic music and other contemporary genres.  At the other end of the musical scale there is the annual Festival International de Musique de Besancon (www.festival-besancon.com), which was founded in 1948 and now takes its place amongst some of the most prestigious classical music events in Europe.  The event takes place on the 16th -26th September.

•    For an incredible pyrotechnic display that brings to life the historic Notre-Dame d’Amiens cathedral, head to the Picardy region to attend La Cathedrale en Couleurs; a fantastic event, which comes to a close at the end of September.  The light display, created by a group of artists called ‘Skertzò,’ consists of the cathedral entrances being lit up by spectacular lighting techniques which emulate the original colours of the Cathedral.  Sextant French Properties has a variety of properties in the historic Picardy region of France.  In Amiens itself you can find a property such as this typical stone house which is on the market for 415.000 euros and is set in 3.2 acres with a river.
•    Hoorah!  It’s the beginning of the grape harvest and what better way to celebrate than to join in with the festivities at the Saint-Emilion Fetes des Vendages.  Held at the Collegiate Church of The Cordeliers in Saint Emilion, Bordeaux, on the 18th and 19th of September, visitors can watch the array of viticultural ceremonies and get to know the fantastic wines of this region.
•    For something a little different, come to Angouleme, the capital of the Charente region, for a weekend of vintage car racing at the annual Circuit des Remparts, on the 17th of the month.  This fantastic event sees classic and vintage cars drive through the streets of Angouleme in various different races.  The weekend is punctuated with huge feasts and celebrations.
•    Finally for the enthusiastic botanists out there or simply those who appreciate natural beauty, the International Garden Festival (www.domaine-chaumont.fr) is running from April to October in Chaumont sur Loire in the Loire Valley.

The excitement of the Burgundian harvest is infectious and is not something to be missed. At that particular time of year the region boasts great weather, beautiful countryside and some of the best restaurants in France.

The region of Burgundy is divided up into 4 départements: Yonne, Côte d’Or, Saone et Loire and Nièvre. Each département has its own wine and individual celebrations during the grape harvesting season.

In Yonne, the northern part of Burgundy, the town of Joigny holds a huge wine harvest festival (Fête des Vendanges) with many stalls selling wine, regional products and crafts, there is also entertainment and wine tastings. This year the festival takes place on 11^th October from 10.00am – 6.00pm and costs €1 or €3 if you want a tasting glass.

For Burgundians, the best part of the wine year comes two months after the harvest, at the world famous auction at the Hospice de Beaune. Wine buyers from all over the world go to the département of Côte d’Or in eastern Burgundy to the town of Beaune, to bid on the wines from the latest harvest. Parties are held everywhere, but the most famous one is held in the former abbey known as the Clos de Vougeot, where 500 people all sit down to dinner, drink great wines and sing!

In southern Burgundy, in the département of Saone et Loire, in the wine region of Beaujolais, the most exciting day of the wine making process is usually the third Thursday of November, which sees the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau. This is the wine made only six to eight weeks after the harvest and is proclaimed in restaurants all over the world. The Beaujolais Nouveau is a red wine made from the Gamay grape which gives the wine a fruity taste. The wine is intended for immediate drinking and should not be kept for more than a year.

The western département of Nièvre is particularly well known for its white wine; Pouilly-Fumé. It is a dry white wine made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape variety and has a smoky flavour. If you are keen to give it a try, regular tastings are offered at the cooperative cellar of Pouilly ‘Les Moulins à vent’. There are also several festivals of regional produce and a wine fair on 15^th August. And in October, Nièvre also boasts its new wine festival (Fête du vin nouveau).

With so many events to choose from, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful wine experience in Burgundy this autumn.

If you are looking to buy a property in the region of Burgundy, click here