Cabin fever has set in. Even though we went to Beaune for lunch two weeks ago, we needed another break from the almost deserted pontoon in Auxonne. We decided to drive 100 km. south alongside the Saône to Tournus. We almost went there by barge two summers ago – but when a storm warning was issued, we decided to turn Aleau around and head in the other direction. This time, we walked to the port to see where we would have moored. The flower pot would have looked much nicer in summer.
We arrived just in time for lunch at a Relais et Châteaux restaurant, Le Bouchon Bourguignon. I still find it amazing that even in towns like Tournus with a population of just over 5,000 there is always at least one high-quality restaurant. Sometimes, more than one. Next door to Le Bouchon Bourguignon is an even fancier restaurant with one Michelin star, L’Écrin de Yohann Chapuis. Both are described on this website: https://www.restaurant-greuze.fr/fr/
Jeannie chose the Pâté Croûte, the first choice of entrées at the top of the Menu below.
Needless to say, I started with Oeufs-en-Meurette. This time, a slightly different presentation – the poached eggs were served well above the red-wine and mushroom sauce.
For the “plat,” we both chose the Demi Coquelet Poché et Rôti. Very tender and juicy.
Served alongside was a pan of cabbage with some very tasty treats mixed inside.
For the next course, Jeannie chose the cheese plate and skipped dessert. I skipped the cheese course and had dessert.
Buried under the whipped cream was chocolate. And that cherry on top? Well, I probably shouldn’t have driven after eating it. And there were more hiding inside.
And then it was time to explore. As with every town we have visited, walking through Tournus was like walking into the past.
Looks can be deceiving. While “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” have become a modern-day mantra, it has been a way of life in France for hundreds of years – at least when it comes to buildings. From country barns and homes to urban apartments and businesses, buildings are almost never torn down. They are restored and renovated. The exteriors remain how they have looked for centuries. The interiors are state-of-the-art. Below, a home in Tournus.
Behind the ancient stonework, a modern optical store – with Jeannie, in the white coat, checking out the latest frames.
On this corner, a bank.
With a plaque (sporting Citroën chevrons) stating the building – but probably not the bank – has been around since the 15th century.
Directly across the street, another bank.
Competing not just for customers but for longevity, as well.
The most majestic building in every town is the Mairie – the town hall.
Unless, of course, there is a church. And there always is. (Yup, that’s Jeannie photobombing.)
A few more random shots of Tournus. Well, not all random. The penultimate one is where we had dinner. (Sorry, no food pix.) And the final one – a palm tree. We couldn’t believe it. It was cold the day we were there. The tree didn’t seem to mind.
