We awoke to a beautiful sunny day – and frost covering Aleau. Why was it possible to sit outside in a T-shirt and shorts in February (See Chap. 92) and consistently have overnight temperatures of below-zero in late March?
But the chilly weather wasn’t going to stop us from taking a drive to Bèze (Population 722), 35 km. from Auxonne.
We hadn’t been there before and it was just by chance that we pulled into this lovely spot for a picnic lunch.
We weren’t the only ones who were hungry. A female Mallard came over and stood, inches away from us, for the full hour we sat there. She patiently waited and looked directly into our eyes the whole time. She had certainly learned the art of seduction – at least what worked on humans. At one point, a male Mallard came over to observe the technique.
The tower is connected to a nursery school.
After feeding us and our new-found friend, it was time to explore Bèze. And what a joy that was.
We checked out the houses.
Some had short, cobblestone driveways.
Some had long, gravel driveways.
Others had magnificent gardens.
And one had what I’m guessing was an early silo.
One musical family wanted every note La Poste could deliver.
We counted at least four restaurants in Bèze. Not bad for a town of a little over 700.
Let’s hope they all survive Covid.
There’s no excuse for being late in Bèze – at least not while the sun is out.
Bèze is bisected by the Bèze River. Which means more lovely picnic spots.
The river begins in Bèze – at least the above-ground portion does. Underground, there is the “Grottes de Bèze.”
It was closed when we were there. I borrowed the bottom photo from the internet. Not sure how it got there as signs everywhere say it is forbidden to take pictures.
When we go back, we’ll check out the grottes – and the restaurants.
By the way, even though Aleau was covered in frost when we got up, the temperature was 24-degrees by mid-afternoon. What a beautiful day we had!