Abbaye de la Bussière

One can only hope the original monks lived this well. Imagine what you wish a French wine-country escape could be, and if you’re a traditionalist, prone to visions of stone walls, arches and spiral staircases, then you might just be picturing the Abbaye de la Bussiere, in the Burgundy countryside near Dijon. It’s something from a fairy tale, surrounded by acres of parkland and vineyards, its newly renovated interiors looking, for the most part, not a day under two hundred years old.

The thirteen rooms and four suites differ somewhat in style and greatly in layout — this place was never conceived as a hotel, of course — but all are lavishly decorated in antique woodwork and rich fabrics, and nearly all of them have whirlpool baths in their impressive renovated bathrooms. It’s kept its classic good looks, but updated them with a full complement of modern five-star comforts.

By now you’re getting the idea that in spite of its monastic heritage, the modern-day Abbaye isn’t exactly about self-denial. This is obviously among the wine capitals of the world, with any number of big-name wineries nearby, available for a taste. And the food is something special as well, upscale modern French and served in a soaring cloister space.

How to get there:

By Air: Currently, the nearest airports are Paris CDG, Lyon and Geneva. However Dijon-Longvic is planning to reopen its airport to various destinations including London: useful for weekend breaks at the Abbey. Telephone the Abbey for helicopter charter and landing details.

By Rail: Dijon is on the main TGV line from Paris, Gare de Lyon, and there is one direct train daily from Charles de Gaulle airport to Dijon, avoiding central Paris. The Abbey can arrange transfers from Dijon station or organise a hire car service, many of which are based at the train station.