Off to France in the Fall

September 18-19 -- We departed Dulles just a little late, after an hour or so relaxing in the Air France lounge before our Iceland Air flight took off. There was a quick transfer in Reykjavik the next morning, and then on to Aéroport de Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle.  We quickly found Faye and Dick waiting not far from the Budget rent-a-car counter. Before too long we had taken possession of our Renault Scenic, a fairly roomy sedan with a good baggage space.  It's has a small gasoline engine that shuts off when you stop and put the gearshift in neutral. Also, there are very handy sensors on every corner which always let you know when you're close to shrubbery, curbs or walls.

Chateauneuf from the A6

We're soon off to Pommard from CDG, driving down the A5 toward Lyon and on to Beaune via the A6, a distance of about 350 kilometers. We passed the photogenic hilltop castle of Chateauneuf, to which we would return later in the week. 


In about three hours, as it got close to 6 p.m., we arrived in Pommard and found our villa in the village at 11 Rue de Carmots. With two bedrooms and two baths, as well as a large main floor, this was the shop of local respected winemaker Jean Michelot, whose family has lived in Pommard since the 1600’s. The family made, stored and sold wine here and the now modernized house is decorated in a tasteful, simple country style.  There are good views of the famous Pommard vineyards from the windows and from the rooftop patio. 

11 Rue de Carmots

Having nothing much in the pantry, we went for a walk around town.  Marcia had already discovered that Pommard features one of the finest restaurants in the area, the Auprès du Clocher in the street near the church's clock tower.  We had local wines (the Premier Cru Clos Micault) and the menu proposed by chef Jean-Christophe Moutet, -- a fabulous choice all around.  Marcia has since posted a review on Trip Advisor.

Vineyard view from the rooftop terrace