22 | Cycling World
Abbaye de la Bussière www . abbayedelabussiere . fr
Burgundy is a cyclist ' s heaven and one of the top destinations for many bike tour companies . Whether it ' s cycling along the vast network of canal towpaths , taking the back roads through some of the world ' s most famous vineyards , heading up into the hills of the Auxois to take in beautiful medieval villages such as Châteauneuf-en-Auxois , or heading across to the challenging terrains of the Morvan , there ' s something for everyone .
Nestling in the heart of it all , between Dijon and Beaune and on the doorstep of the Burgundy Canal , is English-owned Abbaye de la Bussière .
The Cummings family , former owners of award-winning Amberley Castle in W . Sussex , acquired this 12th century , Cistercian abbey in 2005 to create a sumptuous country house hotel with 2 restaurants .
Entering the Abbaye ' s 17 acre park , past the lake and up to the main building is like being transported into another time . A luxuriant haven of peace and tranquillity awaits and whilst the monks have long gone , the feeling of spiritual well-being is everpresent .
Today , the Relais & Châteaux Abbaye houses 20 luxurious bedrooms and suites , all with whirlpool baths and beautiful views over the grounds . The 2 restaurants , the Bistrot des Moines and the Michelin-starred , gastronomic 1131 are orchestrated by awardwinning chef Guillaume Royer .
The Abbaye has just been named one of the top 50 destinations in France in the Times and in 2011 , one of the top 50 hotels in the world in the Daily Telegraph .
It will make a great base for stage 7 of the Tour de France on 7th July this year , when the arrival is less than half an hour away at Nuits Saint Georges .
The Abbaye has its own high quality bikes available for use by clients .
+ 33 3 80 49 02 29 info @ abbayedelabussiere . fr