After an excellent flight on Lufthansa, we arrive at Charles De Gaulle Airport. Julie is waiting for us and after procuring our rental car we head for our first destination. Vonnas sur Veyle is a small village in the heart of the Bourgonne
Vonnas is a lovely flower filled village. It is the home of George Blanc, both the famous hotel/restaurant and the Chef, whose family has been in the restaurant business in Vonnas since1872.
It is a beautiful, elegant place, decorated with exquisite taste. It also has one of the few, coveted 3 Michelin star ratings for it’s restaurant.
Because of the late hour and the fact that the kitchen is soon to be closed, it is suggested that we go straight to the dining room before checking into our rooms. Peter is wearing his traveling attire of a sweat suit and white runners. Julie and I are dressed a little more in keeping with the setting, however we are feeling grungy and rumpled after sleeping in our clothes. It is not the first impression we planned to make here.
We sit down to an excellent dinner, starting with tiny complimentary appetizers, which include frog in a very green sauce. I is delicious, but the color puts me in mind of the muppet Kermit and the ”Being Green” song goes through my head throughout the first course.
Julie and I choose a chicken dish,”Poulet Bresse,” which has become famous, as it was served to the G7 world leaders, when they met here. It is delicious as is the rest of the meal and the wine of the region.
After dinner we walk to our room in the Hotel annex which faces a Courtyard of flowers and some of the best Trompe d’ oeil I have ever seen. Many of the buildings in the complex are cleverly decorated with these murals.
Our bedroom is pretty and the beds comfortable. The Hotel also has a heated pool, Tennis, Pitch and Putt golf and a jogging course. (To help get rid of the calories?)
After a good nights sleep and complimentary breakfast, we explore the town. The river Veyle, converges with the du Renom and flows through the center of town, right beside the George Blanc Auberge and through the park across the street. Near the entrance to the park is a decorative water wheel.
The park has lovely gardens, a flower covered bridge and carefully placed trees, with benches underneath. I spend one afternoon here, reading and enjoying the sights and sounds as Peter and Julie go into Macon to shop.
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