7 nights accommodations in a luxurious 19th century Chateau
All meals with the exception of 3 lunches prepared by an esteemed chef with fresh organic regional and seasonal ingredients
Daily yoga and meditation
Cooking class
Arrival andd Departure transfers from the town of Beaune.
Unlimited internet use
Unlimited use of pool and facilities
Hot air balloon ride departing right from the Chateau!

NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare
Rail tickets and transfers to the town of Beaune
Alcoholic Beverages
Extra spa treatments or excursions
Travel Insurance

We will explore Borgogne all week as a “Feast of the Senses” using the outer beauty of our experience to guide us into the contemplation of our own lives as Masterpieces crafted through experience and consciousness.

Mercurey is a beautiful commune of Saône-et-Loire in the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region, 10 km north-west of Chalon-sur-Saone.

More than a third of the area of ​​the locality is planted with vineyards. Hilly, crossed by the course of Giroux, located on the ancient Roman road Via Agrippa linking Autun to Chalon, the town owes its name to a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Mercury. Possession of a vassal lord of the Duke of Burgundy in the Middle Ages, Mercurey became part of  France in 1477. First called Touches (a hamlet now attached to the town), then Bourgneuf-Val d’Or, the town became Mercurey in 1971 after merging its different entities.

With a population of around 1,300 inhabitants, the village has preserved a historic heritage of quality owing its wealth to viticulture. It is popular with wine lovers and hikers, and its close proximity to Beaune, the de-facto capital of the region, full of exceptional heritage, remarkable monuments, architectural treasures and thriving arts, makes Mercurey the perfect place for our exploration of the French countryside.

Our home for the week, the Chateau Mercurey, is an exceptional 19th century property, built in the “Haussmann” style and completely renovated by the current owners. It is situated amongst vineyards and offers a stunning panoramic view over the surrounding countryside. Its landscaped garden covers almost an acre and includes a large, heated pool a summer house, winter garden, gym and relaxation room, and sauna.

Behind the Château the terraced garden looks across to the pool area and the vineyards beyond. A stone stairway, hidden amongst fig trees, gives access to the bottom of the garden with its dwarf fruit trees and borders of wild lavender.

The living room of Chateau Aquila bespeaks the history that surrounds this property. Spectacular 19th century, hand-painted frescoes cover all four walls of the room and are interpretations on the theme “Eden”.  The molded ceilings, wood paneling and oak floors are original and add to the Chateau’s historical authenticity. There is a library full of books for your leisure and perusal.

From Chalon-sur-Saône to Charnay-les-Macon tens of kilometers of old railway track have been converted into a cycle track. Surrounded by rolling landscapes, alternating between vineyards and forest, this flat (or almost!) Green Way, lends itself perfectly to cycling or rollerblading or simply walking. The track goes through several attractive villages and you can also admire sites such as Cluny and Cormatin from it.

US Citizens traveling to France need a current passport. Check the expiration date to make sure that it does not expire within 6 months of your trip. Visas are not required.

• we understand that booking transportation can be daunting! Don’t let that stop you from fulfilling a travel dream! Sheila is more than happy to guide you through the travel booking process if you need help. Simply email sheila@johnscreekyoga.com with any questions or concerns.