Le Pigeonnier and the herb garden

The property has been converted into six self-contained, self-catering apartments, and are ideal for couples seeking independence with an extra touch of comfort. They are set around a courtyard and a swimming pool, with open views over the countryside. The property was once the estate of French aristocrats who were spared during the French Revolution because of their popularity among the local villagers.

The swimming pool

All the buildings surrounding the courtyard are bedecked with colourful flowers, vines and herbaceous borders. Patios are also adorned with flowers. The courtyard opens onto the swimming pool and sun lounging area, offering a relaxing place in which to unwind and soak up the sun or cool down in the shade.

The living room and balcony of one of the three apartments in the converted barn.

Each of the six apartments sleeps two. They are spacious and furnished with the owners' own personal belongings, antiques, paintings and books, and are generously equipped with modern features. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with gas stove, refrigerator and many other appliances, and a king size bed with bedding and linen. Facilities include towels and teatowels, a shaving point and hairdryer in the bathroom, a radio and CD player, an iron and an ironing board.

Each apartment has its own patio area with garden furniture and a gas barbecue, as well as tables, chairs, and sunloungers by the pool. There is a guests' laundry area on site and a telephone and broadband internet access. A DVD player and DVDs are available by arrangement.

On the terrace of Pinot Noir

The three apartments in the barn, Pinot Blanc, Gamay and Aligoté, are situated in the former granary of the barn, and are accessed by a short flight of stairs from the courtyard. These apartments have a communal geranium-covered balcony overlooking the courtyard, and large picture windows with secluded balconies at the rear, offering views over the open countryside.

The boulangerie in Dracy-les-Couches

St Leger-sur-Dheune (6 km) is slightly larger, with all basic amenities and a good supermarket. For more serious shopping, Chalon-sur-Saone (26 km) has several markets to choose from, and a food market held in the medieval cathedral square.

The market in Chagny

Burgundy is well known for its rich cuisine, using heavy red wine in its sauces, combined with the robust Charollais beef to make boeuf bourguignon,oeufs en meuretteand other local specialties. The region produces a great variety of cheeses as well.

The Château de Marguerite de Bourgogne in Couches

The region is also well served with restaurants awarded 2 or 3 stars by Michelin, including "Le Jardin des Remparts" in Beaune (45 km), Lameloise" in Chagny (20 km)and "L'Hostellerie de Levernois", near Beaune.

The Château de Dracy in Dracy-les-Couches

Water sports are available on the lake in Autun, which has a sailing school and rents out pedalos, boats, windsurfing boards and mountain bikes. The Morvan regional park, which runs west and north of Autun as far as Avallon, is Burgundy's wilderness, with many locations for canoeing, fishing, climbing, and hiking.

The canal paths are great for long-distance bike trips, with plenty of hilly terrain too. Finally, think of taking a balloon flight over the vineyards, available from Beaune. The apartments contain comprehensive information on all aspects of local life and activities to make your stay as interesting and enjoyable as possible.

An evening of wine tasting for guests at En la Marre

For those interested in buying wines, the owners, Christopher and Judith, both great wine lovers, can help and advise. They also offer an evening of wine-tasting with a vigneron friend of theirs every week, followed by a splendid meal in the "Tour Bajole" in Couches.

A selection of local produce

It's worth visiting the Château du Clos-Vougeot (15 km north of Beaune) to see the huge wine presses, originally installed by 13th century monks. Dijon (60 km) has many places of interest, including the Palais des Ducs, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, and the market square, Les Halles.

For a change of scenery, take a drive into the Bresse, the flat plain west of Chalon, with its handsome brick barns and timbered farmhouses, then go on to the Jura, approximately another hour on from Chalon, with its unique food, wines and mountain scenery. Autun, the former capital of Burgundy, has a vast Roman theatre and other important Roman remains. Cluny (40 km), once the largest spiritual centre in Christendom, features a ruined Bénédictine abbey and the Musee d'Art et d'Archeologie. There are many châteaux in the area, including Château de Dracy in the nearby village of Dracy-les-Couches, and the Chateau de Cormatin, north of Cluny, with gardens containing one of the largest mazes in France.

What a magic and relaxing holiday! A superb location, wonderful and comfortable apartment set in this old farmhouse. Our hosts Chris & Judith were so hospitable and helpful; they, together with Maxwell their old dog, made the stay there for all their guests a truly memorable one.The area offered us so much in the way of traditional French life - markets , wine and splendid local restaurants. Ah! what an experience! We have already booked in for next year. Thank you, Chris & Judith.
Don J. - Irving, Texas, U.S.A

Our 9th year here, and were totally hooked. En La Marre is a little corner of heaven. We love visiting the local vingerons and buying wine, relaxing around the pool, eating well and pottering around the wine villages which are delightful. Chris and Judith are wonderful hosts who make you feel so welcome and encourage a house party feel to the place. We have thoroughly enjoyed the barbeques and alfresco meals and getting to know some of our fellow guests. Be warned - it’s seductive. You may never want to go anywhere else again!
Chris & Penny E. - Windlesham, Surrey, England