There are picnics (a sandwich on a park bench) and there are picnics (a blanket, a hamper of goodies). And then there are “les pique niques”! Shortly after we moved to Beaune, we discovered that there would be a picnic/wine tasting at the Château de Beaune, owned by and across the street from one of Beaune's famous wine houses, Paul Bouchard.
The Château de Beaune is indeed an in-town castle, complete with grounds and gardens and a colorful tile roof like the famous Hospice de Beaune. It's only a couple of blocks from our house; we had admired it on our walks. So we lept at the chance to see it up close.
And what a picnic it was! First of all the setting: one of the loveliest properties I've ever seen, with lush formal and woodland gardens on several levels. The pique nique itself was on a lawn in the shadow of an enormous tower. A quartet played soft jazz. The weather was perfection.
Big picnic blankets were laid out for us on the lawn. We sipped delicious wines and nibbled on sandwiches of jambon and fromage. Then we wandered up to the ramparts, through the rose garden and hedges of lavender, past several charming cottages that were on the property, and down an allée of boxwoods to the château.
That famous French elegance and lifestyle were on full display. As we lollygagged in the sunshine with our fine wine and sandwiches, lulled by the music, we were reminded of why we live here: there are so many things the French just know how to do right!
