Les Deux Chèvres Gevrey-Chambertin

Les Deux Chevres is so much more than a hotel. It is a destination getaway and a home away from home. Our oasis in the vines is located just 13 kilometers from Dijon in the Old Quarter of Gevrey-Chambertin. Decorated with original artwork and antiques, it retains the historical features of the winery that existed here for hundreds of years.

Our countryside oasis was once home to a winery for hundreds of years, and more recently from about 1955, a famous restaurant, ‘Les Millesimes’ (The Vintages), for another 40 years. The hotel is in the heart of the vines in the old quarter of Gevrey-Chambertin.

The property had been empty for years before we purchased, and in 2010, we started a 4-year renovation project to create a small, luxury boutique hotel, where the ambiance is friendly and informal.

Our Superior and Comfort Rooms have beautiful views over the surrounding vineyards, and Standard rooms look onto the courtyard or Rue de L’Eglise, a quiet backroad in the village which as you might expect, leads to the church! We have not felt it necessary to apply for a star rating, however if we did, we would be categorised 4*

We offer guests an Organic Buffet Breakfast which in summer is served on the terrace. We do not have a restaurant, but there are two restaurants of good standard, one of which has one Michelin * a short walk away in the centre of the village.

The wines are available to purchase and we ship to our clients mainly in the US and Europe, but further afield if required. We take enormous pride in our hotel, Les Deux Chèvres, where the comfort and convenience of our guests is paramount. We want you to return, as many of our guests now do, and also recommend your friends to stay with us.

THE HISTORY
In 2010 we were in London attending an art exhibition at the Fine Art Society on New Bond St. The artist was Joash Woodrow, recently discovered, and of Polish ancestry. There was a very simple attractive painting of a white goat, and we wondered about calling the hotel ‘La Chevre Blanche’, after all, Bordeaux has a white horse ‘Cheval Blanc’!.

However, a Google search revealed that name was already taken. So we searched for ‘Two Goats’, ‘Les Deux Chevres’ – et voila! A fable by Jean de Lafontaine, written in 1695 for the Duke of Burgundy, by the exact same name.

The moral of the story is compromise. Two stubborn goats meet on a bridge over a stream. Neither will give way, and they both fall in the water. Whether we have learned the lesson of the fable, is another matter!

One of the properties used to be a famous restaurant. President Mitterand and famous American actors ate there. Before the restaurant, it was a winery. The other property belonged to the Faiveley family, one of the largest producers in Burgundy.

There was an ancient wine press that had been dismantled to create space for the restaurant, and there were vaulted cellars that connected underneath both properties. We thought there could be a demand for a luxury hotel in Gevrey Chambertin – and we were right!

In January 2010, not speaking a word of French, Jolanta moved to France. We had recruited a small team of workers from Poland for the renovation. However, the winter of 2010, just happened to be the worst winter in Europe since 1945. The pipes burst, there was no hot water or heating, the buildings were open to the elements, but the work kept going.

Instead of the eighteen months that we had envisaged, it kept going for almost four years. In the meantime, back in the UK, a dispute between the partners of the law firm I worked for delayed my arrival in France, and Jolanta was left on her own to get on with it.

Guests who come to stay with us who have carried out a renovation themselves, marvel at what has been created; the attention to detail; the design; and the mix of the old and the new. However, only those who were actually involved in the project, can appreciate the monumental effort that was involved.

We renewed everything apart from the stone walls, some of the beams, and the roof of one building. Jolanta’s health was affected, and it has taken a long time for her to recover from the experience.

In June 2013 the properties opened for business as Les Deux Chevres, and in 2014 we obtained our hotel license. We could not see the point in applying for a hotel categorization, and have not missed it. Jolanta suggested we should sign up with Booking.com, but I was not convinced.

Of course, sign up we did, and within days we started receiving reservations from all over the world, and which has continued ever since. For the last three years we have been either No1 or No2 on Trip Advisor out of over 470 hotels in Burgundy, and have held the No1 slot in Dijon over the same period ahead of 5* competition. An old wine producing property comes back to life!

ROOMS & SUITES
Located a few meters from the ancient Church of Gevrey, Les Deux Chèvres is set in the Old Quarter on a back road of the Route des Grands Crus, 13km from central Dijon, and 26km from Beaune. It is surrounded by world class vineyards, and from our Superior and Comfort bedrooms and terrace, you can watch the vigneron tending their vines.

The 9 guest rooms at Les Deux Chèvres are individually decorated, some with exposed wooden beams. Each room has a super comfortable, 5-star quality King Size bed, (one room has a Queen size bed) a large, private bathroom with walk-in shower (Comfort and Superior rooms also have a bathtub), bathrobes, slippers, and a hairdryer.

An organic buffet breakfast is served every morning between 08.00 and 10.00. Restaurants are found within a short walk of the property. Bicycles are available for guests on site, and we offer extensive advice on where to visit and the history of the wine making. Free private parking is also available on site.

SUPERIOR ROOMS

Our Superior Rooms are approximately 35m². They have large designer bathrooms with separate walk-in showers and bathtubs. The rooms are full of light, with views over the surrounding vineyards towards Gevrey village.

The beds are super comfortable, King Size, and Medium Firm. Bed linen is 100% egyptian cotton. Pillows and duvets are natural down. The rooms are decorated with original art and antiques.

COMFORT ROOMS

Our Comfort Rooms are approximately 30m². The bathrooms have walk-in showers and separate bathtubs. The rooms face due south with views over the vines.

The original beams have been retained to give a rustic feeling, although they are no longer weight bearing. The beds are super comfortable, King Size, and Medium Firm. Bed linen is 100% egyptian . Pillows and duvets are natural down.

STANDARD ROOMS

Our standard rooms vary in size. Room 1, located on the ground floor, is approximately the same size as a Superior Room (35m²). It has a comfortable antique day bed, which is suitable for a child, in addition to the King Size double bed. The outlook is over the courtyard. Rooms 3 and 4 are each located on the first floor.

The outlook is over Rue de l’Eglise, a quiet road, which leads from the Church to the centre of the village. Standard Room bathrooms have walk in showers, but no separate bathtubs. The beds are super comfortable, King Size, and Medium Firm. Bed linen is 100% egyptian cotton. Pillows are and duvets are natural down.

ACTIVITIES
A walk or a bicycle ride through the grand cru vineyards. Or ride a horse through the woods on top of the Cote. Visit the market of Dijon, and the many and varied historical sites which remind of Burgundy’s 2,000 year wine producing history. There is so much to do from Les Deux Chevres.

CYCLING

Whether you are an experienced rider looking for a regular shot of energetic exercise, or merely wanting to tootle along between the vines, Burgundy is just great for cyclists. The various roads up the Cote provide magnificent cycling routes, on quiet roads, with little traffic, and usually dry and fine conditions. The Route des Grands Crus, which takes you through famous villages and vineyards, is easy for everyone.

HORSE RIDING

If you would like to experience Burgundy on the back of a horse, whether you are a beginner, or an experienced rider, Mountain Farm above our neighbouring village Morey St Denis, should be able to help.

GOLF

There is an excellent Country Club, just north of Dijon, at Norges https://www.golf-dijon.fr/ which offers a good 18 hole golf course, bar, restaurant facilities, tennis courts and a gymnasium.

BALOONING IN BURGUNDY

if you are in the mood for something a bit different, a birthday or honeymoon special treat, why not visit the vineyards by hot air balloon.

SWIMMING

Situated a few kilometres from the centre of Beaune, in Montagny-les-Beaune, a 100% natural site for water-based recreation. Bathe in the naturally filtered water of 4 pools covering 3000 m².

PLACE TO VISIT

AUTUN – The most important city in Roman Gaul. Today the most obvious indication of its importance is the well preserved remains of the Roman Amphitheatre, which could seat some 20,000 people. One hour from Beaune by car.

ALOXE CORTON – wine village that sits on the side of the Hill of Corton, just to the north of Beaune. Home to vineyards farmed by the Roman Emperor Charlemagne, hence the wine ‘Corton Charlemagne’. An ideal place to start a walk around the hill of Corton, passing by the village of Pernand Vergelesses on the other side of the hill.

BEAUNE – the wine capital of Burgundy. Home to the Hospices de Beaune, a very well preserved Medieval Hospital in the centre of the town, and one of France’s most important tourist attractions.

BEZE – A small village to the north east of Dijon. The Abbey of Beze, which no longer exists, was founded in 629 AD, with funds from a local noble, and the vineyard Clos de Beze in Gevrey Chambertin was planted by the monks in about 636 AD. Charming village with underground grottos. Just over half an hour from Dijon by car.

BUSSIERE SUR OUCHE – small village in the Ouche valley, dominated by the Abbey de la Bussiere, a well restored Cistercian Abbey, now operated as a luxury hotel . An ideal stop for a drink on the terrace and appreciation of a fine restoration.

CHAMBOLLE MUSIGNY – ancient wine village next to Vougeot. The small church L’Eglise St Barbe, constructed in the 15c, has murals on the walls dating back hundreds of years. The doors are usually open.

CHATEAUNEUF EN AUXOIS – medieval hilltop town in the Ouche valley. Commanding views of the surrounding countryside, a beautiful small chateau, and a selection of cafes for refreshment.

CITEAUX – The remains of the Abbey de Citeaux, Mother Abbey of the Cistercian Order founded in 1098. Still a working monastery. 13km east of Nuits St George.

COMMARIN – THE CHATEAU – Magnificent ancient chateau in the Ouche valley, it has never been sold, and is now owned by the 26th generation. A ‘must’ visit.

CLUNY – The Abbey of Cluny was where the Benedictine Order was founded in Burgundy. Construction started in the 9c, and for 400 years the Abbey was the largest building for Christian worship in the western world. The magnificent Abbey was destroyed by the Revolution, but the remains give some idea of its original size and scale

CONCOEUR – Tiny village on the top of the Cote behind Vosne Romanee. On the Chemin des Moines from the Abbey of St Vivant de Vergy. The organic Ferme de Fruit Rouges has a charming small shop selling blackcurrant liquor, red fruit jams and other local products.

CURTIL VERGY – small village on the side of the Hill of Vergy, in the Hautes Cotes behind Vosne Romanee. Home to the remains of the Abbey St Vivant, whose monks first planted the vines of Romanee Conti. A good friendly village restaurant Au Petit Bonheur  and a good place to start a fine walk around the Hill of Vergy

DIJON – The capital of Burgundy. A very well preserved Medieval Quarter. The Owls Trail is a well thought out tourist walk that takes in all the most important historical sites.

DIJON MARKET – One of France’s great markets. A must for food lovers. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings only.

FALLOT MUSTARD FACTORY – in Beaune. The last artisan mustard maker in Burgundy. Visits and mustard shop for tasting and purchase.

FIXIN – small wine village 3km to the north of Gevrey Chambertin, home to the Parc Noisot with its 100 steps up the Cote, one step for each day of The Restoration. Worth a visit.

FONTENAY – A magnificently preserved early Cistercian Abbey, now a Unesco World Heritage Site. Just over an hour from Dijon by car.

GUEDELON –  a Medieval chateau constructed entirely using medieval methods, anticipated to complete in 2030. Some 60 plus volunteers engaged in creating a modern masterpiece. Enlightening, and a big visitor attraction in west Burgundy, not far from the A6

HILL OF VERGY – small hill in the Hautes Cotes behind Gevrey Chambertin, From the 6c to 1610 there was fortified chateau on the top of the hill, the remains of which can just about be seen today. Save for one tower – the Tower of St Denis, it was demolished on the orders of the King of France in 1610 at the end of the religious wars. There is a beautiful church, on the northern side of the hill, which dates back to the 12c, but is sadly usually closed. Just below the Church there is an artisan jewellery workshop -Firouza, run by a young couple who used to work for Cartier

HOSPICES DE BEAUNE – The most important tourist attraction in Burgundy. A magnificently preserved medieval hospital from the 15c that was operational until well into the 20c. Self funded from the proceeds of sales of wine from the vineyards with which the Hospices has been endowed over the centuries. The story of one of the two founders, Guigone de Salins, can be found here.

PERNAND VERGELESSES – ancient wine village, which nestles behind the Hill of Corton. Panoramic views of the Cote de Beaune from a fine picnic spot at the top of the hill above the village

ST ROMAIN – a beautiful ancient wine village, which wends its way up the escarpment, with a magnificent small church at the top. A good village restaurant Hotel Les Roches, half way up, and some fine good value wine making

VOUGEOT – Originally wine making buildings for the Cistercian Order at Citeaux. Over the centuries, developed by the Order as a beautiful chateau. Now home to La Confrerie du Chevaliers du Tastevin an organisation established to promote Burgundy wine in the 1930’s at the time of the Great Depression.

Now there are Chapters around the world, and at Vougeot dinners are held six times a year, when upwards of 600 people make merry to welcome the inauguration of new Chevaliers. Sadly only the ground floor is open for visits, but the medieval wine presses have been well preserved.

The last week in June each year,musique the Chateau is host to Burgundy’s most memorable music festival Musique et Vin,  when David Chan, a great Burgundy fan, and a Leader of the New York Met, visits Burgundy, with a selection of his orchestra, and a fine group of friends. The charity auction at the gala dinner on the final Sunday usually raises the best part of €1m for talented young musicians. Tickets usually on sale from early April. A very special event.

WINE GUIDE
With a wine guide, you get a half or full day tour with a knowledgeable guide, who can tell you about the history of wine making in Burgundy, the vineyards and the work that takes place in them, and also the wine making process. Contact information for some of the guides who have successfully looked after our clients are below.

Website: www.lesdeuxchevres.com

Rooms: 9

Price: from 197 EUR per night