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1937-2017: 80th Anniversary of the Route des Grands Crus

Time flies by when you’re having fun. It’s therefore no surprise that 2017 is the 80th anniversary of the Route des Grands Crus – Burgundy’s famous Wine Road. Since its creation in 1937 by the Conseil Géneral de la Côte d’Or, the Route des Grands Crus has been the scenic route from which to absorb the true beauty of Burgundy.

Behind the House: The Route des Grand Crus runs just behind Château Marey-Monge on the way towards Volnay

Traversing the region for more than 60km between the city of Dijon and the village of Santenay, in the south, the Route des Grand Crus is simply the only way Burgundy enthusiasts should discover the Côte d’Or. Running parallel to the D974, the main artery that connects the Côte d’Or, the Routes des Grands Crus is a narrow strip that stretches through the vineyards of the 38 villages that make up the region that is now a UNESCO-protected World Heritage Site. So, if you’re looking to get up close and personal with the countryside and climats of Burgundy, look no further than the Route des Grands Crus.

The road is thin and sits at an altitude of 300-400 metres above sea level granting you and your companions the greatest view of the Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, as well as sloping view of the village and regional appellation’s below.


CDP on TV: FR3 Bourgogne’s TV special celebrating the Route des Grands Crus aired in May 2017. Château de Pommard was invited to participate. We appear at 1m40secs. Thrilled to be involved!

Along the way, you’ll have many a Clos encounter with the 24 of Burgundy’s 33 Grand Crus, as well as the vineyard architecture of limestone houses with tiled roofs and more than a few famous Château. Just south of Beaune, half way down the ladder of the Côte d’Or is where you’ll find Château de Pommard, one of the oldest wine estates, and located on the Route des Grand Crus. So the Château is one of the best spots for cyclists, tourists and wine lovers to catch their breath and have their breath taken away, at the same time!

 

Due South: Towards Santenay

To celebrate 80 years of this historic route, Château de Pommard is joining forces with the rest of the Côte d’Or to host a series of events to share the beauty of the region with as many Burgundy lovers as possible. The social calendar at the Château is already stuffed to the gills in 2017, with many events still be announced.

Firstly, in July, there is Rootstock 2017, our Summer music, food and wine extravaganza, followed by our White Picnic, Grand Tasting Weekend and A Night of Shakespeare in August. More details to be announced to be soon, so watch this space.

 

Due North: Towards Dijon

The rest of the region is also hosting big-name attractions, but here is our cherry-pick of the very best for you.

1. Les Mois des Climats
Jun 9th – July 9th 2017

For four weeks, the Climats Bourgogne Association is partnering up with domaines large and small throughout Burgundy to host a feast of events, lectures, exhibitions, tastings and festivals to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Route des Grands Crus, and the rest of the region.

Les Mois des Climats is an event very close to our heart at Château de Pommard. As Grand Sponsor the UNESCO World Heritage Protection accolade for Exceptional Universal Value in 2015, the 1,247 climats of Burgundy, of which Clos Marey-Monge is one, is a honor we hold dear. To honor this phenomenal UNESCO achievement, Château de Pommard now offers a wine education experience that focuses on Burgundy’s Climats.

For a comprehensive itinerary of events for Les Mois de Climats, head on over to here for more information: https://www.climats-bourgogne.com/fr/le-mois-des-climats-2017-appel-a-projets_532.html

 

South to North: The Route des Grands Crus can be seen running behind Château Marey-Monge

2. Le Tour de France
Friday 7th JULY
STAGE 7 (213.5km)

The world’s greatest test of endurance, Le Tour de France, pedals its way to Burgundy in July, with Stage 7 of the legendary race being held between the 213km stretch between Troyes and Nuits-Saint-Georges. What better to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Route des Grand Crus than bringing the planet’s biggest cycling spectacle to a road that has been a cyclist’s dream for decades.

The cycling nightmare for professional cyclists, the route between Troyers and Nuits-Saint-Georges is famous for its flat course allowing for cyclists the opportunity to sprint to the finishing line possible retaliation for sprinters who have been frustrated the day before. With a 40-kilometer loop at the end of the stage, located around Gevrey-Chambertin, the Tour cyclists will be enchanted by the views, should they have the stamina to look up from their handlebars.

Le Tour de France in Burgundy on the 80th Anniversary of the Route des Grands Crus – a match made in Heaven!

See you there.

 

Tour de Force: Stage 7 of Le Tour de France 2017. 

For more details on Stage 7 of Le Tour de France 2017, head on over to here for more information: http://www.letour.fr/le-tour/2017/fr/etape-7.html