GETAWAYS • Burgundy
I only had one night at Abbaye de la Bussière (a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Paris), but it was enough to feel the thrill of being somewhere extraordinary. Founded in the 12th century by the Cistercians, the abbey’s stone cloisters, still ponds, and quiet gardens set a serene, unhurried rhythm, reinforced by the attentive and thoughtful staff.
That evening, my companion and I dined at 1131, the abbey’s fine-dining restaurant, where Burgundy’s terroir is celebrated in a smartly curated way. There are seasonal classics like escargots, frogs, freshwater fish, blackcurrants, and honey from the park’s flowers. Wines suggested by the staff hit all the right notes. I also enjoyed glimpsing at the Bistrot des Moines, also at the abbey, whose cozy, approachable atmosphere promises simpler, rustic dishes to explore on a future visit.
The rooms themselves balance history and comfort with quiet elegance and details like exposed beams, soft linens, and antique touches. Walking the cloisters and gardens felt like a meditation in motion, each corner offering a small, deliberate pleasure. Even in a brief visit, the abbey encourages slow observation and the kind of lingering attention that makes a short stay feel surprisingly worth the trip.
The next morning, I went for a walk with my dog as the sun rose, and he promptly teased the ponies grazing on the front lawn. Breakfast followed in the sunlit dining room, where Arnaud, the general manager, joined me for a brief chat over a final cup of coffee, his warmth and attentiveness making the morning, and the stay, quietly unforgettable. –Marie Sadron
→ Abbaye de la Bussière (La Bussière-sur-Ouche) • 19 rue de Saint-Aubin • Rates from 408 €/wknd night.