France Travel Diary: A Day In Levernois

In the gardens at Hostellerie de Levernois, France. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

One of the travel practices we’ve developed over the years is spending the first couple of days in the countryside. It’s a nice way to decompress and gently ease ourselves into the time zone.

Hostellerie de Levernois

This time we decided on the Hostellerie de Levernois just outside of Beaune. It was a perfect choice, with quiet location, beautiful grounds, attentive staff and fantastic food and wine.

To combat jet-lag, I try to spend as much time as I can outdoors, while moving as much as possible. We took several walks around the grounds and surrounding area yesterday.

Lawn chairs in gardens at Hostellerie de Levernois, France. Details at une femme d'un certain age.
Grounds of Hostellerie de Levernois, France. More at une femme d'un certain age.
Garden fountain in Levernois, France. More at une femme d'un certain age.
Snapdragons in gardens at Hostellerie de Levernois, France. Details at une femme d'un certain age.
Potager Bio at Hostellerie de Levernois, France. More at une femme d'un certain age.

The hotel has it’s own Potager Bio (organic vegetable garden) to provide produce for both the Gastonomique and Bistrot restaurants on site.

Potager Bio (organic vegetable garden) at Hostellerie de Levernois, France. More at une femme d'un certain age.
Entrance to garden bistro in Levernois, France. More at une femme d'un certain age.

Above, the street entrance to the Bistrot.

Roadside lending library in Levernois, France. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

I thought this street-side lending library next to the Mairie (village administrative hall) looked inviting…

Our room was charming and comfortable.

We capped off the day with a wine tasting…

Bourgogne wine tasting in Levernois, France. Details at une femme d'un certain age.

While we often think of red wine when we think of Burgundy, they actually produce more whites. We learned about the climate, geology and soil conditions that make each appelation unique. We tasted wines at three of the four quality categories (Bourgogne, Village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru). Then we toddled off to dinner at the Gourmet restaurant, (which was out of this world!)…

What I Wore To Dinner…

Susan B. of une femme d'un certain sits by fountain in Levernois, France.

But first stopped for a quick outfit photo. It was such a beautiful evening I could have just stayed here for hours. You’re right, that floral top (which I’m wearing as a jacket) wasn’t in my original 15. After checking the weather reports again right before we left, I made one quick swap and added one Wild Card.

Wearing: Jacket | Top (Plus) | Necklace | Pants (similar / Plus) | Shoes (similar)

I replaced the black floral top with this one, which I just rolled up and stuffed into a corner of the bag. It came out looking pristine. I also added one of my Easy White Shirts in linen. And a good thing too, as there’s now a major heatwave forecast for next week. 😫 I may have to re-think my “no dresses” stance and do a little quick shopping once we get into Beaune later today.

If you’d like more updates, be sure to subscribe by email (form below) and follow me on Instagram.

À bientôt!

Stay in touch

Sign up to be notified of new posts and updates from une femme d’un certain âge.

Affiliate links in posts may generate commissions for unefemme.net. See my complete disclosure policy here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

30 Comments

  1. Yes, it’s supposed to be in the 90s! Which it was the last time I was there this time of year, so at least it’s being consistent. Take it easy and don’t do what I did, which was forget to put on sunscreen! Have a good time.

  2. Apparently France is as unpredictable as the Netherlands weatherwise. We are anticipating a heat wave as well.
    Have fun with dress shopping. You have enough space in your suitcase. Love the shirt/jacket.
    Greetje

  3. I tend to pack similar outfits like yours Susan when traveling to Europe. Usually gone for more than a month at a time. After a couple of odd heat waves on my trips, I always now pack three or four light dresses. On my last trip to the Puglia region of Italy, I wore those dresses almost daily and in fact bought two more. This was last September. I had jackets I never wore. And ended up wearing the same sandals every day. Because I live in south Florida, I am use to the heat. However I was a bit off on the nearly 90 degrees each day and no rain. Stationed in Lecce, we rented a car and drove daily to towns in the heel of the boot. Loved it. This April in NZ and Australia, I rarely wore the dresses. You never know but I use a big suitcase to bring my new outfits home. No baggage fee with my credit card and never lost a bag yet. The umbrellas go everywhere, used or not.

  4. I am interested in your bag in the photo. Is this your crossbody? Or is this a bag that was used for packing and can serve double duty? Thanks for the beautiful pics of the countryside. We usually keep to Paris, but this inspires me to venture out a bit!

  5. Great outfit! I am also happy to revisit the hotel and Levernois – thank you. As far as shopping, you’re likely to find some great linen pieces this time of year (but you probably know that) as that seems to me to be what a lot of French women wear in the heat. And you are just in time for the soldes! Happy shopping!

  6. You look lovely and very happy. Last year in Beaune I shopped at the ‘Gris Souris’ Prêt-à-porter féminin, in rue Monge. They had beautiful clothes and lovely accessories. It is a delightful town and area. We were staying at Hostellerie Le Cèdre which I recommend highly. A light silk dress and one in poplin or linen are very light to pack. I like to take a skirt too and fine silk pants for evening for Summer travel. (We are used to heatwaves here in Sydney, Australia )

    1. By strange coincidence, I was checking comments on my phone while le Monsieur was perusing some chocolates, and saw your recommendation for Gris Souris. I looked them up and saw they were just 1/2 block away. I popped in and they were SO nice and helpful. I did find one dress that I LOVE. Thank you!!

      1. Delighted you found something there! Great timing. I remember the lady who served me was very helpful. I’m enjoying your photos and posts very much(as always), thank you.

  7. Thank you so much for your amazing photos. I’m going next year and have added Beaune to my list! You look so put together and comfortable as well.

  8. How lovely. What were those buns next to the wine on the table? They looked wonderful. I love the country and have a tough time being in the busy cities during heat waves. What a great way to start your trip. Enjoy! Fun taking the trip with you.

    1. Hi Sandra, we think they were gougieres, a sort of cheesy puff pastry. You’d LOVE this place, it’s just magical!

      1. Gougères, though it is entirely possible that spelling and pronunciation vary by region. For some bizarre reason I can’t copy the wikipedia article (which is also in English and other languages).

  9. What a beautiful location and I love your room! Our recent trip to Europe was a whirlwind of cities and prime tourist sites. While we enjoyed every moment, the day that we rented a car and wandered the backroads of Belgium was one we’ll always remember as a highlight. There is so much more to every country than its cities.

  10. I’m in Florence, a heat wave is on its way, up to 100. Right now it’s 85-90. I have my cotton dresses on! Have fun, the place looks marvelous

  11. While the blouse/jacket is beautiful, it’s rather expensive for polyester and that is uncomfortable in the heat. I know it’s Vince (quality) as I own some Vince sweaters although they were largely discounted.
    Have a great trip.

  12. Loved this posting! We spent a few days last October in Beaune as part of an 8 day private wine tour, loved the food, wine and French hospitality. Perfect wardrobe selections. Enjoy Paris.