The cottage in Benoisey in Burgundy in the Cote D’Or is a perfect base for walkers, cyclists, wine lovers and for anyone who enjoys exploring France. There are walks and cycle rides in the Burgundian countryside available from the doorstep. One local walk can be enjoyed by visiting http://www.a-trip.com/tracks/view/54847. The Tour of Burgundy by cycle runs along the Burgundy canal for 580 km. The canal is just at the bottom of the valley from Benoisey. http://www.le-tour-de-bourgogne-a-velo.com/  An article about cycling in the area around Benoisey is at http://experiencefrancebybike.com/bicycling-the-burgundy-canal-for-100-euro-a-day/ 

The famous vineyards around Beaune are to the south, Chablis and Cremant (delicious Burgundian sparkling wine much cheaper than Champagne) to the north of the cottage. The medieval towns of Semur-en-Auxois, Noyers and Flavigny (where the film ‘Chocolat’ was filmed) are all within easy reach, about half an hour away, as are Epoisses, famous for one of the smelliest (and tastiest!) cheeses in France and Alesia, with its huge statue of the Gaul, Vercingétorix. The historic Abbey at Fontenay is only 10 minutes away. The towns of Montbard and Venarey have all shopping facilities but fresh bread can be enjoyed daily as a mobile boulanger visits Benoisey every day, including Sunday. Being in the middle of France, there are no beaches! However, there is a swimming complex at Montbard with indoor and outdoor pools as well as a paddling pool for young children. There is a large lake with supervised swimming and a play area for small children and a park at Venarey which is 10 minutes away. Also a man-made beach with canoes and water sports at the Lac de Pont near Semur, only about 10 miles away