Burgundy road trip: Day 1 and 2

Day 1: Arrival in Langres

This was our first camping road trip with our new canine companion. Hilda is used to riding in a car, but the five hour drive down to Langres on the back seat of our camper van had tested her patience and required several potty breaks and small walks in order to keep her motivated.

We had a late start and since the campground in the village of Langres was already closed for the night we decided to book a hotel room, which became another challenge for our dog, especially because there were other dogs in rooms nearby. 

Langres is a historic town located in northeastern France, in the Haute-Marne department of the Grand Est region. It is known for its well-preserved medieval ramparts, renaissance architecture, and being the birthplace of philosopher Denis Diderot. The town sits on a promontory offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

As reluctant as Hilda is in the wild as confident is she when exploring city scapes. So we took her for a long evening walk in the old town of Langes and around the city wall to tire her out.

Day 2: Sources of Seine and Chatillon-sur-Seine

The Seine River, which flows through Paris and into the English Channel, originates from the Langres Plateau in the Côte-d'Or department, about 30 km northwest of Dijon. The official source is a spring called the *Source-Seine*, located in a park managed by the city of Paris. And Hilda managed to officially cross the mighty river several times. 

Our stop for the next two days led us to the village of Chatillon sur Seine, a picturesque town in the Côte-d'Or department of eastern France, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Nestled along the Seine River, it is known for its natural beauty and historical architecture. A must-visit destination for cheese enthusiasts is *La Fromagerie du Coin*, a shop offering a wide selection of local cheese, beers, ciders, meats, and other dairy items. The town is also home to the shortest river in France (or the world?). The Douix springs from a spectacular looking limestone cave and mounds into the Seine just after seventy meters.

Dijon

Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is a city brimming with history, culture, and culinary delights. The city is a haven for food lovers and most famous for its special mustard, which Dijon holds a monopoly on since the 13th century. Dijon serves as the gateway to the famous Burgundy Wine Route, where you can visit vineyards for wine tastings. Additionally, Boeuf Bourguignon, a hearty beef stew cooked in red wine, is a must-try traditional dish. 

I follow the Owl's Trail, marking a self-guided walking tour through the city's iconic places.

• Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne: A Renaissance palace housing the Musée des Beaux-Arts with art spanning from the Middle Ages to modern times.

  

• Place de la Libération: A central square surrounded by historic buildings, including the Duke's Palace.

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  

• Saint-Bénigne Cathedral: A Gothic cathedral known for its stained glass and ancient crypt.

  

• Les Halles de Dijon: A vibrant spot to sample local specialties, including cheeses, cured meats, wine and fresh produce. 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Dijon blends rich history with modern charm, making it a delightful destination. It takes much more than one day to explore, but I will be back for another section of my pilgrimage towards Santiago de Compostella.

The bullet train arrives:

Speed close to 200 mi/h