Cozy Riverfront House with Views in Charming Medieval Town
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
~~** SPECIAL OFFER: We are offering a €100 discount for the week of May 18-25, 2013! **~~
Come Experience Burgundy! Immerse yourself in the warmth and charm of this beautiful region of France. Our vacation rental is a two-bedroom, three-bathroom house/cottage in the beautiful Medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois, just an hour's train ride from Paris. The house is perfect for a small family or two couples traveling together. It has been recently renovated in a French country style, has spectacular views of the town ramparts, and is located on the north bank of the river Armancon, which winds its way through Semur.
Semur-en-Auxois is simultaneously a modern, thriving community and a friendly, welcoming town steeped in history and culture. The house is located just a few minutes' walk from the center of town, yet its location is also private and tranquil.
The house has two bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms. One bedroom is upstairs, with a stunning view of the ramparts, and one is downstairs at river level, with its own private entrance. The upper bedroom has wood floors, vaulted ceilings, a queen-sized bed, two seating areas, a private bathroom with shower, and a private balcony. The lower bedroom has two twin beds that can be brought together to form a king-sized bed, as well as a private bathroom with a shower. The lower bedroom opens onto the house's patio, giving it the most intimate access to the riverbanks.
Our rental house in Semur is the perfect retreat. Use it as a home base for exploration of the surrounding vineyards, countryside, and historical sights, or just curl up in the salon with a glass of wine and read a book to the sound of the birds and ducks.
We have detailed information and many, many more pictures available at our website (including a virtual tour) -- the link is provided below. Please visit us, and when you make an inquiry, mention that you found us through VRBO. Thank you!
~~** SPECIAL OFFER: We are offering a €100 discount for the week of May 18-25, 2013! **~~
Keywords: House, Cottage
Property Type
- House
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 4-6
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Convertible bed(s)
Bathrooms
- 3.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
- Bathroom 3
Kitchen & Dining
- Microwave
Amenities
- Wood Stove
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- Stereo
- VCR
- CD Player
Communications
- Telephone
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
Location & View
Activities
- Museums
- Golf
- Fishing
- Tennis
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Fitness Center
- Cycling
- Horseback Riding
- Shopping
- Boating
- Sight Seeing
- Antiquing
- Cinemas
- Restaurants
- Wildlife Viewing
- Water Skiing
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
Stay here: this house is the most beautiful place
Guest comment entered by ownerStay here: this house is the most beautiful place
- Guest Julia B (reproduced from TripAdvisor)
- Date of stay 09/12/12
- Review Submitted 12/07/12
When I booked the Riverfront House I hoped it would live up to it's photos. Often on holidays there is a sense of disappointment when a booking doesn't live up to expectations well this exceeded everything I hoped for. The house is so beautiful and the setting by the river couldn't be more special. I felt so at home here and wished I could stay longer than a week. The house is well equipped with everything you need. The bedrooms are private and gorgeous. We slept in the attic room with the most beautiful view of the river and neighboring houses. We cooked in the kitchen a few nights and found the local restaurants excellent. Staying here was like living in a medieval fantasy world with ramparts and turrets, cobbled streets and slower pace. The streets surrounding the house are amazing. Most evenings we would take a walk and discover more beauty than I've ever known in one place. Brooke made it easy to book the house and was very accommodating when I asked if my son could stay also, as he made a last minute decision to join us as he was traveling Europe at the same time. Brooke's detailed instructions on finding the house by car and her booklet on the appliance instructions and where to shop and eat in Semur were extremely helpful. I have such wonderful memories of Semur and especially the Riverfront House. Stay here and you won't be disappointed. If I get the chance again, I will be back. It's just so awesomeDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Famocon (reproduced from TripAdvisor)
- Date of stay 10/21/10
- Review Submitted 03/09/11
I wrote a review back in October 2010 before I returned to Australia but it did not get processed for some reason. We had no idea what to expect of Semur or the cottage, other than what we had read on the owners' website. This was our third cottage stay in France and I thought the others were good. This cottage is just brilliant, it has great old world charm but with enough modern inclusions to keep us very happy. The owners were very thoughtful, providing us with a large food and wine hamper to get us through the first two days. The cottage is right next to the water, very private and easy to get to from the car parking area. The river view in front of the cottage and nearby is idyllic and there is an easy walk right around the town following the river. There is a friendly local restaurant on the other side of the river just across the stone bridge (2 minute walk) so no problems driving home. The town is amazing. The river wraps around the town which is high on a hill with ancient fortified walls. The old town city is a ten minute walk and is truly amazing. We saw a lot of medieval towns on our trip like Flavigny, Vezelay and Troyers, but for our money Semur had all of the benefits without having to travel far. The shops are quaint (we loved the butchers, great place for pates and rillettes) and the people were very friendly, especially when we temporarily lost the door key. This is a wonderful place to stay to explore the countryside. We loved the animal park, Fontenay Abbey and the Burgundy and Nivernais canals (they can be a bit hard to find and follow but well worth the effort). But by far we were just happy tootling around the countryside with a basket of food and some wine. Finally, the booking process was very easy and the deposit refunded electronically within a day or two, thanks Brooke.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest eimiller (reproduced from TripAdvisor)
- Date of stay 09/27/10
- Review Submitted 03/09/11
When the photos of a place present so beautifully, one wonders if they could possibly really be accurate. "Our" place in Semur more than lived up to our hopes. The house was comfortable and felt like home immediately. The town itself was a dream to meander through. We started the week with cheese, sausage, wine, etc bought at the Sunday farmer's market and got a taste of the true flavor of the French countryside and its relaxed pace. The location was a dream for day tripping; we never strayed more than an hour in any direction. Breakfast and dinner cooked at home were no problem with the high quality food available at the supermarket in town. And the baked goods from the local shops? Tres bon! I would go back to this lovely place in a heartbeat and sit more at the cafes in town and on the house's terrace.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Really Great House!!
Really Great House!!
- Guest LESLIE M.
- Date of stay 04/15/10
- Review Submitted 04/21/10
My husband and I stayed at this lovely home in mid-April 2010 and we had a wonderful time. The house is amazing... right on the river. The neighbors were very nice and we watched them catch a few fish. The town and people of Semur are terriffic and very welcoming and there is no shortage of things to do here. We have stayed at many homes in the past but were very impressed at the attention to detail. The house was stocked as if we were at home. Especially nice was the welcome food and wonderful bottle of Bordeaux (how did you know??) on the table when we arrived. Both of us especially appreciated Brooke's efforts to answer all of our questions prior to booking, AND after we arrived. We had a situation with a volcano limiting flights out of Europe and Brooke contacted us to offer her home if we needed a place to stay a few days. As it turns out, we did not, but the thought and concern were very much appreciated. All in all, an outstanding time was had at this home and we are currently planning a return trip. My husband can't stop talking about the incredible places to cycle. He's happy, I'm happy... I guess that means we had a great time!! Leslie and Scott CaliforniaRecommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2
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- Guest Cathie Kavanagh
- Date of stay 12/13/09
- Review Submitted 12/13/09
What a shame we could only stay 3 days The house -a gem, comfortable, on the river,weeping willows, hungry ducks, cute bridge & views to the town ramparts- picture perfect. Semur en Auxois was delightful-the kind of French town we had imagined.We were a couple travelling with 2 singles but the house could comfortably accomodate 3 couples each with own bathroom. Very well equipped spotlessly clean,loads of character. A perfect choice for us.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Jim and Joni M
- Date of stay 11/16/09
- Review Submitted 11/16/09
A week at the lovely house in Semur was the perfect way to rediscover ourselves and focus on each other and our shared interests: food, wine, cooking, walking, daytrips, and taking in the stunning countryside. We hadn’t planned to spend so much time at the house, but ended up cooking there every night. We loved the kitchen fireplace, the incredible Boucherie Notre Dame, the boulangerie (shop early as they typically run out of baguettes and chaussons aux pommes by noon!), and the Sunday market (shop early there, too). We can’t comment on the restaurants other than Cafe Mont Drejet where we enjoyed, daily, glasses of good and surprisingly inexpensive Chablis and the most amazing tarte de fromage.Time seemed to stop when we arrived which was a relief given our pace in Paris the week prior. We arrived Saturday night and settled in with wine, sausages, and chocolate – a welcome gift from the owners as we arrived too late to shop for dinner. We lit a fire, relaxed, ate, drank, and smiled. We awoke to the pleasant quacking of ducks and calls of other birds -- a daily wake-up that we miss.Every day we took a short but steep walk up to town center, to shop, look around, and visit Cafe Mont Drejet. At the boucherie, we found and cooked over the course of the week: incredibly fresh and tender rabbit loin, whole duck (quite different from American duck – cooked in an hour!), and a variety of sausages which we grilled. We even bravely tried the house andouliette (tripe sausage) which we poached first then grilled. At the Sunday market, we bought delicious pork loin, a bag full of fresh wild mushrooms, pears, and more. We planned our day trips to Beaune, Chablis, Dijon, and Vezelay, played Scrabble by the fireplace, and enjoyed Epoisses from the Casino Market (imagine buying perfectly ripened cheese from your Seven-11!) with those farmer’s market pears. Just right.One of our favorite discoveries: Several days in a row we walked by an Epicerie just outside the town center and it was always closed. On Thursday, it was open! Outside, a small fresh fish display offered too many temptations. We chose langoustines, which we can’t find in Boston, and giant crevettes (like shrimp) for dinner. The langoustines were unbelievably sweet, like tiny lobsters, but more tender. We cooked the tails for not more than a minute in a little butter and wine reduction. The crevettes were just right as an appetizer with lemon juice, salt, and olive oil.We miss the routine thatDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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- Guest Patricia T.
- Date of stay 05/29/08
- Review Submitted 05/29/08
what a wonderful location for relaxing, wine tasting, touring. the house is very comfortable, large, welcoming, and well-equipped. our week was perfect with barbecues by the stream, reading on the balcony, cozy breakfast by the wood stove in the kitchen.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest S.L.
- Date of stay 09/08/07
- Review Submitted 09/08/07
Semur, the house and Burgundy made this a wonderful, restful week. The food, wine and scenery were above and beyond expectations. We loved the flowers, cows and vineyards. The trail at Lac du Pont was close and beautiful. One week went by too quickly.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest P. C.
- Date of stay 08/23/07
- Review Submitted 08/23/07
Thanks very much. It was a wonderful 2 weeks. The house was very relaxing and delightfully quiet yet so close to the town. Lots of fun adventures.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest L. O.
- Date of stay 07/28/07
- Review Submitted 07/28/07
Merci We had a lovely visit with our daughter and 7 month old grandson. We enjoyed the beautiful setting, ducks and walks to the waterfalls, and of course the wine. Sorry we have to leave now.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
Rates
On-Season (May 01-Oct 31 & Christmas, New Year's) .. €1275/wk Off-Season (Nov 01-Apr 30; excluding holidays) ...... € 950/wk (or € 150/nt) MULTI-WEEK DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE Long-term winter rentals are substantially discounted; contact us for details. Initial Payment required for Reservation: 25% On-Season stays must be Saturday - Saturday. Off-Season stays may begin and end any nt of the wk; 3-nt minimum.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
This owner accepts: Credit cards.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
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Pedestrian Area and Farmer's Market View on map
On Sunday mornings, the Semur pedestrian area becomes a farmer's market selling local produce, meats and cheeses. The rest of the week, it is a quaint cobblestoned street lined with restaurants, brasseries and shops. Definitely a must-see in town. The entrance is from the cathedral square on one side, and from the tourist bureau on the other. When you stroll down the street, don't miss the outdoor dining at La Goulue (you can order chocolate fondue!), the gourmet hamburger shop next door (tell the kids it's for them and then try the Epoisses burger for yourself), or Les Semurettes (try chocolates made by the advisor to the film Chocolat -- beware, they're addictive).
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Cathedral Square Restaurants View on map
Two of our favorite restaurants in town, Au Douze and Entr'Acte, are just down the road from the cathedral. Entr'Acte is a casual, bustling restaurant with great pizza and even better steak frites with Epoisses (cheese) sauce. Au Douze is more formal, a mix of new and traditional elegant cuisine, great for date night.
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Photographers: Go Here! View on map
There are photo-worthy views all over Semur, including from our house, but this spot has one of the best panoramic views of the whole town. Photography enthusiasts can't go to Semur without stopping here at dusk to try and capture a shot at the magic hour with the ramparts and cathedral lit up.
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Riverfront Walk View on map
There are many walking paths in and around Semur -- including one that takes you to a Roman bath -- but one of our favorites is an after-dinner walk along the river. Staying on our side of the river is a shorter walk because the road dead-ends, or you can cross the Pont des Minimes and walk the whole loop on the other side.
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Owner info
Year Purchased: 2001
About the owner: Jerry and Kathy are natives of San Diego who love to travel. Kathy loves it so much that she was a flight attendant for 33 years! In all their travels, they have never found a place with more warmth and old-world charm than the little town of Semur-en-Auxois in Burgundy. The locals have welcomed them, as they do all their guests, to Semur. Kathy and Jerry (and their daughter, Brooke, who manages the rental) will be thrilled to welcome you to their house.
Why the Owner Chose Semur-en-Auxois:
Kathy and Jerry's journey toward purchasing their vacation rental can be summed up in one word: serendipity. They happened to find Semur and fell in love with it immediately; they happened to come across a real estate agent who happened to have a spectacular riverfront house available, and the owners happened to be home and were willing to give them a tour. Everyone they met was so helpful and kind, and the house was so special, that Kath & Jer knew they had to make a permanent place there for themselves. Soon afterward, they also realized that Semur is such a hidden treasure that they had to share it with others.
The Unique Benefits at this House:
There is something magic in the air here. Maybe it's the background soundtrack provided by the birds and the ducks; maybe it's the hourly soft chime of the cathedral or the reflection of the rampart towers in the river; maybe it's the warm, flower-fragrant spring and summer air breezing through the open balcony doors; maybe it's simply the warmth and welcoming nature of the people of Semur. There's something about this house and this place that relaxes the muscles and gently twists the corners of the mouth upward. It's easy to find yourself smiling and sighing happily even though all you've done is sit down in the unique and sunny Salon.
And that's just while you're actually at the house. Semur is in the happy position of being right in the middle of Burgundy wine country: it's almost exactly equidistant from the wine-producing regions of Chablis and Beaune. As for the food, welcome to the heart of gastronomic France, where you can enjoy superb food at a tiny auberge for a few Euros, or a meal of ambrosia at a three-star Michelin restaurant. Add to that historical sites ranging from Roman ruins to chateaux, and Semur is an ideal vacation spot for almost any kind of vacation.
Contact us
- Secondary: (619) 365-5633 (California, USA)
- Tertiary: +44 (0)7 446 033865
Links to more information:
- CLICK HERE - See Many More PHOTOS of This House
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Our house along the river Armancon - Experience Burgundy
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The plush sofa in the sunny salon converts into a bed for 2 adults
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Relax on the riverfront private patio and enjoy lunch with a view
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The lower bedroom has ample closet space and an en-suite bathroom with shower
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The spacious (yet cozy) upper bedroom also has a private balcony
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The kitchen has modern appliances and comfortably seats four (up to 6)
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Semur's ramparts and town wall peek through the trees along the waterfront patio
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Night view from the house of Semur-en-Auxois' ramparts and medieval town wall
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This listing was first published here in 2005.
Date last modified - Wednesday, April 10, 2013