Abbaye de la Bussière

Founded in 1131, the abbey spent centuries as a working Cistercian house before a long decline and an expensive rescue that turned it into one of Burgundy's quietest luxury hotels. Vaulted ceilings, stained glass and flagstone corridors survive intact; the twenty or so bedrooms and suites are named after other abbeys and châteaux and furnished in a comfortable, unfussy country style.

The grounds do a lot of the work. Fifteen hectares of parkland, lakes and mature trees surround the buildings, and the valley of the Ouche is almost silent. The gastronomic restaurant occupies the old vaulted hall and has held a Michelin star; there is also a lighter bistro option and a bar in what was once the chapter house.

Practically, the location is excellent for wine. Beaune and the Côte de Beaune vineyards are twenty minutes south, Dijon roughly the same to the north, and the hotel arranges tastings and domaine visits. It suits people who want Burgundy's cellars without staying in a town.