7 - Pesmes' noble demeanor

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Pesmes, situated close to the Swiss border about 30 miles east of Dijon, was formerly of strategic importance between the towns of Gray and Dole and only actually became part of France in 1678.

Its past has been extremely well preserved and exudes from every one of its cobble stones. Its history is especially hard-hitting within the walls of the village castle. You can visit the great hall of the guards, dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, with its arches, large external staircase, its walls overlooking the Ognon River and the impressive 50-meter long Royal House, which also dates back to the 15th century. The church of Saint-Hilaire, is also a great attraction as far as historical monuments go.

Strewn across the village and its well-planted streets, a handful of grand mansions lurk behind high walls of vegetation. The houses belong to noblemen and weathly wine merchants. The mansions are easily recognised due to the statuettes in the coves of their facades. The stunning, if not even slightly eerie, castle Rouillaud Mouchet, also a hotel, is a fine example of stately homes complete with a south wing and dates back to 1406.

Charroux, the quirky auvergnat Wine and cheese aplenty in Charité sur Loire