About: Rooms and prices
Set on a small square in the market town of Charolles, Maison de la Balance is a great place for friends and family to enjoy a little bit of yesterday in this lovely part of France.
The traditional town house was built in the mid 19th Century and offers generous accommodation and space.
The house is decorated simply and elegantly, with spacious comfortable rooms, and plenty of opportunity to find a quiet corner to read, or paint, or think. If you have children - of any age - there is plenty of space, for them and for you.
There's a large table for friends and families to sit around and share the wonderful food and wine of Burgundy.
Access to the town is easy. Walk out the door and you can be back in 5 minutes with fresh bread and croissants.
Click on the link below and enjoy a short video.
Our Rooms
There are two fully equipped eat-in kitchens, a dining room seating 10 and a large covered outside BBQ area.
The house offers three double bedrooms, each with king size beds; and two twin bedrooms. One double room is connected to a twin room through a double door. There is a large room on the ground floor that can be used as a sixth bed room. This needs to be discussed but it would suit someone with limited mobility.
There are three modern bathrooms, one on each floor.
Our Prices
We aim to offer prices that represent good value for families and friends.
There are reasonable premiums for Christmas, New Year, Easter etc.
Ask us for a quote for the dates you want but for a minimum two nights outside the high season.
Some examples for Summer 2021:
Friday and Saturday nights = €640
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights = €880.
For high season, full week only, Saturday to Friday nights = €1,500
Write or phone for availability and a price for the visit you want.
The House
5 BEDROOMS
All rooms are supplied with fresh white cotton bedding and towels. A choice of covers (feather or microfibre duvets, woollen blankets) and pillows is available. There is a large ground floor sitting room which can be used as a bedroom by guests who are not able to use the stairs with ease.
FREE WIFI
Wifi is connected throughout the house. Codes are available on arrival.
COURTYARD
The enclosed garden is a protected spot for morning coffee, or on a warm day, perfect for lunch outside, or an evening BBQ in the covered space. The BBQ uses wood and charcoal, which is easy to buy at the local shops. The garden has various herbs which we are happy for you to use.
UP TO 10 GUESTS
Ample room for friends and family. Plenty of common areas to spend time with others and cosy spaces to escape by yourself.
COOKING & DINING
Cooking and dining- the house has two well equipped kitchens, each with kitchen table, as well as a large dining room seating 10, and an outside covered charcoal BBQ area.
3 BATHROOMS
There is a modern bathroom and toilet on each level. The top floor bathroom has a bath, with shower over; the ground and first floors have walk in showers. All have heated towel rails.
GALLERY
 |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  |  |
 |
Wineries
Charolles itself is not a wine centre- the vines pulled out for food production in the early part of the last century, but it’s a great jumping-off point for the many of the key wine districts. The closest is the Maconnais, with vineyards located about 40 km away. Below that is the Beaujolais and moving north the Côte Chalonnaise, and further northwards, the esteemed Côte d’Or, above and below Beaune. Poully-Fuissé in the Maconnais has the established international reputation, there are many excellent producers in villages through the region including Uchizy, Lugny and Vinzelles. The Beaujolais comprises 12 appellations with 10 producing the crus superior wines including Chénas, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Julienas, Morgon, Régnie and Saint-Amour.
Dining Out
Burgundy is renowned for wonderful produce and wonderful cooking and Charolles is part of that tradition. The Restaurant 'Chez Doucet' has a Michelin star, and is a short walk from the house. Frederic Doucet is a passionate supporter of local producers and brings a new breath to Burgundian cuisine. For a less formal evening, the Bistro du Quai, les Quatre Marmoins, or the Charolais will serve you well.
Cultural Sites
Towns and villages well worth a visit and close by include Paray-le-Monial, an important pilgrimage site, Marcigny, a town of splendid houses and lively Monday market, and Anzy le Duc, with a marvellous church. A little further east you come to Cluny, one of the most important of the religious sites. Towards the north and the Cote D’Or, Beaune will invite you to enjoy the city centre and ancient hospital. To the west, the lovely city of Vichy will capture your attention, and of course to the south, a couple of hours drive away, is Lyon. For lovers of industrial architecture the brick viaduct at Mussy is a wonder.
Markets
Nearly all the towns in Burgundy, including Charolles, have markets every week, and sometimes more often, especially in summer. Enjoy choosing your own wonderful meats and cheeses, buying your eggs and cream from local producers, and picking the best of the seasonal fruits and vegetables. After the marketing, enjoy the hustle and bustle of local cafés and eateries. Charolles' market is Wednesday morning, with a Sunday morning market in summer; the nearby towns of Marcigny (Monday) La Clayette (Tuesday) and Paray le Monial (Friday) each have their own special feel.
Leisure Activities
Where to start? cycling, walking, horse-riding, canal boating are all easy to do- the tourist information office, on the street going up towards the Mairie, will have all the latest information. For bargain hunters- try the brocante fairs in the summer, and the brocantes any time of year- Emmaus in Paray le Monial, Chambilly and Mably are great- opening times on the Emmaus Calendar. For music lovers- lots of bars with live singing; and a great summer programme of classical music all through the district.