Celles-sur-Ource is the village where we grew up, nestled in the heart of the Côte des Bar. Home to just 500 residents, it is a place of vineyards, rolling hills and forests, with a church at its centre and a handful of houses scattered throughout. Within just a few miles lie some of our favourite places. Life moves a little more slowly here, shaped by long lunches, countryside walks and impromptu picnics. Follow in our footsteps through a place that will always feel like home.

Where to find for Local Delicacies

Bar-sur-Seine Market

The quintessential local gathering, held beneath the covered market hall. Fill your basket with Claire and Hugo's gougères, creamy, delicately salted Chaource cheese, fresh Champs-sur-Barse cheeses flavoured with chives, Espelette pepper or black pepper from the Martin family, and pastries from Obalice. You'll also find charcuterie from Ferme de la Gloire Dieu, perfect for putting together a countryside picnic.

Where to Wander

The Vigneron Trail (Celles-sur-Ource)

A walk we never tire of. The path meanders gently through vineyards, open fields and sun-warmed chalk tracks. Along the way, sweeping views reveal the valleys where the Arce, Ource and Laigne rivers converge before joining the Seine. As evening falls and the light softens across the hillsides, the landscape becomes truly breathtaking.

Pont de Maures (Celles-sur-Ource)

One of our favourite summer picnic spots. Below, the river flows quietly beneath the shade of beech and ash trees rustling in the breeze. We spread a colourful blanket on the still-warm grass after cooling our feet in the Ource, then linger for hours. In the silence, if you listen closely, you can almost hear the echoes of our childhood laughter.

Notre-Dame du Chêne (Bar-sur-Seine)

Hidden deep within the forest, this small chapel feels suspended in time. We reach it by woodland paths we once explored during orienteering races, map and compass in hand. A quiet, almost mystical place.

Where to Find Inspiration

Renoir Museum (Essoyes)

Essoyes was where Pierre-Auguste Renoir came to enjoy the gentle pace of the Aubois countryside. Visit his family home, garden and studio through a collection of personal objects and stories that reveal his life away from Paris. A peaceful, light-filled experience offering a fresh perspective on the work of the Impressionist master, whose paintings can now be found in some of the world's leading museums, including Musée d'Orsay and Museum of Modern Art.

Commanderie d'Avalleur 

A lesser-known treasure, this former Knights Templar commandery is one of the few surviving examples of its kind in France. Its remarkably preserved chapel and impressive timber roof structure make it a place steeped in history.