My 2025 Citroën 2CV Drive in Burgundy: A Château de Pommard Story
So, you are picturing it, right? You, behind the wheel of a ridiculously charming French car, with rows of grapevines just stretching out forever on both sides. Well, that’s pretty much the core of the Citroën 2CV rental combined with a tasting stop at the very grand Château de Pommard. Frankly, it’s a day out that feels pulled from a different time. This isn’t about going fast; actually, it’s about slowing down completely. I mean, you feel every single bump in the country lane and hear every happy rattle from the tiny engine. You know, it’s a real sensory thing, sort of disconnecting you from the rush of normal life. To be honest, the whole idea is to just soak in the feeling of being in the French countryside, which is, at the end of the day, what a trip to Burgundy is all about.
Getting Behind the Wheel of the Iconic ‘Deux Chevaux’
Okay, so let’s talk about the car itself, which is honestly the star of the show for the first half of the day. The Citroën 2CV, or ‘Deux Chevaux,’ is a French icon, basically. It has this wonderfully unique shape and, you know, it’s all about simple mechanics and character. Honestly, getting the keys felt like a little ceremony in itself. The car I had was a lovely deep burgundy, almost the color of the wine I was about to sample, which was a nice touch, right? Starting it up is, well, an adventure. It takes a little coaxing, but when that distinctive, almost lawnmower-like engine putters to life, you can’t help but smile, I mean, seriously. The gearshift is this strange push-pull lever coming out of the dashboard, which is definitely something to get used to. As a matter of fact, the seats are more like fabric hammocks slung over a frame, so you get a very bouncy and soft ride. It’s absolutely part of the fun, and you just kind of have to lean into the quirkiness of it all.
A Scenic Drive Through the Heart of Burgundy’s Vineyards
Anyway, once you’re on the road, that’s when the real magic sort of happens. The route you take is more or less planned to show off the best of the Côte de Beaune area. You just trundle along these narrow roads that wind between some of the most famous names in wine, like Meursault and Volnay. Obviously, the 2CV isn’t a powerful car, so you are not going to be racing anywhere. Instead, you are traveling at a pace that really lets you see things. For instance, you can spot the names of the vineyards marked on old stone walls. You can smell the earth and the vines, and with the canvas roof rolled back, you pretty much feel completely part of the surroundings. It’s a little bit like being in your own private parade where the world just watches you smile as you go by. Other drivers, frankly, give you a little wave because, at the end of the day, everyone loves a 2CV.
Arriving at the Esteemed Château de Pommard
So, after a really lovely drive, you pull through these big, impressive gates into the Château de Pommard. You know, it’s a pretty grand entrance. The château itself is this beautiful, classic building with a history that you can almost feel in the air, right? Honestly, arriving in a little, sputtering 2CV feels just right; it’s a bit fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a nice way to approach such a historic spot. You park the car and just take a moment to look at the massive walled vineyard right in front of the château, the Clos Marey-Monge. It’s really impressive stuff. As a matter of fact, this place is one of the few wine estates in Burgundy that has its own single, walled plot of this size. Stepping out of the car, you’re not just a tourist anymore; you kind of feel like you’ve completed a little pilgrimage.
The Wine Tasting: A Sip of Burgundy’s Soul
Alright, so inside the château, the tone shifts a little, in a good way. The people there are just really passionate about what they do. Our guide took us down into the cellars, which were, well, just what you would hope for—cool, dim, and smelling of old barrels and aging wine. The tasting itself was obviously focused on Pinot Noir, which is the grape of the area. But it’s more than just drinking wine; I mean, they explain how the different plots of land, even those just feet apart, create a different character in the glass. It’s basically a lesson in what makes Burgundy so special. You get to sample several different wines, and with each one, the story gets deeper. It’s pretty much a masterclass in tasting, but delivered in a very friendly and approachable way, you know? You really leave with a new appreciation for the hard work that goes into every single bottle.
Is This Burgundy Activity Right for You? Some Thoughts
So, at the end of the day, you’re probably wondering if this is a good fit for your trip. To be honest, if you’re looking for speed and modern comforts, this probably isn’t it. The 2CV is, frankly, a bit basic and slow. But, if you’re after something with a ton of heart and a story to tell, then it’s absolutely brilliant. It’s for the person who likes slow travel, loves history, and wants to do something a little different, right? Seriously, it’s a day filled with simple, authentic joys. The combination of the quirky car and the serious, high-quality wine is just a little bit perfect. You get the fun and silliness of the drive, followed by the refined culture of the wine tasting. It’s a pretty unique mix, I mean.
You really do feel like you’ve stepped into a French film for a few hours. It’s not just a tour; it’s an actual memory you are actively making, you know.
Okay, just a few practical takeaways to think about:
- Driving Skill: You should probably be comfortable driving a manual car, as the 2CV’s gearshift is definitely unusual.
- Pace Yourself: Honestly, the whole point is to go slow, so don’t try to rush the drive. Just enjoy the ride for what it is.
- Book Ahead: This is a pretty popular thing to do, so booking your car and tasting slot well in advance is a really good idea.
- Dress Comfortably: You’ll want comfortable clothes for the drive, especially with the bumpy suspension. And maybe a light jacket, as a matter of fact, because even on a warm day, it can get breezy with the top down.
- Ask Questions: The people at the château are super knowledgeable, so definitely ask them about the wine, the history, and the land. You’ll learn so much more that way.
Read our full review: [Citroën 2CV Burgundy Rental and Tasting at the Château de Pommard Full Review and Details]
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now ([Reserve Your 2CV Burgundy Tour])
