Lying in the south of Burgundy, flanked by fields filled with sheep and cattle and interwoven with rivers and canals, stands the picturesque little town of Charolles. Once the capital of the Counts of Charolais, the town and the surrounding area has a proud history and a rich culture spanning millennia. The town stands in the shadow of the Castle of the Counts of Charolais and is still scattered with 15th and 16th-century buildings, from towers to convents. While agriculture is the backbone of Charolles - the area is the home of the nationally-treasured Charolais beef - the town is also a well-known producer of artisan pottery. The surrounding countryside is a real draw and some of the best places to stay in Charolles are in fact just outside the town itself.

Charolles is in every respects idyllic. Surrounded by rolling hills snaked with winding rivers, walking around the town is a real pleasure. Referred to as "Venice Charolais" by many due to its rivers and canals, it is full of greenery, trees and flowers, and is a tranquil place that seemingly pulls you back through the pages of history. Home to the famous Charolais beef, a stop at the Maison du Charolais to see how the beef is produced is an interesting trip. There is also a market every Wednesday, selling everything from cheeses and vegetables to objet d'art and jams which is not to be missed.

The medieval architecture is amazingly well-preserved and gives the town a remarkably old aesthetic, whether it's the loomingly large towers that scrape the sky or the simply understated and beautiful churches and convents, like the Convent of the Poor Clares. The former capital of the Counts of Charolais, it isn't surprising to note the wealth of stunning medieval architecture. The Eglise du Sacre-Coeur is itself quite beautiful and also has an enormous organ, making it a popular venue for classical concerts. Our collection of the best places to stay in Charolles are well positioned to access both the town's attraction and the surrounding countryside.

What not to miss

• Charolais beef: you cannot go to Charolles without sampling its famous beef, which you can either buy at the Wednesday market or at the Maison du Charolais, a museum dedicated to it.
• Historic sites: Charolles is a treasure trove of old buildings. The Convent of the Poor Clares is one such example and has an excellent museum on the town's history and culture. The Diamond Tower is quite marvellous to behold as is the Priory of the Madeleine. Take a walk up to the hill where stands the impressive Castle of the Counts of Charolais, boasting sublime views of the hills and town. The Priory Museum beside the castle holds many beautiful medieval statues and paintings.
• Walking: take time to meander gently around. The old buildings are wonderful and the hills surrounding Charolles make for great hiking spots.

The best places to stay in Charolles

For foodies

• Hotel de la Poste offers contemporary rooms and an amazing Michelin-star restaurant, this delightful hotel is nestled in the centre of town. Ideal for exploring local sites.

For an apartment or villa

• If you would prefer something more private our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• The temperatures remain fairly consistent throughout the year, though it gets quite cold during winter. To best enjoy the region, go in the summer months when the temperature ranges from 13 to 24 degrees.
• The nearest international airport is in Lyon, which is just shy of 100km away. Trains run from Lyon and take around 2hrs.
• If you want the flexibility of your own car we suggest you contact our partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

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