The story
At the Hostellerie de Levernois, just outside Beaune, the Bistrot du Bord de l’Eau offers a relaxed yet refined take on French cuisine. The setting is immediate: the dining room occupies the old kitchens of the 1750 manor, with a double fireplace and exposed stone walls. In winter, the fire warms the room; in summer, tables move to the terrace along the Bouzaise river, which runs through the property’s park.
Chef Alexis Valton and his team work from what the market provides, supplemented by vegetables from the estate’s own kitchen garden. The result is a menu that changes daily, built around fresh, flavourful ingredients. The website describes the cooking as “cuisine fraîche et gourmande” – fresh and indulgent – and the dishes follow that line. Signature plates include Escargots in a sweet garlic broth, Œufs façon Meurette au Chardonnay (a classic Burgundian egg dish), and a reinvented confit lamb shoulder with roasted potatoes and kale. For vegetarians, there is a sweet potato gratin with confit onions, mushrooms and chestnut cream.
Pastry chef Lucas Chambfort leads the sweet side, offering desserts that lean into comfort and nostalgia. The wine list is curated by the sommelier team, with a strong focus on Burgundy. The bistrot is open for lunch and dinner, serving from 12:15 to 13:45 and 19:15 to 21:00.
The Bistrot du Bord de l’Eau holds a Michelin Recommended distinction, awarded for its consistent, high-quality cooking and welcoming atmosphere. It is a place where the bounty of the region meets the warmth of a classic French bistro – without formality, but with genuine care.
Recognition
Ambience
Location