Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Just outside Montagny-les-Beaune, a village just over a mile south of Beaune, in Burgundy. Take the Beaune-Chagny exit off the A6 and follow the sign to Montagny-Les-Beaune. Formule 1 is just down on the left-hand side. Considering it's part of a no-frills chain, the atmosphere is surprisingly cosy thanks to the easy-going personalities of managers Marc Predieri and Christelle Salsano.
What's it like?
This is the hospitality industry at its most utilitarian. The grey, pre-fab Lego cube is rescued from dreariness by a fire-engine red porch over a pretty terrace, where guests can breakfast amid trailing honeysuckle and pots of pansies and lobelias.
USP?
Super-clean, super-easy and super-cheap. Part of a chain which sells itself on a "price-cleanliness" guarantee, the Beaune Formule 1 charges rooms at £14 per night (winter) and £16 (summer). Reception is staffed 6.30-10am and 5-9pm but the automated check-in system means guests can arrive in the middle of the night. You swipe your credit card in return for a code number which lets you into the hotel and your room. The other plus is the location, almost equidistant between Calais and Marseilles, making this an ideal stopover.
Service?
Helpful and down to earth.
Rooms?
There are 72 rooms, all with double bed and single bunk, colour TV, basin, clothes rail, desk and chair. The view on to the golden hills of the Côte d'Or – Burgundy's premier wine-growing region – was spectacular. Everything was spotless, including the self-cleaning showers and loos, which are shared between four rooms. Take your own towel unless you're very small.
Food and drink?
For £2.20, you can eat your fill of the buffet breakfast: fresh baguettes, brioche, orange juice and copious supplies of proper coffee. Vending machines sell hot and cold drinks, sweets and crisps. As for dinner, what you save on the room you can spend on a slap-up meal and a decent bottle of Burgundy. Try Restaurant Le Gourmandin (00 33 3 80 24 07 88), an Art Nouveau-style bistro on the Place Carnot in Beaune.
Clientele
Salesmen, workers and holidaymakers, including many Britons, in transit. Also couples and families who want a cheap base from which to explore Burgundy.
Things to do?
Wine, wine and more wine – from wine-making estates to dégustations (tasting). The Marché aux Vins (00 33 3 80 25 08 20) in Beaune has a good reputation.
Address?
Hôtel Formule 1, Lotissement du Pré Neuf, 21200 Montagny-les-Beaune (00 33 8 91 70 51 77; www.hotelformule1.com).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments