Let Burgundy surprise you!
Burgundy has long been known as a place of artistic and historical interest, famous for its Romanesque heritage and exceptional wines, but it also holds many surprises.
A region where history and gastronomy unite
Wine routes take you through the wine-growing areas of Nuits-Saint-Georges and Chablis, by way of the Côtes de Beaune or Pouilly-Fuissé. Renaissance châteaux and medieval castles stand tall amongst the vineyards: Ancy-le-Franc, Bazoches, Sully or Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. If you fancy something really different, take a trip to the Puisaye and visit Guédelon where a medieval castle is being constructed using nothing but period techniques.
From the fortifications at Bibracte to the temple of Janus in Autun, a number of historical treasures bear witness to the region’s influence over the centuries. In Cluny, Vézelay, La Charité-sur Loire and Fontenay, you can contemplate the spiritual heritage of the Cluniac and Cistercian orders. In the region’s historic capital, Dijon, take time to admire the glazed tile roofs and Ducal Palace.
Whether on holiday or just passing through, be sure to savor a gourmet meal in a Michelin starred restaurant. Try out some of the local specialties such as Charolais beef, snails, Bresse chicken or the famous Dijon mustard.
Land of adventure
Burgundy offers the very best in river tourism, having the largest network of inland waterways in France. Sail along the renowned Canal de Bourgogne or take a trip on the Canal du Nivernais where you can admire the ingenious series of locks known as the “échelle de Sardy.”
There are many different bike paths offered on the “voies vertes.” Along five different routes, from the banks of the Yonne to those of the Saône, guesthouses and hotels with the Tour de Bourgogne à Vélo© quality label pull out all the stops for touring cyclists. Freewheel to the spa town of Bourbon-Lancy in the Saône-et-Loire, the Renaissance châteaux of Tanlay in the Yonne and Cormatin in the Mâconnais, or take time to explore the Romantic poet Lamartine’s house in Milly.
Thrill seekers can try driving on the legendary race track at Magny-Cours or night time bungee jumping at the grotte de Champ-Retard in the Yonne. After, if you are in need of somewhere peaceful yet unusual to stay, check out a gypsy caravan, yurt or house boat. You can even spend the night in a tree-top hammock amidst the rivers and lakes of the Morvan!
Year round festivities
Burgundy hosts a wide range of activities all year round, from the Fleurs de vigne in Auxerre to the Journées gourmandes de Saulieu in the Côte-d’Or, not forgetting the Chalon dans la Rue street festival at Chalon-sur-Saône, and historical spectacles and other wine events, many of which also involve outdoor performances and exhibitions.
Music lovers can enjoy the vibrant jazz scene in Nevers. If Blues is more your thing, don’t miss Le Creusot festival. Dijon attracts world-wide audiences for its Sacred Music festival. The International Festival of Baroque Opera takes place in the impressive courtyard of the Hospices de Beaune.
Discover for yourself the wealth of activities that the region has to offer - from unusual outings to street festivals, from inland waterway trips to cycling holidays, Burgundy’s many treasures await you!