Things to do in  Burgundy

One of France’s greatest wine routes, the Route des Grand Crus (the Road of Great Wines) weaves 37 miles (60 kilometers) south from Dijon to Beaune and Santenay through the Burgundy wine region. Visitors trace the trail through rolling vineyards, pausing at estates, châteaux, and wine villages to taste and learn about the much-lauded wines.

The northernmost wine district in Burgundy is not only home to some of the most sought-after vintages—it’s also beautiful. Nicknamed the “Golden Door of Burgundy,” this tiny village is full of remarkable edifices, including the City Hall, the Porte-Noël, St Martin’s Church, and the Maison de l’Obédiencerie, with its ancient wooden press.

A highlight of the Burgundy Wine Route, Château du Clos de Vougeot is one for history buffs. Built as a winery by monks in the 12th century, the site has since evolved into a Renaissance-style walled estate. Today, it no longer produces wine but exists as an intimate wine museum and event location, showcasing historic grape presses, exhibitions, and lavish dining events.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Hospices de Beaune (aka the Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune is one of Burgundy’s most storied buildings. Founded as a charitable hospital in 1443, the landmark is known for its turrets, colorful roof tiles, and pretty courtyards—as well as the annual wine auction it hosts. The on-site museum also draws art lovers.

One of Dijon’s most important historical landmarks (and included in the Historic Center of Dijon UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Dijon Ducal Palace was, for centuries, the seat of Burgundian power. Constructed in the 14th century, it is today host to a museum and government offices, and is open to the public.

Nestled in the Cone Valley, halfway between Dijon and Paris, stands the idyllic village of Vézelay. The 9th-century hilltop fortress is home to one of the most remarkable basilicas in France—the Romanesque Basilica of St Magdalene—as well as a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.

Among Dijon’s most prominent religious landmarks, the Dijon Cathedral is recognizable for its turret-capped towers and its Gothic facade. Though a church has stood on the site since the 6th century, the version that stands today was constructed beginning in 1281. Today, the building is a symbol of the city and part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Center of Dijon.

One of Dijon’s loveliest historical landmarks, the Hôtel de Vogüé dates to the 17th century and was built as a hôtel particulier—a luxurious manor house—for Etienne Bouhier, an adviser to the Parliament of Burgundy. The building is renowned for its stone carvings, colorful roof tiles, grand courtyard, and other ornamental flourishes.

One of the oldest and most evocative streets in Dijon, the picturesque Rue des Forges is located in the city’s historical center. Featuring several hôtels particuliers (historical manor homes), the street also wends its way past the Palace of the Dukes and Burgundy States and connects to the verdant Square des Ducs.

All about the wine and the vine, the Hameau Duboeuf is a theme park in the heart of France’s Beaujolais region. Wander around the museum, learn about wine production, or play a round of mini-golf. This family-friendly destination is a fun place to explore wine while enjoying the scenic countryside.

With more than 1,000 years of history, the Château de Meursault is one of the Burgundy region’s oldest and most storied wine estates. It’s also among the largest: Now encompassing almost 150 acres (60 hectares) of vines spread across 35 appellations—including 18 premiers crus and three grands crus—it produces highly coveted red and white wines.

Nestled in the south of France’s Burgundy region, the medieval town of Cluny developed around its 10th-century Benedictine abbey. Today, visitors admire what remains of this once-powerful establishment before discovering the town’s Gothic and Romanesque architecture, church, and other treasures.

A historical, turret-topped castle located in Burgundy, the Château de Bazoches is one of the region’s most revered landmarks. Built in the 12th century and expanded by the Marshal de Vauban in the 17th century, the castle is still owned by his descendants. Today, it’s a listed Historic Monument, and open to the public.

La Moutarderie Fallo is Burgundy’s last independent and family-run mustard mill. The artisan producer in Beaune has created the condiment since the mid-1800s, and today it continues its production at the mill. Tours give you a glimpse into how mustard is made and feature interactive activities for family fun.

The Dijon Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon) is impressive not only for its collections, but also for its long history—it was founded in 1787 and its setting is the 14th-century Dijon Ducal Palace. Recently thoroughly renovated, the museum is simultaneously old and new, and is a must-visit attraction in central Dijon.