Burgundy

At the heart of France, Burgundy is a wonderful region for history and culture, beautiful scenery, rich cuisine and famous fine wines.

The powerhouse of Europe in the Middle Ages, Burgundy’s glory and influence is reflected in fine architecture and imposing châteaux, walled hill-top towns and the elegant capital of Dijon. Some of the most important Cistercian abbeys and Benedictine monasteries are also located here, including Cluny, Fontenay and Vézelay.

The Saône and Yonne are among the graceful rivers gliding through the Burgundy countryside of forested hills and sweeping valleys, with endless vineyards of the Côte d’Or providing the precious grapes for Burgundy’s prized vintages. Flowing for some 250km, the mighty Canal de Bourgogne is also an historic artery which linked vital waterways to secure the great trade routes between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. At the heart of the region, Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan is a haven for outdoor pursuits, with numerous lakes for watersports or fishing and forest trails for hiking and mountain biking.

The tastes of Burgundy are certainly a highlight, including some of the best loved French dishes, from Boeuf Bourgignone to Coq au vin, to be enjoyed with full-bodied reds or delicate white wines.

Highlights

• Fine wines – follow the 60km wine trail of the Côte d’Or to try vintages of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, including Mersault and Pommard or visit the sleepy village of Chablis to buy fine whites.
• Boats and balloons – admire the Burgundy countryside from above with a hot-air balloon flight or take a boat cruise along the many waterways.
• Dijon – explore the historic Burgundian capital of Dijon with its medieval and Renaissance buildings, impressive Palais des Ducs and Musée des Beaux Arts, not forgetting the famous French mustard.
• Vézelay – visit the historic monastery and pilgrimage Basilique Sainte Madeleine within this fine fortified village and follow the panoramic Promenade des Fossés around the ramparts.
• Morvan – discover elegant châteaux and pretty villages or choose sailing,windsurfing, horse riding and white water rafting among the natural highs.

Berze Château, Burgundy

Your nearest airports - Geneva and Lyon.