Burgundy
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, the merger of the Bourgogne and Franche-Comté regions since January 1, 2016, is a region in eastern France, encompassing eight départements: Yonne, Côte-d’Or, Nièvre, Haute-Saône, Saône-et-Loire, Doubs, Jura, and Territoire de Belfort. Covering an area of 47,783 km², it is home to some 2.8 million inhabitants.
This region is famous for its cultural diversity, breathtaking landscapes, renowned gastronomy and rich architectural heritage. Dijon, its capital, Auxerre, Besançon and Chalon-sur-Saône are key cities offering a unique immersion in local culture. Whether your interest lies in nature, culture or gastronomy, Burgundy promises an exceptional trip.
It boasts a dynamic economy and a strong industrial tradition, while being recognized for its natural beauty, prestigious vineyards and historic heritage, making it a French jewel.
To find out more about the Bourgogne Franche Comté region, read our detailed article here.
Discover Burgundy: a wealth of heritage and natural beauty
Historic sites not to be missed
Burgundy boasts a rich historical heritage, with many sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Not to be missed is the Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine in Vézelay, a major pilgrimage site and one of the oldest routes to Compostela. The Hospices de Beaune impresses with its flamboyant architecture and fascinating history.
Fontenay Abbey, a jewel of 12th-century Cistercian architecture, is a listed historic monument and UNESCO site. Discover its church, cloister and remarkable gardens.
The region is also rich in castles, including Château de Bussy-Rabutin, Château de Chandioux and Château de Maulnes, which bear witness to Burgundy’s architectural and historical grandeur. The cities of Dijon and Auxerre, with the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Church of Saint-Eusèbe respectively, offer a unique immersion in regional history and culture.
Nature getaways in Burgundy
In addition to its historical heritage, Burgundy is also known for its exceptional natural landscapes, with three Regional Nature Parks: Morvan, Haut-Jura and Ballons des Vosges.
These parks offer a multitude of activities for nature lovers, including cycling routes, waterways and hiking trails, including ten Grande Randonnée (GR) trails.
The Grand Site de Solutré Pouilly Vergisson, in Saône-et-Loire, is an emblematic site in the region, featuring a remarkable natural heritage, protected species and important prehistoric sites. Wine-growing villages such as Fuissé and Givry, located in the Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais regions, offer a unique opportunity to discover the region’s vineyards and rolling landscapes, perfect for bike or moped rides.
Gastronomy and wine: a sensory voyage
Burgundy’s gastronomic highlights
Burgundy is renowned for its gastronomy, a celebration of local produce and age-old traditions. Boeuf Bourguignon, a symbol of French cuisine, is distinguished by its preparation: a stew simmered slowly with red wine, accompanied by pearl onions and mushrooms, offering an explosion of flavors.
Coq au Vin, another mainstay of this cuisine, although originally prepared with rooster, is now more commonly cooked with chicken. Marinated in red wine with lardons, mushrooms and pearl onions, this dish is emblematic of the region.
Escargots à la Bourguignonne, served in their shells with a mixture of butter, garlic and parsley, embody another facet of the local culinary heritage. Jambon Persillé, a ham terrine marinated in white wine and vinegar, flavored with garlic and parsley, then served in jelly, and Œufs en Meurette, poached eggs topped with a red wine, bacon, onion and mushroom sauce, enrich the panorama of Burgundian starters.
On the Burgundy wine trail
Burgundy, a land of exceptional wines, stretches from Chablis in the north to Mâcon in the south. Its wines, both red and white, come from noble grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Côte d’Or, dotted with prestigious villages such as Nuits-Saint-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin, is a must for wine enthusiasts.
Exploring Burgundy’s vineyards means learning the secrets of winemaking and savoring exceptional vintages. Estates and cellars open their doors for tastings and guided tours, promising total immersion in the world of wine. The Route des Grands Crus, criss-crossing the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, offers a privileged circuit for discovering the region’s winegrowing jewels.
Unique activities and experiences
Festivals and cultural events
Burgundy, renowned for its rich cultural life, hosts a multitude of festivals and events throughout the year. Among these, the Festival des Grands Vins de Bourgogne in Beaune stands out, offering wine lovers the opportunity to taste over 1,500 regional wines.
The Festival de Musique de Cluny, held in the abbey and cloister of Cluny, and the Festival des Rencontres Musicales de Vézelay, located in the basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, are not-to-be-missed events for classical music lovers, featuring renowned European artists.
Fans of street art will be enchanted by “Chalon dans la Rue” in Chalon-sur-Saône and “Les Zaccros d’ma Rue” in Nevers, offering street theater, magic and circus performances, for a lively and interactive cultural experience.
Outdoor activities
Burgundy also invites outdoor adventure, with its Regional Nature Parks like the Morvan, offering hiking, biking and water sports to explore its natural landscapes.
Sports enthusiasts can take up the challenge of the Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon, run through the vineyards, or enjoy canoeing and fishing in the region’s rivers and lakes, such as Lac des Settons.
The Sun Festival blends music, art and nature, offering a variety of activities such as climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding and outdoor games, for a playful immersion in Burgundy’s nature.
Conclusion
Burgundy, renowned for its exceptional heritage, renowned gastronomy and superior wines, is the perfect destination for a memorable getaway. This region, steeped in history and culture, promises a unique adventure through its historic sites, captivating festivals and numerous outdoor activities.
Wine enthusiasts will have the opportunity to explore the prestigious vineyards of the Côte d’Or and the “Climats” of Burgundy, which give the region’s wines their distinctive character. Regional specialties such as Boeuf Bourguignon and Coq au Vin are a must, as are the diverse landscapes of the Parcs Naturels Régionaux.
Burgundy invites you to create unforgettable moments.
FAQ
What are the 4 departments of Burgundy?
Burgundy is divided into four departments: Côte-d’Or, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire and Yonne. Since 2016, these departments have formed the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region.
What is the capital of Burgundy?
Burgundy, being a historical and administrative region of France, has no capital in the traditional sense of the term. However, Dijon is often referred to as the region’s historic capital, being its most significant city.
Which towns to visit in Burgundy?
Burgundy is home to many fascinating towns to explore. Dijon, renowned for its Ducal Palace and cheese market, is a must-see. Beaune attracts wine lovers with its famous medieval hospices. For historical and architectural discoveries, Auxerre and Sens are good choices. Nevers, meanwhile, is a magnet for visitors with its castle and church.
What’s the most beautiful part of Burgundy?
The beauty of Burgundy lies in the subjectivity of its visitors. However, the vineyard region of the Côte d’Or, including Beaune and Dijon, is frequently cited for its picturesque landscapes, rich architecture and exceptional wine culture.
