Burgundy emerges as an enchanting tapestry of history and beauty in the heart of east-central France. Renowned for its illustrious wines, including the celebrated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Chablis, and Beaujolais, this historic region brings travelers to explore beyond the vineyards. Stunning canals weave through the landscape, while opulent châteaux stand as echoes of the past, some now transformed into luxurious retreats. Dijon, the capital known for its legendary mustard, boasts the grand Palace of the Dukes, housing the venerable Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Burgundy's beauty expands beyond wine, inviting wanderers to explore its rich history dating back to its Celtic, Roman, and Burgundian heritage. Luckily, there are endless sights and underrated towns throughout France to escape the tourist traps, many of which lie near Burgundy.
Things To Do
For those coming to Burgundy, France, this guide will give them a comprehensive look at things to experience while in the region. There are many monuments to see in France besides the Eiffel Tower, many that Burgundy beholds. Let's dive in!
1 Explore The Iconic Guédelon
- Address: D955, 89520 Treigny-Perreuse-Sainte-Colombe, France
- Hours: Open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Tickets: From $15.11 per person
One thing to consider doing while in Burgundy is seeing the iconic Guédelon castle. Here is where visitors can explore a castle currently under construction near Treigny, France.
The castle is the focus of an experimental archeology project aimed at recreating a 13th-century castle and its surroundings using period techniques, dress, and materials.
2 Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune
- Address: 2 Rue de l'Hôtel Dieu, 21200 Beaune, France
- Hour: Open daily from 9 AM to 7:30 PM
Up next, visitors to Burgundy, France, can enjoy the stunning sights of Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune, a former charitable almshouse in Beaune, France. Notably, the property was founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor of Burgundy, as a hospital for the less fortunate.
3 Stroll Through Fontenay Abbey
- Address: 21500 Montbard, France
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM
- Tickets: $12.42 per person
While in Burgundy, visit the famed Fontenay Abbey, a former Cistercian abbey located in the commune of Marmagne, near Montbard, in the département of Côte-d'Or in France.
Most guests spend about an hour here, as there isn't much land to cover, so it's a perfect quick day trip.
4 Museum Of Fine Arts Dijon
- Address: 1 Rue Rameau, 21000 Dijon, France
- Hours: Wednesday - Monday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM
The next thing to experience while in the Burgundy Region of France is the Museum of Fine Arts Dijon. Here lies the Museum of Fine Arts, which opened in 1787 in Dijon, France. It is one of France's main and oldest museums, making it a hot spot for history buffs.
5 Tour The Vézelay Abbey
- Address: 89450 Vézelay, France
- Hours: Open daily from 7 AM to 8 PM (Opens at 8 AM on Monday)
Something else worth witnessing in the Burgundy Region of France is the iconic and historic Vézelay Abbey. Here is a Benedictine and Cluniac monastery in Vézelay in the east-central French department of Yonne. It dates back to between 1120 and 1150.
The Sainte-Chappelle in Paris also boasts the most stained glass windows in the world, making it another great church to stop at in the country.
6 Palacio de los duques de Borgoña
- Address: 1 Rue Rameau, 21000 Dijon, France
- Hours: Wednesday - Monday from 9 AM to 6 PM
For those wanting to walk through a historic (and stunning) palace while in Burgundy, the Palacio de los duques de Borgoña will be perfect.
Here lies a remarkably well-preserved architectural assemblage in Dijon, bringing guests from around the globe. It is typically more crowded on weekends, so consider visiting during weekdays.
7 Check Out Liberation Square
- Address: Pl. de la Libération, 21000 Dijon, France
- Hours: Open 24 hours
The next thing to see while traversing through Burgundy is Liberation Square. Here lies the impressive gate and historic monument of Dijon dating from the 18th century. Most people spend 30–60 minutes in the area, so this should be easy to navigate.
8 Château de Savigny-les-Beaune
- Address: Château de Savigny, Rue Général Leclerc, 21420 Savigny-lès-Beaune, France
- Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM
Another idea for a day trip in Burgundy is to visit the famous Château de Savigny-les-Beaune. Here, tourists can see the centuries-old castle, home to collections of warplanes, antique vehicles, and wine cellars. It's a nice spot to catch up on the area's history and see an opulent structure still preserved into the 2020s.
9 Rock Of Solutré
- Located west of Mâcon, France.
Next is the beautiful Rock of Solutré, a limestone escarpment 8 km (5.0 mi) west of Mâcon, France, overlooking the commune of Solutré-Pouilly. Here, tourists can hike around the area, snap photos, and view the surrounding vineyards. It's a great stop away from the hustle and bustle.
There are many more landmarks outside of Paris, France, that visitors can see.
10 Explore The MuséoParc Alésia
.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
_-_2020-10-24_-_1.jpg){kind=link}
.jpg){kind=link}
- Address: 1 Route des trois Ormeaux, 21150 Alise-Sainte-Reine, France
- Hours: Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM
- Tickets: $9.71 per person
Lastly, it's worth it to visit the MuséoParc Alésia, where there is an interpretation center, re-enactments, and replica war engines on the site where Rome defeated the Gauls. It's a nice way to spend a couple of hours in Burgundy, as well as learn about the area's rich history and culture.
11 Best Time To Visit Burgundy, France
- Best Time To Visit: Autumn
When it comes to the best time to visit Burgundy, France, this would be in the fall. Typically, France sees its best weather during September, October, and into November, with changing leaves and crisp fall winds setting in.
Summer is when most tourists visit Burgundy and the surrounding area, so that could be a more crowded period to avoid.
Of course, winter and spring should pose fine for indoor and outdoor activities, but it can get chilly in this region. Regardless of season, we'd recommend a light jacket.
12 Best Ways To Get Around Burgundy, France
- Best Ways Around: Train or private vehicle
Typically, the best ways to get around Burgundy would be via car or train. Luckily, France has an extensive public transport system, offering tourists cheaper ways around cities, regions, and monuments. There are also networks of buses throughout Burgundy, and taxis are an option, too, though they are far from affordable.
Renting a car is what most people driving longer ranges do in France, so that's what we'd recommend in terms of having a more stable and reliable mode of transport.
13 Where To Eat In Burgundy
Regarding food and drinks in Burgundy, this region is jam-packed with options. Here are some ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks during the trip:
Breakfast: Café de France Les Routiers
- Address: 13 Rue du Faubourg Bretonnière, 21200 Beaune, France
- Hours: Monday - Friday from 8 AM to 2 PM
- Serving: Authentic French cuisine with a seasonal changing menu
Lunch: Maison Lameloise
- Address: 36 Pl. d'Armes, 71150 Chagny, France
- Hours: Thursday - Monday from 12-1 PM and 7:30-9 PM
- Serving: A true institution of French gastronomy and a charming hotel
Dinner: Ermitage de Corton
- Address: D974, 21200 Chorey-les-Beaune, France
- Hours: Open daily from 12-1:30 PM and 7-9 PM
- Serving: Authentic French cuisine inside a luxury hotel
Drinks: Le Bout du Monde
- Address: 7 Rue du Faubourg Madeleine, 21200 Beaune, France
- Hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 6 PM to 2 AM (Open until 12 AM Wed/Thurs)
Paris also offers unforgettable dining experiences not far away.
14 Where To Stay In Burgundy, France
When it comes to hotels in Burgundy, there will be plenty. Here are some options based on three price tiers: budget, mid-tier, and luxury stays:
Budget: Hotel Residence City Loft
- Address: 96 Rue Des Godrans, 21000 Dijon, Bourgogne
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Cable or satellite TV, Free toiletries, Internet, Parking
Budget: Hôtel des Ducs
- Address: 5 Rue Lamonnoye, 21000 Dijon, Bourgogne
- Amenities: Bar/Lounge, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Coffee machine, Wi-Fi available in all areas, Flat-screen TV
Mid-Tier: B&b Hotel Dijon Valmy Toison D'or
- Address: 19 Bis Avenue Françoise Giroud, 21000 Dijon, Bourgogne
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, Free parking, Flat-screen TV, Pets allowed on request, Increased accessibility, No smoking
Mid-Tier: Logis Hotel Darcy Dijon Centre
- Address: Place Darcy, 21000 Dijon, Bourgogne
- Amenities: Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Flat-screen TV
Luxury: Hotel Saint Regis
- Address: 22 Boulevard De La Republique, 71100 Chalon-sur-Saône, Bourgogne
- Amenities: Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Tea/coffee maker, Flat-screen TV
Luxury: Castel de Tres Girard
- Address: 7 Rue De Très Girard, 21220 Dijon, Bourgogne
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee machine, Free parking
15 Tips For Staying In Burgundy
For people headed to Burgundy, France, it's worth remembering this is a French region, not a city. Many tourists confuse Burgundy with being a city of its own, but this is not true. Instead, the region hosts many towns and attractions, all of which should be accessible via car or train.
Burgundy is a historical region in east-central France, known to be on the pricier side. There will be premium hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions here. Make sure and budget for higher-end day trips and pricing throughout the region.
16 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Burgundy
Spending the perfect day in Burgundy won't be hard, as this is one of the most stunning areas in Europe. First, start the day at a café, ordering French coffee, pastries, and snacks. Next, venture to an old church, like the Vézelay Abbey.
From there, walk through the Liberation Square in Dijon, a monument of the region's freedom and history.
As the day turns to evening, venture back to the town where your hotel is, spend time walking through the romantic streets, and even stop in a few stores. Wine tastings are common during weekends in this region, so that could be a perfect date night. Enjoy, and taste all the food you can!