Burgundy, France Travel Guide

Explore Burgundy, France: a land of fine wines, historic towns, and natural beauty. Discover the essence of French culture and heritage in this enchanting region.

Burgundy, or Bourgogne as it's known in French, is a picturesque region in central France, renowned for its world-class wines, historical landmarks, and stunning landscapes. Visitors to Burgundy will be enchanted by its rolling vineyards, medieval towns, and the slow pace of life that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city living. One of the main attractions in Burgundy is its famous wine. The region is home to some of the most prestigious vineyards in the world, producing exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Wine enthusiasts can explore the Route des Grands Crus, a scenic wine trail that takes you through charming villages like Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges, offering ample opportunities for wine tasting and tours of ancient cellars. Beyond the vineyards, Burgundy boasts a rich cultural heritage. The historic city of Dijon, with its well-preserved architecture and vibrant markets, serves as the capital of the region. Don't miss the iconic Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the exquisite Notre-Dame of Dijon. For a step back in time, visit the medieval town of Cluny, famous for its abbey, or the hilltop village of Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its magnificent basilica. Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in Burgundy as well. The region's diverse landscapes include the Morvan Regional Natural Park, a haven for hiking, cycling, and boating. The Canal de Bourgogne offers a peaceful journey through the countryside, perfect for a leisurely boat trip or a scenic bike ride along its towpaths. Whether you're a wine connoisseur, a history buff, or an outdoor enthusiast, Burgundy has something to offer for everyone. Its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and gastronomic delights make it a must-visit destination in France.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Burgundy.

Visit during the grape harvest season (September-October) for a unique wine experience.
Make sure to book wine tastings and tours in advance, especially at popular vineyards.
Rent a bike and explore the Voie Verte, a network of scenic cycling paths.
Try the local cuisine, such as coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon, at traditional bistros.
Consider staying in a charming gîte or a vineyard guesthouse for an authentic experience.

Top City Travel Guides in Burgundy

The cities of Burgundy, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Lyon

Annecy

Dijon

Destinations in Burgundy

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Auvergne Volcanoes

Burgundy Vineyards

Explore Burgundy: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Burgundy

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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All Attractions

Hôtel-Dieu Museum - Hospices de Beaune

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of the Hôtel-Dieu Museum, a cultural landmark in Beaune, France, offering insights into the region's healthcare legacy.

4.7

Touroparc Zoo

Experience the thrill of wildlife and amusement at Touroparc Zoo in Romanèche-Thorins, where adventure and education come together in a stunning natural setting.

4.1

Parc de l'Auxois

Explore the beauty of nature and wildlife at Parc de l'Auxois, a serene park in Burgundy, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

4.5

Museum of Fine Arts Dijon

Explore the Museum of Fine Arts Dijon, a cultural hub showcasing extraordinary art collections and historical masterpieces in a stunning architectural setting.

4.6

Best landmarks in Burgundy

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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Château de Châteauneuf

Discover the enchanting Château de Châteauneuf, a historical castle in Burgundy, France, offering breathtaking views and rich cultural experiences.

4.5

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

Explore centuries of art and history at the Palais des Ducs, a symbol of Burgundy in Dijon, housing the Musée des Beaux-Arts and city hall.

4.6

Castle Pierreclos

Explore a historic Burgundy castle and vineyard. Taste exquisite wines and discover centuries of winemaking tradition in Pierreclos.

4.6

Chateau de Savigny-les-Beaune

Explore a 14th-century castle with world-class collections of aircraft, racing cars, and motorcycles in the heart of Burgundy's wine region.

4.5

Best restaurants in Burgundy

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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All Restaurants

Le Relais Bernard Loiseau

Experience exquisite French cuisine at Le Relais Bernard Loiseau – a Michelin-starred restaurant offering luxury accommodations and a serene spa retreat.

4.6

Maison Lameloise

Discover the exquisite flavors of Maison Lameloise, a top-tier French fine dining experience nestled in beautiful Chagny.

4.8

L’Écrit'Vin

Experience authentic French cuisine at L’Écrit'Vin in Beaune, where tradition meets modern elegance amidst Burgundy's culinary landscape.

4.3

21 Boulevard

Experience exquisite French cuisine and an exceptional wine selection at 21 Boulevard in Beaune - a true culinary gem.

4.6

Best bars in Burgundy

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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All Bars

Monsieur Moutarde

Experience innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere at Monsieur Moutarde, a must-visit cocktail bar in the heart of Dijon.

4.5

Flannery's

Discover the lively Flannery's Pub in Dijon, where great drinks and vibrant atmosphere create unforgettable nights.

4.4

Les Berthom

Experience the best local beers in a cozy atmosphere at Les Berthom, a must-visit bar in the heart of Dijon.

4.5

Le Cercle Rhumerie Jamaïque

Discover the lively nightlife at Le Cercle Rhumerie Jamaïque, where Caribbean rum meets local wines in a vibrant atmosphere.

3.7

Best nightclubs in Burgundy

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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All Nightclubs

Caveau de Saulx (Le Trou)

Explore the exquisite flavors of Burgundy wines at Caveau de Saulx, a charming wine bar in the heart of Dijon, perfect for enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.

4.7

Le Copacabana

Dive into the electrifying nightlife of Beaune at Le Copacabana, the ultimate disco club experience with pulsating music and vibrant energy.

3.3

Le Beverly

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Dijon at Le Beverly, where great music, dancing, and friendly competition await you in a lively atmosphere.

3.1

La Belle Époque

Discover the heart of Dijon's nightlife at La Belle Époque, where vibrant beats and a lively atmosphere await.

2.7

Best shops in Burgundy

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

La Toison d'or

Discover a shopper's paradise at La Toison d'or in Dijon, featuring diverse retail, dining, and entertainment options for all.

4.4

Primark

Explore affordable fashion treasures at Primark in Dijon, where style meets budget-friendly shopping in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.1

Marques Avenue Troyes

Explore Marques Avenue Troyes, a shopping paradise featuring designer outlets, children's apparel, and home goods, all in a scenic and family-friendly environment.

3.8

La Moutarderie Fallot

Discover the rich heritage of mustard-making at La Moutarderie Fallot, a delightful foodie attraction in the heart of Beaune.

4.5

Explore Burgundy on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Burgundy, mapped for you.

Burgundy Essentials

Burgundy is well-connected by various modes of transportation. By air, the nearest major airports are Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). From these airports, you can take a train or rent a car to reach Burgundy. The French high-speed train service, TGV, connects Paris to Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, in about 1.5 hours. Additionally, there are regional trains and buses that service smaller towns within Burgundy.
Once in Burgundy, you can use a mix of transportation options. Trains and buses provide access to most towns and cities. Renting a car is highly recommended to explore the picturesque countryside and vineyards at your own pace. Biking is also a popular option, especially along the Canal de Bourgogne. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available but less common in rural areas.
The official currency in France is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller villages or markets. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns. Currency exchange services can be found in major cities and airports.
Burgundy is generally a safe destination for tourists. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded places and tourist hotspots. Areas with higher crime rates targeting tourists are usually in larger cities like Dijon. As a precaution, avoid poorly lit areas at night and keep your belongings secure. Always be aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number works for police, fire, and medical emergencies. Hospitals and clinics are available in larger towns and cities like Dijon and Beaune. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress stylishly yet comfortably. Avoid overly casual attire, especially in fine dining establishments. Religion: Do respect local customs; when visiting churches, dress modestly and remain quiet. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don’t speak loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Bonjour' (Good day) and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local wines and delicacies. Don’t rush meals; savor the experience.
To experience Burgundy like a local, visit local markets and vineyards. Engage with winemakers and take part in wine tastings. Enjoy a leisurely meal at a bistro and try regional dishes like coq au vin and boeuf bourguignon. Participate in local festivals and events to immerse yourself in the culture. Explore the less touristy villages for a more authentic experience.

When is the best time to visit Burgundy?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Burgundy

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Burgundy. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / deh ryen]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byan. eh voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nu, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyahnd]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh se-kur]
- Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay voo-zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur!
  [ah-peh-lay uhn doh-kteur]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-dyoo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-sheh-tay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhoost]
- How much is it?C'est combien?
  [seh kohm-byen]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [seh troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr eh-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh ewn uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr eh duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-preh mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [trwah]
- 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [set]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?
  [oo eh uhn/oon]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh luh-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shen (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

History of Burgundy

The history of Burgundy is deeply intertwined with its powerful dukes, who wielded considerable influence from the 14th to the 15th centuries. The Duchy of Burgundy became a formidable state under the Valois Dukes, starting with Philip the Bold in 1363. These dukes successfully expanded their territory and influence through strategic marriages, alliances, and conquests, creating a prosperous and culturally rich region. Their court became a center for the arts, attracting artists, musicians, and scholars from across Europe.
The Burgundian Wars (1474-1477) were a series of conflicts that marked the end of the Burgundian State. Charles the Bold, the last Valois Duke of Burgundy, sought to expand his domains but faced opposition from the Swiss Confederacy, the Duchy of Lorraine, and the Kingdom of France. His ambitions ultimately led to his downfall. Charles was killed during the Battle of Nancy in 1477, and his death marked the end of Burgundy's independence, with much of its territory being absorbed into France and the Holy Roman Empire.
The Cluniac Reforms were a series of changes within medieval monasticism that began in the Abbey of Cluny, founded in 910 in Burgundy. These reforms aimed to restore the traditional monastic life, emphasizing prayer, manual labor, and adherence to the Benedictine Rule. The Abbey of Cluny became a leading center of monastic reform and spiritual renewal, influencing monasticism across Europe. At its height, Cluny was the largest church in Christendom, and the Cluniac Order played a crucial role in the medieval church's spiritual and cultural life.
Burgundy is world-renowned for its wine, with a winemaking tradition that dates back to Roman times. The region's unique terroir, characterized by its limestone-rich soil and favorable climate, produces some of the finest wines in the world. The vineyards of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune are particularly famous for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. The Hospices de Beaune, founded in 1443, is an annual wine auction that has been supporting the region's viticulture and healthcare for centuries.
Burgundy boasts a rich architectural heritage, with numerous medieval structures that reflect its historical significance. The Romanesque Abbey of Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning architecture and as a starting point for the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The Ducal Palace in Dijon, once the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, showcases the region's architectural splendor. Additionally, many châteaux, churches, and monasteries scattered across the Burgundian landscape offer a glimpse into its storied past.
The French Revolution (1789-1799) brought significant changes to Burgundy, as it did to the rest of France. The revolutionary government confiscated church lands, including many of Burgundy's monasteries and abbeys, which were sold off or repurposed. The region's feudal structures were dismantled, and Burgundy was reorganized into the départements of Côte-d'Or, Saône-et-Loire, Nièvre, and Yonne. The revolution also sparked a renewed sense of regional identity and pride among the Burgundian people.
Burgundy's culinary heritage is as rich as its history. The region is famous for its gastronomic delights, including dishes like coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, and escargots de Bourgogne. Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, is renowned for its mustard, which has been produced there since the Middle Ages. The region's cuisine is deeply rooted in its agricultural traditions, with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Burgundy's food and wine culture continues to attract gourmands from around the world.