Burgundy Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > BurgundyBurgundy - sophisticated and relaxing
Burgundy is among the elite of France's holiday destinations. The region, criss-crossed by canals passing through gentle countryside, peppered with vineyards producing some of France's finest wines and blessed with elegant historic towns, is a place where relaxation takes on a whole new meaning. Days spent cruising in leisurely fashion along the canals, evenings of fine dining and superb wine - Burgundy has bottled grown up sophistication and is waiting for you to open it.Top 5 things to see and do in Burgundy
1. Go on a wine tour
You simply cannot spend a holiday in Burgundy without being aware that this is one of the finest wine regions in the world. Wine connoisseurs can take guided tours of the famous vineyards and follow the Route des Grands Crus to taste and learn about these superb wines.2. Cruise along the canal and rivers
Burgundy is criss-crossed with inland waterways, both canals and rivers, and holidays on board a cruising boat are the most relaxing and enjoyable way imaginable to discover the towns and countryside of this region.3. Enjoy the region's gastronomy
Quite apart from its reputation for fine wines, Burgundy is also famous as the home of fine dining - and in France that is an accolade indeed! Producing gourmet food is second nature to Burgundians, and whether you decide to take an organised tour package or go it alone and choose your own products and restaurants to try, you are bound to enjoy the best of Burgundy on a plate.4. Try hot air ballooning
For a divinely different way to look at Burgundy, try hot air ballooning. Burgundy's gentle climate and wide, open landscapes make balloon trips comfortable and offer rewarding huge views over the landscapes of vineyards, rivers and canals, mediaeval towns and rolling fields.5. Play golf
Golf is a very popular holiday pursuit, and anyone looking for a destination for a dedicated golf holiday would be well advised to head for Burgundy. The gently undulating territory is perfect for the game, and there are no less than eighteen good courses in the region.Top 5 towns and cities in Burgundy
1. Dijon
Capital city and home of the prized Dijon mustard, this is definitely a city to see. Today, Dijon is a vibrant university town, great for shopping, dining and all forms of entertainment, but it is also steeped in history and culture.2. Beaune
Beaune, whose name is, of course, synonymous with that fine red wine produced there, is known as the capital of the wine region. It is also a city full of character, with cobbled streets, a plethora of fabulous shops and wine caves, and a full programme of festivals throughout the year.3. Chablis
Another wine town, Chablis is a prosperous and charming town which has excellent shops, hotels and restaurants. It is also well placed to use as a base for further exploration of attractions such as the mediaeval village of Noyers, the Château d'Ancy le Franc and the town of Auxerre.4. Joigny
A day spent in the tranquil atmosphere of this lovely riverside town is a day well spent. Joigny has a twice weekly market, a restaurant with three Michelin stars and boats for hire. It's also conveniently near to an excellent golf course and set in a beautiful and gentle countryside of oak, beech, maple and cherry woods.5. Vezelay
This stunning town, once an important point along the pilgrim route through France to Santiago de Compostela, is nothing less than a delight. In addition to tasting the wines and enjoying the restaurants, discover the ancient ramparts, historic streets and houses and the glorious Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene.Food and drink in Burgundy
If ever there were a place designed in heaven for lovers of fine food and wine, it would be Burgundy. Throughout the region the theme of fine wines and fabulous food runs like an artery. Among the most famous wines of Burgundy are Chablis, Beaune, Pouilly Fuissé, Nuits Saint Georges, but there are many more to taste and enjoy. Dishes that encapsulate the rich, elegant flavours of Burgundy include Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, classic French onion soup and escargots, stewed in the local fashion in Chablis and then stuffed with garlic and parsley butter. Burgundy has three three-star Michelin restaurants, so the very best of fine dining is at your disposal.How to get to Burgundy
Dijon has started a direct service to/from the UK, and the Dole Tavaux airport in neighbouring Jura also has international flights. This second airport however does not currently have direct flights to/from the UK, though there are bus and train services connecting the two airports. Burgundy makes up for its lack of direct flights by being extremely well connected to the super efficient TGV rail network. It's also easy to drive to Burgundy, with several main auto routes passing through the region.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Burgundy
Côte-d'Or Holiday Guide
The department of the Côte-d'Or is the best known and most celebrated of the departments of Burgundy. It is a place of pilgrimage, not just for devotees of religious heritage, but also for lovers of beautiful countryside, historic towns and perhaps, above all, for gastronomes and wine buffs.
Nièvre Holiday Guide
Nièvre is a department of the Burgundy region of eastern France. With a gentle rolling land, waterways, lakes and forests, Nièvre is a rural paradise that makes a perfect escape from a hectic modern life.
Saône-et-loire Holiday Guide
The Saône-et-Loire department lies in the south and south-east of the Burgundy region of eastern France. With its wealth of heritage (architectural, religious and natural), excellent opportunities for sporting activities and superb gastronomy, the department is ideally placed to be an idyllic holiday location.
Yonne Holiday Guide
The department of Yonne lies in the north-west of the Burgundy region, and has the beautiful city of Auxerre as its capital. The department has a rich religious heritage, being a traditional pilgrim centre, and also glories in lush, rolling countryside, crossed by canals and waterways ideal for boating holidays.
