tourist attractions in bourgogne

What to Do in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Visit Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is a new region in France, created in 2016 from a merger of the historical regions of Bourgogne and Franche-Comté . As such, it is not easy to describe Bourgogne-Franche-Comté as a unique territory when the former historical regions are so different!

What is Bourgogne-Franche-Comté famous for?

The Bourgogne region (Burgundy) has long been known as a place of artistic and historical interest, famous for its Romanesque heritage and exceptional wines.

Franche-Comté is nature at its best. The region boasts diverse landscapes and large open spaces thanks to the wealth of the Vosges Massif, the Jura Mountains, and its many lakes and forests.

Take the time to discover the main historical and architectural heritage of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and the wealth of activities that the region has to offer, from wine trails to inland waterway trips, cycling holidays, etc. gastronomic trips, incredible hikes, and alpine skiing.

Whether on holiday or just passing through, be sure to check out the local specialties such as beef bourguignon, comté cheese, delicious escargots, or the famous Dijon mustard.

The capital of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is Besançon and the region is divided into eight departments: Côte-d’Or, Doubs, Haute-Saône, Jura, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, Territoire de Belfort , and Yonne.

Haven’t you visited this region yet? Let us tell you the best things to do in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.

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Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Travel

BY TRAIN: Traveling around France by train is straightforward. The rail network in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is organized around the main cities: Besançon and Dijon. The main train line is the Paris-Belfort line via Dijon and Besançon. The territory is also crisscrossed by secondary lines, where mainly Burgundy-Franche-Comté TER trains circulate.

Book your train tickets to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

MULTI-DAY TOURS: with more time available, opt for a Bourgogne multi-day tour.  TourRadar offers delightful Burgundy tours to take in memorable sites, prestigious vineyards and historic cities, and fairytale chateaux.

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté by Car

For extended trips in the region, the best way to get around is by car. This region is a great place for memorable French road trips . With a car, some good tunes, and the best company, you are set for one of the best adventures in your life. Driving in France is very easy, and with the car, you can go off the beaten path to visit small villages and lesser-known castles.

Recommended road trips in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté:

• Route des Grands Crus from Beaune to Dijon
• Road trip in the Jura

If you don’t have your car, we recommend booking in advance through platforms like DiscoverCars . This site takes all major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, etc., and compares prices for you. Check out our best tips for renting a car in France .

Browse Car Rental Companies Available in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Things to Do in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

If you are wondering what to do in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, go on reading. This list of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté destinations and top tourist attractions includes sightseeing, natural sights, history, and gastronomy.

1. Citadel of Besançon

The Citadel of Besançon , designed in the 17th century by Vauban, is considered one of the most beautiful fortresses in France and one of Vauban’s masterpieces. The Citadel was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, together with nearby Fort Griffon.

The Citadel was built on Mount Saint-Etienne, one of the seven hills that protect Besançon, and it occupies 11 hectares. Overhanging more than 100 meters above the Old Town gives a spectacular overview of the surrounding area.

Today, the Citadel hosts three museums: the Museum of the Resistance and Deportation, a museum focusing on traditional life in Franche-Comté and the region’s archeological history, and a museum of natural history.

2. The Lake Region in the Jura

If you are wondering where to go in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté to be close to nature, the Jura department offers many possibilities. In the Jura, the Lake Region has a magnificent succession of waterfalls and lakes with wooded banks. There are also many belvederes (lookouts), perfect for admiring the lakes and getting some fresh air.

The Belvedere of 4 Lakes is perhaps the most beautiful, especially with the fall colors. It is located in the town of Le Frasnois, and offers a magnificent view of the lakes of Grand Maclu, Petit Maclu, Ilay , and Narlay . Nearby, there’s a succession of small waterfalls which make a beautiful 2-hour hike.

The Jura and its natural wonders are best explored by car. Have a look at this road trip through the Jura , one of the best road trips in France for nature lovers.

3. Small Villages of Burgundy

The historical region of Burgundy boasts an extraordinary historical heritage, with beautiful French castles, intriguing abbeys, and many pretty small towns and villages. Some of the most beautiful villages in Burgundy are also recognized as “most beautiful villages in France,” with names that you’ll recognize from the labels of your favorite Burgundy wines: Chablis, Meursault, Beaujolais, and Rully…

Hit the road and explore the most beautiful villages in Burgundy . Most of these Burgundian villages are located along 3 of the main Burgundy Wine Trails ( Yonne, Grands Crus, Mâconnais /Beaujolais ). Each village has its particular character and, of course, wines! 

4. Burgundy Wine Trails

The wine of Burgundy is exceptionally complex, and therefore often very expensive. The Burgundy wine region(s) are found in the historical Bourgogne region. Like many of the other wine regions in France , Burgundy is comprised of several areas and towns.

The wine regions of Burgundy include locations such as Châblis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais, and Beaujolais.

The best way to learn more about the Burgundy wines is by following one of the Burgundy Wine Trails – Grands Crus, Grands Vins, Yonne, Mâcon. For a unique trip, combine wine tastings with sightseeing and stays in some of the best châtheau-hotels in Burgundy !

TIP:  If you plan to bring a few bottles home (who could resist?!), make sure you  pack your wine properly , so it arrives safely home!

6. The Burgundian Abbeys of Cluny, Cîteaux, and Fontenay

The Bourgogne region was once the cradle of the two great monastic movements of the Middle Ages: the Cluniac Order and the Cistercian Order , both followers of Saint Benoît’s rules – ora et lavora’ (pray and work). These two orders originated in the abbeys of Cluny and Cîteaux then spread out throughout Europe. We can find “abbey daughters” and “abbey sisters” of Cluny and Cîteaux in other countries like Belgium, Spain, Germany, or the United Kingdom.

These are the most interesting Burgundian abbeys that we suggest visiting, testaments to the medieval history of France:

• The Abbey of Cluny (Saône-et-Loire) is the abbey-founder of the Cluniac Order. This is the oldest abbey, built in 910 in the Romanesque style. Cluny was once the richest abbey in the Christian world which depended directly on the Vatican. Cluny’s wealth and power were broken during the French Revolution and in 1810 it was pulled down. But the sheer scale of the ruins gives a fine impression of what Cluny must have looked like at the height of its power.
• The Abbey of Notre Dame de Cîteaux (Côte d’Or) is the abbey-founder of the Cistercian Order. This abbey was founded in the 11th century and it was built in the Gothic style. Even if it was a model for numerous monasteries that were placed under its control, Cîteaux is less important than Cluny because it depended on the abbey of Notre-Dame de Molesme.
• The Abbey of Fontenay (Côte d’Or) was founded in 1118 under the Cistercian Order and it was built in the Romanesque style. Fontenay is an abbey-daughter of the Abbey of Clairvaux (Aube), which in turn is an abbey-daughter of Cîteaux. Despite being less important than Cîteaux, the Abbey of Fontenay is the best preserved and often used as a model to illustrate the typical plan of a Cistercian abbey. 

7. Canals of Burgundy

The Canals of Bourgogne (Nivernais, Centre, Bourgogne, and Seille) are 1,000 km of waterways built between the 17th and 19th centuries to transport all kinds of goods, from wood to ceramics.

The Canal du Nivernais was used to transport the wood from the Morvan forest to Paris while the Canal de Bourgogne was built to connect the Seine basin with the Rhône basin. This canal allows the connection between the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea, hence its nickname of the ‘Deux-Mers canal.’

Today, these canals have lost their original purpose, but they are a great way to explore the Burgundian countryside and its villages by boat, on foot, or by bike at your own pace.

8. Château d’Oricourt

If you are interested in beautiful castles in France , don’t miss Château d’Oricourt during your visit to this region. Oricourt is the most imposing fortified castle in Franche-Comté and also the best preserved.

This 12th-century fortified castle was built on the edge of a plateau, facing the Lure plain. It has a double wall, with a first wall surrounding the lower courtyard (farmyard) and a second wall protecting the upper courtyard (residential courtyard). In the latter, it’s where the owners lived in a group of 12th and 15th-century buildings equipped with a well, cistern, and of course, extensive cellars.

Two imposing 25-meter square towers dominate the walls. The castle also has a remarkable dovecote built probably in the 15th century.

9. Notre Dame de Ronchamp

La Chapelle de Notre Dame du Haut , located in Ronchamp (Haute-Saône), is a masterpiece of the Swiss architect Le Corbusier. The building is listed as a historical monument and UNESCO World Heritage since 2016.

This small chapel with a picturesque setting on the top of a hill was built in 1955. There was a pilgrimage chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary on this site, but it was destroyed during the Second World War.

Unlike most of Le Corbusier’s oeuvre, the chapel of Ronchamp responds to the specificities of the site and its cultural heritage as a place of worship.  Le Corbusier also sensed a sacred relationship between the Jura Mountains and the hill, which dominates the landscape.

Ronchamp’s architectural ensemble has many similarities with the Acropolis of Athens . Visitors start the ascent from the bottom of the hill to architectural and landscape events along the way before finally terminating at the  Sanctus Sanctorum  itself – the chapel. From there, magnificent vistas spread out in all directions.

10. Les Hospices de Beaune

Beaune is one of the main Bourgogne-Franche-Comté destinations, mainly known for its wine and the Hospices de Beaune. Les Hospices de Beaune was built in the 15th century as a medieval hospital for the poor and remained in use until the 20th century.

Les Hospices is world-known for its splendid and remarkable traditional Burgundian architecture and its prestigious Burgundian wine estate, whose production is historically sold at auction to finance its operation.

Today, Les Hospices is a museum of the history of medicine. It also has a small exhibition area where you can admire the polyptych The Last Judgment by Rogier van der Weyden.

11. Vézelay

Vézelay (Yonne) is one of our favorite medieval towns in France . The town is a major site of Christendom and the starting point of one of France’s main pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostella. Both the town and its 11th-century Basilica of St Magdalene are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A visit to Vézelay is one of the best things to do in Bourgogne. Take the time to wander around Vézelay, with its lovely medieval houses, lofty towers, ramparts, and fortified gateways. The Romanesque Basilica of St Magdalene is Vézelay’s beating heart, and it hosts the relics of St. Mary Magdalene, which attires pilgrims from all over Europe since medieval times.

During the day, Vézelay is very crowded, and tourists can put you off. Try to spend a night in Vézelay (we recommend the oh-so-pretty boutique hotel Les Glycines ) for a different experience: at sunset, Vézelay returns to itself – a tranquil Burgundian village beautifully lit up and with a dozen excellent restaurants.  

12. Dijon, Burgundy’s Capital

Dijon  is the capital of the historical region of Burgundy, home to the famous Dukes of Burgundy. After the monks, the powerful Dukes of Burgundy dominated art and culture across Europe. With their help, the Burgundy region and its wines gained considerable economic and cultural standing.

Don’t miss the  Palace of the Dukes  in the heart of Dijon, it is very impressive! For the full list of the best things to do in the city, check out our quick guide to Dijon .

Dijon is one of the easiest day trips from Paris by train , so don’t miss the opportunity to visit Dijon if you have an extra day in the capital or for a weekend trip – Click here to book your stay in Dijon

And there you have it, a good list of what to see in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. If you want to learn about other regions, head to this  article on the Regions of France , where we have summarized the highlights of each region.

Click here to Explore the French Regions

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Burgundy   Travel Guide

7 Best Things To Do in Burgundy

Updated February 11, 2021

Covering a wide swath of east-central France, Burgundy is filled with interesting attractions in all of its charming towns. You'll find an array of wine tours in Beaune, architectural wonders, such as the Chantier Médiéval de Guédelon in Treigny and

• All Things To Do

Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d'Autun Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d'Autun free

The Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d'Autun, also known as the Autun Cathedral, was built in the 12th century as a Roman Catholic cathedral and storehouse of the relics of St. Lazarus. Of particular note are the works of art, including a tympanum of "The Last Judgement." The iconic sculptures, carved by Gislebertus in the Romanesque style, are equally engaging. 

Recent visitors said the Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d'Autun stands out among European cathedrals for its architecture and art. Along with the tympanum, travelers also appreciated the cathedral's stained glass and the way the cathedral continues to be used by the Autun community. 

Hospices de Beaune Hospices de Beaune

The Hospices de Beaune was founded in 1443 by Burgundy Chancellor Nicolas Rolin and his wife Guigone de Salins as a hospital for the region's poor and needy. But this building is far from austere. Underneath the slate roofs are brilliantly colored tiled ceilings and skylights, and walls hanging with historic artworks, such as the altarpiece "The Last Judgement" by Rogier van der Weyden. Other highlights include a courtyard, a kitchen and an apothecary, which visitors can learn about on an audio tour (covered by the price of admission). Plus, every November, the site hosts a famous charity wine auction. 

Former visitors were astonished at how much they learned about medicine through the centuries, though they did mention that you'll need to allocate more time than you think to take advantage of the full audio tour. Some recommended devoting the most time to the last room on the audio tour, which houses some of the most interesting art, wine and medical history, according to reviewers. 

Owl's Trail Owl's Trail

Dijon's Owl's Trail – or "Le Parcours de la Chouette" – is a great way to get an overview of Dijon's history, especially from the 11th to 14th centuries, when the Dukes of Burgundy infused the province with art and architecture. Visitors can download a smartphone app from Dijon's tourism site or pick up a booklet from the tourism office and take a self-guided tour of 22 sites that define the city, including the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne, the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Les Halles, among others. Although you can visit all 22 sites (and see the accompanying owl placards, hence the trail's name) within the space of an hour, you'll likely want to spend more time at the attractions that most interest you. 

Most past visitors highly recommended this tour, which in addition to giving you an abbreviated history of the city also helps you orient yourself. Others said that the bars, restaurants and patisserie that you'll pass along the way are a great way to eat authentically French. 

Popular Tours

Small group Burgundy tour of Beaune with Wine Tasting from Dijon

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from $ 94.56

Burgundy Grand Crus Route Day Tour - 12 Wines Tastings in Domains

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from $ 265.70

Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune

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Le Château d'Ancy-le-Franc Le Château d'Ancy-le-Franc

Designed by Italian architect Sebastiano Serlio in the 16th century, Le Château d'Ancy-le-Franc is a study in symmetry, as its four main facades come together to create a perfect square. Inside, more treasures await, as the walls are decorated with works by some of the most famous 16th- and 17th-century Italian, Flemish and Burgundian artists. Outside, the 123 acres that comprise its park and gardens are reminiscent of Paris ' Versailles . 

Travelers have mixed feelings about whether they recommend taking a guided or self-guided tour of the château. Some say it's nice to wander around at your own pace, especially if you have young kids in tow. Still, others say the knowledgeable tour guides enhance the visit. 

Wine Tours Wine Tours

No trip to Burgundy is complete without indulging in a wine tasting – or two or three. And one of the best ways to enjoy a wide variety of Burgundy vino is on a wine tour of the region. The Bourgogne Gold Tour , based out of Beaune, earns high marks among travelers for its knowledgeable guides that take travelers to picturesque vineyards and wine cellars with delicious vintages. Authentica Tours , based out of Beaune and Dijon, is another highly rated operator praised by past reviewers for its personable guides and educational tours. 

Since this is such a popular activity, it's wise to book your tour in advance of your travels. Keep in mind that rates for the various tours will vary widely, depending on the length of the tour, the number of wineries visited and whether you book a private tour or a group tour. For instance, Authentica Tours offers a tour through Côte de Beaune that costs 590 euros (about $750) for two people. The tour fee covers two or three tastings. Meanwhile, Burgundy Discovery – another popular tour operator – offers a one-day tour that starts at 230 euros (around $300) per person.

La Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine La Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine free

La Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, also known as the Vézelay Abbey, dates back to the 9th and 10th centuries – and throughout the years, has experienced a host of tumultuous events from its hilltop perch. From two separate fires in the 12th century to destruction by the Huguenots in the 15th century, the basilica was also the site from which Thomas Becket issued his condemnation of Henry II from exile and where meetings from the crusades took place. In 1979, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, it hosts religious services and is open for the public to enjoy. 

Recent visitors praised La Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine's serene and even inspirational atmosphere. Others said that the view from the terrace is what justifies the steep uphill climb to the site. 

Chantier Médiéval de Guédelon Chantier Médiéval de Guédelon

If you ever wondered what it took to build a castle back in the 13th century, the Chantier Médiéval de Guédelon gives you the opportunity. A collection of master builders, including quarrymen, stonemasons, carpenter joiners, woodcutters, blacksmiths, tilers, carters and rope makers, are building a castle using only the techniques and materials of the 13th century. In addition to the actual castle, there is a village and a mill. Visitors can walk through the construction site and see what's being called a "21st-century medieval adventure." 

A visit to the Chantier Médiéval de Guédelon is like a trip back through time, according to recent travelers. Many especially appreciated having the opportunity to ask the master builders questions about their trades. However, some past visitors said that the attraction can get quite busy, especially at the on-site restaurant, recommending that you bring your own food to enjoy in the picnic area. 

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What to do in Burgundy?

Visits you cannot miss in burgundy.

• Dijon, capital of the dukes of Burgundy It is called the city of a hundred steeples, because of its beautifully preserved architectural heritage, dating back to medieval and Renaissance times. We admire the Palace of the Dukes, the Philippe Le Bon Tower, churches and mansions, following the course of the owl, the emblem of the city.

• The Hospices de Beaune This former 15th century Gothic flamboyant hospital with polychrome roofs is known worldwide for its 60 hec vineyard. The wines of Côtes de Nuit, Pouilly-Fuissé and Côtes de Beaune are sold at auctions on the 3rd Sunday of November. A note to the amateurs...

• Chalon-sur-Saône, city of art and history Of medieval tradition, Chalon is also the birthplace of Nicephore Niepce, the inventor of photography, which has its museum. Go stroll in the pedestrian streets, around the place St Vincent, it will charm you.

• The abbeys of Cluny and Tournus If you are interested in religious sites, you will be seduced by the imposing Cluny abbey, founded in the 10th century, cultural and intellectual center, and by St Philibert abbey of Tournus, a masterpiece of Romanesque art.

• The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy At the heart of Dijon, this is where the sovereigns of the Burgundy state had taken up residence in medieval times. Redesigned by Mansart, opened on a place of honor, the stone building today houses the town hall, the museum of fine arts and the tourist office.

• Saint-Etienne cathedral of Sens Amateur gothic art, the cathedral will amaze you. The architect-builder is said to have invented the ogival cross, a revolutionary concept in the 12th century.

• The small town of Chablis Surrounded by the famous vineyards that produce dry white wine, Chablis is a fine example of a medieval village. Visiting the Obédiencerie, a former monastery built in the 9th century, will whet your appetite before sitting down at Fil du Zinc, an exceptional restaurant in the heart of the city.

• The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paray-le-Monial High place of pilgrimage in France, the sanctuaries of Paray-le-Monial attract hundreds of thousands of people each year. The Romanesque basilica of the Sacred Heart, erected in the 10th century, still testifies to the Christian faith.

• The medieval site of Guédelon Do you have a builder soul? So this experience will please you. On the living site of Guédelon, you will learn how to use materials to build ... a castle! By participating in workshops, you will know how to carve the stone, bake tiles, reduce iron ore ... This will keep you busy until 2025, date of completion of this project which is like no other.

• The priory of Charité-sur-Loire and the basilica of Vézelay Two major sites to discover religious art: the priory of Charity, the Gothic cloister, and the basilica of Vézelay, building symbolizing the Romanesque style, step on the road to St Jacques de Compostela

Essential activities in Burgundy

• Travel the road of Grands Crus de Bourgogne With nearly 100 appellations, Burgundy wine is distinguished by its great diversity of wines (red and white) and "climates", shaped by soils and very specific exhibitions. Here, on the 60 kms of the route des grands crus, the famous names are crisscrossed: Meursault, Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, St Georges Nights, Vosne-Romanée, Pommard, Aloxe-Corton, Puligny-Montrachet, ...

• A visit to Béru Castle and a tasting of its exceptional wine A charming break in the vineyards of Chablis: the castle belongs to the Counts of Béru since the 17th century and produces a grape variety 100% Chardonnay, mineral aroma, on a small parcel protected walls fortified for 700 years.

• Test the mustard bar of Fallot mustardery If you thought you knew everything about Dijon mustard, you will be surprised. This traditional factory offers an interactive Sensations Fortes circuit, which reveals the secrets of Sénevé seeds, verjuice and various herbs. To be enjoyed at the bar, without moderation.

• Cycling getaway along the greenway From Chalon sur Saône to Macon, 70 kms, the greenway allows you to discover by bike the vineyards and the heritage, at slow speed while you take your time.

• Delight in a rare and delicate dish: the truffle The truffle of Burgundy, or "Tuber Uncinatum" for the specialists, thrives on the limestone plateaux, with the feet of the black pines, the hazel trees and the charms. Black in color, it releases a subtle aroma of hazelnut and mushroom. Check out the markets in the fall, and enjoy it in one of the Burgundy restaurants that offer "truffle" menus.

• Browse 900 years of history at Fontenay abbey The religious heritage of Burgundy has crossed the centuries and this Cistercian Abbey Fontenay is one of the oldest preserved in the world. Founded in 1118, nestled in a preserved valley of 1200 ha, it is always visited with emotion and serenity.

• Drill the legend of the Dijon owl Scrutinize the foothills of Notre Dame church in Dijon, and you will see it! It brings good luck to all those who touch it with the left hand, the right hand on the heart. And the owl was a nocturnal animal protection symbol, right?

• Make friends at the Burgundy Wine School in Beaune A school to know everything about wine? Yes, it exists! In Beaune, it is an essential step, where there are organized courses, conferences, tastings, to initiate or improve you, in a friendly atmosphere.

• A cruise on the Nivernais canal Over nearly 180 kms, between St Léger des Vignes in the Nièvre and Auxerre, capital of Lower Burgundy, the canal allows you to sail closer to the greenery, villages and vineyards, in boats without a license. Ideal to take the time to live!

• Take a trip to the Great Lakes of Morvan Ideal to decompress! The six lakes are all different, nestled in a hilly and generous nature: Settons, Pannecière, St Agnan, Chaumeçon, Chamboux or Crescent. Canoeing, swimming, cycling, fishing, ... you will find your happiness.

• Plan your trip (External link)
• Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Tourisme (External link)
• Destination Bourgogne-Le Club (External link)
• Tourisme Franche-Comté (External link)
• Côté d’Or Tourisme (External link)
• Nièvre Tourisme (External link)
• Destination Saône-et-Loire (External link)
• L’Yonne Tourisme (External link)
• Vins de Bourgogne (External link)
• Voyage-sncf.com (External link)
• Sites to discover in Burgundy

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Burgundy travel guide

Visit Burgundy, France

The Burgundy region has a fascinating mix of unspoiled countryside, historical towns and monuments, many of them a result of the illustrious and wealthy past of the region, and is also well known for the exceptional Burgundy wines produced here

Burgundy tourism

The Burgundy (French name 'Bourgogne') region is found in central-eastern France to the south-east of Paris, between the towns of Sens and Auxerre to the north and Maçon (just north of Lyon) to the south.

Among the reasons that people visit the region are the attractive countryside including the Morvan Regional Park, the numerous historical towns and villages, and the interesting abbeys and other important monuments.

Wine enthusiasts will also appreciate the chance to see the vineyards and sample such renowned wines as Chablis, Beaune, Macon and Nuits-Saint-Georges, just a few of those produced in this region of France and another excellent reason to visit!

Burgundy covers quite an extensive area and includes four French departments: Cote d'Or (north-east), Nievre (south-west) , Saone-et-Loire (south-east) and Yonne (north-west). Below we mention some of the most popular highlights and places to visit in each department, and you will find much more detailed visitor information in the individual department travel guides.

A Brief History

Before you visit Burgundy it is useful to know that for several centuries (until 1477) the region was a state independent of France and important religious centre of Europe, and sided with the English against the French during the Hundred Years War.

At that time it was a very rich state, and continues to be one of the most wealthy regions of France to this day: it is the legacies from this golden age of prosperity that still provide many of the major attractions in the region.

Cote d'Or - north-east Burgundy

The Cote d'Or department is an interesting introduction to Burgundy, with several of the region's most interesting and scenic highlights, towns and villages.

In the south-east of the department you can visit Beaune - famous for its wine and for its very impressive medieval hospital complex (the 'hotel dieu') and also the extensive historical centre of Dijon , our favourite city in the region and with a great deal to discover.

The most visited historic monument in Cote d'Or is Fontenay Abbey , one of the most interesting and complete abbeys and architectural treasures in France (close to Montbard ).

There are several particularly attractive villages and small towns in Cote d'Or, including in particular Chateauneuf-en-Auxois and Semur-en-Auxois . We also particularly enjoyed visiting the small fortified village of Flavigny , which is classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

To the east of Cote d'Or at Chatillon-sur-Seine you can see the fascinating Treasure of Vix, with artefacts from the burial site of a queen that lived here 2500 years ago.

The town of Saulieu in the south-west of the department is a gateway town to discover the natural environment of the Morvan regional natural park (see Nievre below).

See the Cote d'Or travel guide for more highlights and places of interest.

Yonne - north-west Burgundy

The Yonne department is best known for its medieval architecture, and also has several very attractive towns and villages to explore.

There are numerous towns and villages in the region worth visiting, including Avallon (a personal favourite) and also Sens , Joigny and Tonnerre , and Auxerre , each of which has an interesting historic centre.

Among the smaller towns and villages in this part of Burgundy we particularly recommend you visit Noyers-sur-Serein , which has a very attractive medieval old town with numerous half-timbered houses to see. We also enjoyed exploring the small village of Montreal .

No visit to Yonne would be complete without a wine-tasting afternoon at the village of Chablis , which is famous worldwide for the fine wines produced from the vineyards on the hills surrounding the village.

Yonne also has several historic monuments of particular interest. Visitors to Yonne will certainly want to visit Vezelay to see the abbey (and the pretty village of Vezelay itself), and the abbey at Pontigny .

It was here in Pontigny Abbey that Thomas Becket took refuge from the English King Henry II in the 13th century.

There are also several castles of interest in Yonne, with those at Ancy-le-Franc castle and Tanlay castle among the most popular. An interesting contrast is provided by the project to build a brand-new castle using only techniques and materials available in medieval times at Guedelon .

See the Yonne travel guide for more highlights and places of interest

Nievre - south-west Burgundy

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Nievre department with the quiet roads and paths, in particular within the Morvan Natural park being very popular with hikers and cyclists.

Although Nievre has less important towns and monuments than the other departments in Burgundy, there are still some notable places to visit. Particular highlights include:

• the town of Clamecy with its collegiale church
• the imposing Duke's Palace at Nevers
• the abbey complex and town at La Charite-sur-Loire , now a UNESCO listed world heritage site.

The department is best known for the chance to enjoy the unspoiled countryside, with small-scale farms, streams and ancient woodlands on the rolling countryside that we associate with Burgundy.

Situated to the east of the department, the Morvan Regional Park is a particularly scenic part of Nievre, and often entered via the gateway town of Corbigny .

See the Nievre travel guide for more highlights and places of interest

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Saone-et-Loire - south-east Burgundy

Saone-et-Loire in the southern part of Burgundy is a less established tourist destination than the northern departments of Burgundy, but still has places of interest to discover and explore.

The highlight for visitors is certainly the 11th century abbey at Cluny , which now features impressive 'enhanced reality' screens to help you better see the abbey at the time it was built.

The basilica at Paray-le-Monial and the church at Anzy-le-Duc are among the other important religious monuments in this part of Burgundy.

Stepping further back in time you can see substantial Roman ruins at Autun , as well as a romanesque style cathedral with an impressive entrance and other historic monuments. The towns of Tournus and Macon are also highlights of a visit to this region.

Smaller towns and villages that we enjoyed visiting in Saone-et-Loire include the picturesque village of Semur-en-Brionnais and the historical centre of Chalon-sur-Saone , and also the attractive village at Brancion .

The renaissance style chateau at Cormatin is also a popular attraction in Saone-et-Loire, dating from the 17th century and surrounded by moats and French style gardens.

See the Saone-et-Loire travel guide for more highlights and places of interest

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Burgundy - an area guide

Vineyards, castles, rivers, and lots of history.

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An introduction to Burgundy 

How to reach the Burgundy area : 

Selected burgundy hotels: .

• Dijon (21 Côte d'or) Gare The Hotel Kyriad Dijon Gare is located opposite the railway station, and a good choice for visitors arriving by train. This air-conditioned upper **  hotel, with pool, is well located for exploring Dijon and the area, and is well reviewed by travellers. Plenty of restaurants close by.
• Beaune (21 Côte d'Or) Hostellerie le Cèdre  *****  Warm  hospitality, reasonably priced for the quality. This hotel occupies a historic villa close to the old town. The famous Hospices are in walking distance . A comfortable base for exploring Burgundy.
• Beaune (21 Côte d'Or) Hotel de la Cloche  ** For those on a tighter budget, this is reputedly the best address in the centre of Beaune. Some parts could do with a new coat of paint, but this is a friendly hotel and good value for money.
• Vezelay (89 Yonne) Hotel de la Poste et du Lion d'Or Classic French hospitality in the old centre of Vézelay, below the hill on which stands the great basilica. The hotel is in a calm location, and has large clean rooms
• Hotel le Mas des Lilas  ** Close to the river Yonne, this is a modern  ** hotel just south of Auxerre; it has large mature gardens, and is close to the RN6 highway, a few kilometres from Exit 20 on the A6 Paris-Lyon motorway.
• Near Autun - Morvan (71 Saone et Loire) Auberge de la Chaloire ** Not far from Autun, with its magnificent cathedral, this hotel is located in the heart of the Morvan regional park. quiet rural location, friendly welcome, and very good service.
• Off A6 motorway Chalon sur Saône (71 Saone et Loire) Hotel Ibis *** A short distance and easy to find from the A6 motorway, exit 25, this standard Ibis hotel has an outdoor pool.
• Tournus - (71 Saone et Loire) Le Rempart *** is a hotel with 34 rooms and lots of character, which was once a  guard house. It has two restaurants, and stands in the centre of old Tournus, near the river Saone and St. Philibert church. Easy access from  A6 motorway , exit 27.
• Nevers (58 Nièvre) The Hotel Astrea is a modern ** hotel in a quiet location just a short distance from the the old town.Good value, and facilities for the disabled.

Main tourist attractions  in Burgundy

Routes and areas:.

• The Burgundy canal (Canal de Bourgogne) and rivers Saône and Yonne waterways.
• The Morvan mountains - forested uplands

Côte d'Or department (21)

• Alésia - near Montbard. Muséoparc Living history museum on the site of the Battle of Alesia, where Julius Caesar defeated the Gauls, led by Vercingetorix in 52 BC.  Interpretive center and archaeological museum. Part reconstitution of the Roman defences. Historic reenactments.
• Les Hospices de Beaune - the medieval hospice at Beaune is one of the most unusual ancient monuments in France, a medieval hospital that opened in 1483 and remained in use for five centuries – until the late 20th century. Today the hospice is a museum and art gallery, and contains one of the most famous works of medieval Flemish art, the Beaune altarpiece by Rogier van der Weyden, painted for the hospice, and still in situ. The hospices, with their sixty hectares of prime Burgundy vineyards, are still owned by the Beaune Hospital; the annual Beaune wine auction - now run by Christie's – is the world's most prestigious wine auction, with profits going to the hospital and to medical research.
• Beaune area: the vineyards of Burgundy, cellars and estate visits. Visit the Chateau du Clos Vougeot or the château de Pommard, near Beaune, or the Burgundy wine museum in Beaune. Route des vins des Grands Crus - the Grand vintage wine trail. See Burgundy wines
• Dijon: the capital city of Burgundy;  historic city, palace of the dukes of Burgundy, gothic Cathedral, Museum, shops 
• Fontenay great Cistercian abbey   (UNESCO World Heritage Site), near Montbard.

Saone & Loire department 71

• Autun - the small town on the edge of the Morvan hills boasts one of the finest  romanesque cathedrals in France, with remarkable sculptures, as well as a number of Roman remains, including city walls, and two city gates. 
• Digoin , in the extreme west of Burgundy, is a popular pleasure boating centre, at the junction of the Loire valley canal and the Canal du Centre, and has a fine canal aqueduct over the Loire
• The site of Cluny, the old town and the remains of the Benedictine abbey, once the largest chuch in Chrisendom.
• Cormatin, between Chalon s/ Saône and Cluny. Fine 17th century château surrounded by a moat, and recently renovated gardens. Richly decorated interiors, including the  golden rooms .  Open daily April to mid-November.
• Le Creusot - former mining and steel town, le Creusot has one of the world's largest preserved steam hammers, built in 1876. For those with an interest in industrial archaeology...
• Le Maconnais - the southern part of the Burgundy vineyards, around the city of Macon.
• Tournus ; The church of St Philibert is one of the oldest churches in France (early 11th century).
• Semur en Brionnais . Listed among the "plus beaux villages de France" Semur is a bit off the beaten  trail so is rarely swamped by tourists. Fine medieval chateau and Burgundian romanesque church

Yonne department (89)

• The romanesque churches of Burgundy, including the remarkable Abbaye de Vézelay (UNESCO World Heritage Site), starting point of one of the main pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostella. There are many delightful historic churches in the Saone et Loire area
• Auxerre and Chablis - the northern part of the Burgundy vineyards, old towns, wine museums and cellar visits. Auxerre is a popular centre for boating on the Yonne and Burgundy canal.
• Avallon - attractive old walled town
• Guédelon - the castle featured on BBC television's "Secrets of the Castle" series.  Treigny. amazing living history attraction; since 1997, a team of craftsmen have been building a medieval castle, using historic methods and tools.
• Montreal - famous fortified hilltop village

Nièvre department (58)

• La Charité sur Loire Historic small town with several monuments. The large Romanesque Notre Dame basilica, with fine sculpted tympana, is a UNESCO heritage site on the Pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella. Sixteenth centry stone bridge over the Loire.  Sections of medieval ramparts.
• The Morvan regional natural park. Area of outstanding natural beauty (mostly in the Nièvre), popular with hikers and nature-lovers. Though peaking at only just over 900m, this is seen as the closest area of mountain to Paris.
• Nevers ; historic town on the banks of the river Loire, at the confluence of the Allier. The Palace of the Dukes of Nevers is a fine Renaissance château. St Cyr & Ste. Juliette's Cathedral is a fine small gothic cathedral in the Burgundian style.
• The vineyards of Pouilly sur Loire

Top Tourist Attractions in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Château de La Rochepot

Château de La Rochepot is a 12th-century feudal castle of neo-Gothic-Burgundian style, rebuilt in the 15th century.

Vézelay Abbey

Vézelay Abbey is a Benedictine and Cluniac monastery in Vézelay in the east-central French department of Yonne.

Cluny Abbey

Cluny Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery in Cluny, Saône-et-Loire, France. It was dedicated to Saint Peter.

Château de Châteauneuf

The Château de Châteauneuf, also known as the Château de Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, is a 15th-century fortress in the commune of Châteauneuf,…

Guédelon Castle

Guédelon Castle is a castle currently under construction near Treigny, France.

Château de Drée

The Château de Drée is a historic château in Curbigny, Saône-et-Loire, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France. It was built in the 17th century.

Château de Montfort

The Château de Montfort is a castle in the French commune of Montigny-Montfort in the Côte-d'Or département, part of the Burgundy region.

Château de Domecy-sur-Cure

The Château de Domecy-sur-Cure is a château located in Domecy-sur-Cure in the Yonne department in Burgundy, north-central France.

Château de Clos-Vougeot

Baume Abbey

Baume Abbey, in its village of Baume-les-Messieurs, Jura, France, was founded as a Benedictine abbey not far from the still-travelled Roman…

A brickworks, also known as a brick factory, is a factory for the manufacturing of bricks, from clay or shale.

Sens Cathedral

Sens Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral in Sens in Burgundy, eastern France.

Château de Bazoches

The Château de Bazoches is located in Bazoches, the modern region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, historically part of the Burgundy region of…

Palais ducal de Nevers

The Ducal Palace of Nevers is a residence castle of the 15th and 16th centuries that once belonged to the counts and dukes of Nevers.

Château de Saint-Fargeau

Château de Saint-Fargeau is a 17th-century, Renaissance château located in the commune of Saint-Fargeau in the department of Yonne, in the…

Autun Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Lazarus of Autun, commonly known as Autun Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Autun and a national monument…

Nevers Cathedral

Nevers Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the town of Nevers, Nièvre, France, and dedicated to Saints Cyricus and Julitta.

Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paray-le-Monial

The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paray-le-Monial, commonly known as Basilica of Paray-le-Monial, is a Romanesque church dedicated to the…

Forges de Syam

The Forges de Syam are forge works and sheet metal mills at the confluence of the rivers Ain and Saine to the south of Champagnole in the…

Bibracte, a Gallic oppidum or fortified settlement, was the capital of the Aedui and one of the most important hillforts in Gaul.

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Must-see attractions in Dijon

Musée des Beaux-Arts

Nearing the end of a nine-year renovation, these sprawling galleries in Dijon's monumental Palais des Ducs are works of art in themselves and constitute…

Église Notre Dame

A block north of the Palais des Ducs, this church was built between 1220 and 1240. Its extraordinary façade's three tiers are lined with leering gargoyles…

Tour Philippe le Bon

Adjacent to the ducal palace, this 46m-high, mid-15th-century tower affords fantastic views over the city. On a clear day you can see all the way to Mont…

Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne

Once home to Burgundy's powerful dukes, this monumental palace with a neoclassical facade overlooks place de la Libération, old Dijon's magnificent…

Rue de la Chouette

Around the north side of Église Notre Dame, this street is named after the small stone owl (chouette) carved into the exterior corner of the chapel…

La Fabrique de Pain d'Épices

Around the time of the French Revolution, Mulot & Petitjean founded one of several bakeries making Dijon's famous pain d'épices (gingerbread). Nine…

Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne

Housed in a 17th-century Cistercian convent, this museum explores village and town life in Burgundy in centuries past with evocative tableaux illustrating…

Musée Archéologique

Truly surprising Celtic, Gallo-Roman and Merovingian artefacts are displayed here, including a particularly fine 1st-century AD bronze of the Celtic river…

Musée Magnin

In 1938, art collectors Jeanne and Maurice Magnin turned their historic townhouse over to the state to display, in perpetuity, the excellent collection…

Maison des Cariatides

Its Renaissance-style façade bursting with stone caryatids, soldiers and vines, Maison des Cariatides is one of Dijon's finest buildings. Dating to the…

Hôtel de Vogüé

Behind Église Notre Dame, the 17th-century Hôtel de Vogüé is renowned for the ornate carvings around the arches of its exquisitely proportioned…

Jardin de l'Arquebuse

A delightful place for a Sunday stroll, this 5-hectare park south of the train station encompasses the colourful flower beds and rose trellises of Dijon's…

Maison Maillard

Originally built in the mid-16th century for Jean Maillard, mayor of Dijon, this Renaissance-style gem sports a façade richly ornamented with garlands,…

Maison Millière

Figures of an owl and a cat perch high atop the roof of the 15th-century Maison Millière, which was a setting in the 1990 film Cyrano de Bergerac with…

Hôtel Aubriot

Originally built in the 13th-century, the Hôtel Aubriot's elegant façade owes some of its current splendour to restoration work completed in the early…

Jardin Darcy

Dijon has plenty of green spaces that are perfect for picnics, including this inviting park between the train station and the historic centre.

Porte Guillaume (Triumphal Arch)

This monumental 18th-century arch serves as the western gateway into Dijon's pedestrianised medieval centre.

Puits de Moïse

This famous grouping of six Old Testament figures, carved from 1395 to 1405 by court sculptor Claus Sluter and his nephew Claus de Werve, is on the…

Église St-Michel

Originally Gothic, this church subsequently underwent a façade-lift operation in which it was given a richly ornamented Renaissance west front. Its two…

Hôtel Chambellan

The 17th-century Hôtel Chambellan is one of many noble buildings along rue des Forges. Alas, its most interesting feature, a courtyard with a splendid…

Cathédrale St-Bénigne

Built over the tomb of St Benignus (believed to have brought Christianity to Burgundy in the 2nd century), Dijon's Burgundian Gothic–style cathedral was…

Hôtel de Ville

Dijon's town hall sits smack in the middle of the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne.

Tour de Bar

This squat 14th-century tower once served as a prison.

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11 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Dijon

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Dijon is famous for its mustard. However, the quaint boutiques selling old-fashioned mustard are just the beginning of the tourist attractions.

Known as the "City of Dukes," Dijon was the capital of the medieval duchy of Burgundy. The center of town boasts a UNESCO World Heritage designation, because of its well-preserved aristocratic palaces and elegant hôtels particuliers , former residences of Dukes of Burgundy and other distinguished owners.

As you stroll the historic center of Dijon, take your time exploring the quaint cobblestone streets and soaking up the old-world ambience. Wander at leisure, stopping to admire medieval half-timbered houses and Renaissance mansions. You also must browse the boutiques and spend time at small cafés to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Dijon is also a place to savor gourmet meals at traditional restaurants. Don't leave without trying authentic culinary specialties such as escargot and boeuf bourguignon for a taste of classic French gastronomy.

Learn about the best places to visit in this fascinating historic city with our list of top attractions and things to do in Dijon.

See also: Where to Stay in Dijon

1. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts

2. cathédrale saint-bénigne, 3. eglise notre-dame, 4. musée de la vie bourguignonne perrin de puycousin, 5. chartreuse de champmol, 6. dijon mustard boutiques and culinary stores, 7. jardin de l'arquebuse (botanical garden), 8. eglise saint-michel, 9. hôtel de vogüé, 10. musée magnin, 11. musée d'art sacré (museum of religious art), where to stay in dijon for sightseeing.

The Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne (Ducal Palace) was the residence of the Dukes of Burgundy in the 15th and 16th centuries. Renovations in the 17th century transformed the building into a refined Neoclassical palace that recalls the Château de Versailles (designed by the same architect, Jules Hardouin-Mansart).

Today, the Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne is used as the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), and only certain areas are open to the public. The Dijon Office of Tourism organizes guided visits of the 18th-century Chapelle des Elus and the Tour de Philippe le Bon (tower), which affords sensational views from a platform at the top (reached by climbing 316 steps).

The Palais des Ducs also houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts , a fine arts museum that displays exhibits within the palace's former kitchen, guard room, and grand reception halls (the East wing of the palace). The museum contains one of the richest art collections in France , with around 13,000 pieces, from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary paintings.

Highlights include masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance by Titian, Veronese, and Lorenzo Lotto; 17th-century paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Philippe de Champaigne, and Georges de La Tour; 19th-century works by Gustave Moreau and Eugène Delacroix; and Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Edouard Manet, and Camille Pissarro.

Not to be missed are Georges de La Tour's Le Souffleur à la Lampe , a painting that reveals an amazingly realistic technique of depicting candlelight; Effet de Neige à Eragny by Camille Pissarro, a masterpiece that illustrates a snow-covered scene in delicate brushstrokes; and Adam et Eve au Paradis by Guido Reni, which presents an idealized image of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

Address: 1 Place de la Libération, Dijon

The Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne is the city's finest example of Burgundian Gothic architecture. Built between 1280 and 1314, the cathedral was originally a Benedictine abbey church. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Benignus, who was martyred in Dijon in the late 2nd century.

The only remaining vestige of the original abbey is the " Rotonde ," a remarkable three-story subterranean crypt, which contains the relics of Saint Benignus. This solemn domed space dates to the 10th century (Carolingian era) and resembles the interior of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

Today, this emblematic twin-towered monument still provides a place of spiritual worship for the residents of Dijon with daily Mass celebrations.

One of the most inspiring things to do in Dijon is attend one of the cathedral's organ concerts , performed by renowned musicians throughout the year.

Save time to visit the Musée Archéologique (Archaeological Museum), which is housed within the historic buildings of the old Benedictine abbey. The museum displays an excellent collection of Gallo-Roman artifacts, Romanesque sculptures, and medieval antiquities.

Address: Place Saint-Bénigne, Dijon

The Eglise Notre-Dame is the "Grande Dame" of Dijon churches. Built between 1230 and 1250, the church exemplifies Burgundian Gothic architecture. The striking facade features three rows of whimsical gargoyles, while the interior is a marvelous high-vaulted nave.

The church has a clock tower created in 1382 with charming Jacquemarts, a family of figurines that strike the church bells. Inside the chapel on the right is a precious 11th-century Black Virgin, one of the oldest wooden statues in France.

An owl sculpture on the exterior is considered a good luck charm. The local tradition is to stroke the owl and then make a wish.

Address: Rue de la Préfecture, Dijon

The Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne Perrin de Puycousin is a great place to learn about the culture of the Burgundy region. Exhibits focus on the history of Dijon, traditional costumes of the region, and everyday objects from the 19th to 20th century. The collection was donated by the 19th-century folklorist Monsieur Perrin de Puycousin.

The museum is housed within the former Monastère des Bernardines , a splendid 17th-century monastery in Dijon's historic center. The monastery includes multiple buildings, courtyards, a cloister, and gardens.

An exhibit of Faïence de Dijon reveals the beauty of 17th-century faïence ceramics (plates, dishes, pitchers, mustard jars, etc.) decorated with delicate motifs.

The museum also has a boutique that sells books, postcards, and vintage-style wooden toys.

Address: Monastère des Bernardines, 17 Rue Sainte-Anne, Dijon

Outside of Dijon's historic center (about a five-minute drive or 30-minute walk), the Chartreuse de Champmol is the former necropolis of the Dukes of Burgundy. However, the monument was converted into a hospital in the 19th century.

The site is worth visiting to admire two superb examples of Burgundian sculpture created in 1404: the Puits de Moïse ("Well of Moses") and the Portail de la Chapelle (Doorway of the Chapel). The "Puits de Moïse" features decorative columns topped by angels and Old Testament prophets. The Portail de la Chapelle is the entryway for a chapel that now serves the hospital community.

Address: Centre Hospitalier Spécialisé de la Chartreuse, 1 Boulevard du Chanoine Kir, Dijon

For gourmands around the world, it is a happy coincidence that the woodland terrain around Dijon provides the ideal conditions for cultivating mustard plants with pungent seeds. Traditional Dijon Mustard is distinctive and unique to the Burgundy region.

Two prestigious mustard boutiques are found in the historic center of town: La Maison Maille (32 Rue de la Liberté) founded in 1747 and La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot (16 Rue de la Chouette), dating to 1840, which offers tours of its mustard mill and mustard tastings.

Next on the list of must-see gourmet destinations is Les Halles de Dijon . This exceptional culinary marketplace occupies a covered hall that is listed as a Monument Historique . Les Halles de Dijon hosts hundreds of vendors who sell fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, and specialty food products.

Near La Maison Maille, the Mulot & Petitjean boutique (16 Rue de la Liberté) sells gingerbread cakes, a specialty of Dijon. Founded in 1796 and listed as an Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant , the Mulot & Petitjean company uses gingerbread recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Mulot & Petitjean also has a gingerbread museum on the Boulevard de l'Ouest.

The Jardin de l'Arquebuse offers an oasis of relaxation outside of Dijon's historic center. This historic botanical garden features an arboretum, flower-filled meadows, and an English-style park with a stream and meandering pathways.

Developed in collaboration with the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie, the Jardin de l'Arquebuse has a new area devoted to plants cultivated for food. The landscaping includes four sections, representing different types of plants used for culinary purposes.

Science lovers will appreciate the park's natural science museum and the Planétarium Hubert Curien , which presents 360-degree projections. The natural science museum presents exhibits on zoology, geology, mineralogy, and entomology.

Address: 1 Avenue Albert 1er, Dijon

The Eglise Saint-Michel harmoniously blends medieval and Renaissance architectural elements. Founded in 1497, the church was constructed over two centuries, which explains the unusual mix of styles. Three richly sculpted doorways feature ornate carvings of angels and other figures.

Step inside to admire the exquisite high-vaulted Gothic nave, which has an ambience of grandeur and brightness. The sanctuary is illuminated by beautiful 19th-century stained-glass windows that have a dreamy, romantic quality.

The church is classified as a Monument Historique .

Address: Place Saint-Michel, Dijon

Near the Ducal Palace, the Hôtel de Vogüé is a magnificent hôtel particulier (mansion). The building was constructed in 1614 for Etienne Bouhier, an advisor of the Bourgogne parliament.

This exquisite example of Italian Renaissance architecture incorporates a grand entrance porch and ornately adorned courtyard. The entire building is characterized by its decorative richness. The tiled roof features the colorful geometric patterns that are typical in Burgundy.

The Hôtel de Vogüé hosts temporary exhibitions.

Address: 8 Rue de la Chouette, Dijon

The Musée Magnin displays its collection within the Hôtel Lantin, an elegant 17th-century hôtel particulier in Dijon's historic center. The collection was acquired in the 19th century by amateur art collectors Jeanne and Maurice Magnin and is presented within their family's former home.

The museum has a rich collection of French paintings (650 pieces), most of which were created between 1630 and 1650 as well as 18th-century and early 19th-century works.

You can shop for postcards and artwork-inspired souvenirs at the museum's boutique. Guided tours and audio guides (in English and French) are available.

Address: 4 Rue de Bons Enfants, Dijon

The Musée d'Art Sacré is housed in a 17th-century church that was once part of the Monastère des Bernardines. The Monastère des Bernardines was a Cistercian nunnery founded in the 12th century.

The museum displays religious artworks from churches and monasteries in the region. The collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, and religious objects is quite extensive, as it includes works created between the 12th century and the 20th century.

The museum is open daily year-round, except for Tuesdays and holidays. Hours are 9:30am until 12:30pm and 2pm until 6pm. Holiday closures: January 1st, May 1st, May 8th, July 14th, November 1st, November 11th, and December 25th.

Address: 17 Rue Sainte-Anne, Dijon

To soak up the city's old-world charm, stay in Dijon's historic center. The historic center is also convenient for visiting many of Dijon's top attractions. The countryside outside of Dijon offers upscale resort-like accommodations and retreats in secluded pastoral surroundings.

Luxury Hotels:

• In Dijon's historic center, La Cour Berbisey is a short walk from top attractions such as the Ducal Palace, the cathedral, and Notre-Dame Church. Classic yet updated French style is a decor theme throughout the 3-star boutique hotel, which occupies a renovated 17th-century house with wood-beamed ceilings and a tree-shaded courtyard. Amenities include an indoor swimming pool, parking, and complimentary breakfast with fresh-baked croissants.
• The 5-star Grand Hôtel La Cloche Dijon - MGallery Collection occupies an elegant Monument Historique , about a 10-minute walk to the cathedral and a 15-minute walk to the Ducal Palace. Contemporary-style guest rooms are outfitted with Nespresso coffee machines and plush bedding. Amenities include a concierge, fitness center, spa, and on-site parking. The hotel's bistronomic restaurant offers a menu based on local seasonal ingredients.
• Vine-covered rolling hills and woodlands surround Les Deux Chèvres in a quiet village about 20 kilometers from Dijon. Housed in a historic property, this luxurious boutique hotel has charming guest rooms with Egyptian cotton bed linens. Breakfast is served on the outdoor terrace during summertime.
• About a 30-minute drive outside of Dijon, the 4-star Abbaye de la Bussière is nestled on seven hectares of parkland. A 12th-century Cistercian abbey was renovated and converted into Relais & Châteaux accommodations with two restaurants: a Michelin-starred dining room and a cozy old-fashioned bistro. The sumptuously adorned guest rooms look out onto a formal French garden or leafy grounds with a lake.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• The 4-star Maison Philippe Le Bon offers boutique accommodations in Dijon's historic center, steps away from the Ducal Palace. Guest rooms feature sleek, modern bathrooms and views of the city, garden, or a pleasant courtyard. Amenities include a 24-hour front desk and a restaurant with outdoor terrace seating.
• Outside of Dijon's historic center, the Hotel Oceania Le Jura Dijon is near the train station and a short walk from the Parc de l'Arquebuse. This sleek 4-star hotel features contemporary-style guest rooms, a fitness center, spa, indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and a lovely garden filled with flowers. A breakfast buffet is available.
• The Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge stands right next to Dijon's cathedral. This 4-star boutique hotel boasts a gastronomic establishment (Restaurant William Frachot) with two Michelin stars, a deluxe spa, and concierge services. The guest rooms are decorated in chic, modern style. A breakfast buffet is available.
• Near Dijon's Palais des Congrès exposition center (about a 20-minute walk from the historic center), the Mercure Dijon Centre Clemenceau caters to business clients with its 24-hour front desk and other conveniences. The 4-star hotel has a gourmet restaurant, a garden with a shaded outdoor patio, and an outdoor swimming pool. Guest rooms feature cheerful, contemporary decor. A breakfast buffet and free parking are available.

Budget Hotels :

• Tucked away in the heart of the historic center, the Hôtel des Ducs is steps away from many of Dijon's top tourist sights, including the Ducal Palace, the Notre-Dame Church, and the cathedral. This reasonably priced 3-star hotel has minimalistic yet classic guest rooms with updated bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. A continental breakfast buffet is available.
• In a quiet residential area about a 15-minute walk from Dijon's historic center, the Hôtel Victor Hugo offers basic accommodations that are quite comfortable and stylish considering the affordable price. The 2-star hotel provides a breakfast buffet for an additional fee.
• The B&B Hotel Dijon Centre is in a wonderful location of the historic center near many shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as just a short walk from the cathedral and the Ducal Palace. Guest rooms are clean and contemporary in style. A continental breakfast buffet, with a wide selection of choices including hearty options, is available for an additional fee.

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Historic Treasures : Less than two hours from Paris by train, Dijon is a perfect starting point to begin exploring the countryside of Burgundy . Nestled within the region's gentle rolling hills and lush forests are numerous Romanesque churches, medieval towns, and ancient monasteries. The neighboring Champagne region also abounds with cultural treasures: marvelous castles, glorious churches, and quaint villages. A touristic highlight of Champagne is the historic city of Reims , renowned for its UNESCO-listed cathedral.

Idyllic Landscapes : The Burgundy region borders two other regions of France that are distinguished by their natural beauty. A rugged off-the-beaten-path destination, the Auvergne region is one of the best places to visit in France to go hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. Also bordering Burgundy, the picturesque French-Jura dazzles visitors with its awe-inspiring nature sites, rejuvenating thermal spas, scenic hiking trails, and ski resorts, as well as fascinating medieval towns and ancient churches.

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There are many sides to Burgundy, with the winding rivers and canals, dense forests, lakes and hillsides, dotted with pretty towns. Behind this wealth and variety of landscapes, Burgundy also has a unique way of life to offer you, with great wines, good food and ancient heritage sites. What are you waiting for? Let's go!

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What would Burgundy be without all these historic places: Fontenay Abbey, the Hospices of Beaune, Alésia, the Château de Bazoches and so much more. Why not give your weekend here a historic twist and come and explore these major sites that together, have forged our region's identity.

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Things to do in winter in Burgundy

• Janine Marsh

Winter is a great time to visit Burgundy. Its vineyards are known throughout the world and a little chill in the air adds something to the sublime wines from Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-St-Georges, Vosne-Romanée and Chablis, to name just a few. And, there’s plenty of things to do in winter in Burgundy…

Dijon, the capital of the Cote d’Or department, is an ideal town to visit in Winter and a great base from which to explore the vineyards and valleys. This town is perfect for those who love great architecture, culture, food, wine, street markets and friendly folk. There’s the fabulous and free to visit Musée des Beaux Arts to Le Consortium Arts Centre and plenty more art venues and museums in between – including a gingerbread museum. You could easily spend two days just on culture. But you’d miss out on the chance to dine in some of the finest restaurants in France. This really is a city that takes food seriously as you’ll discover if you visit the glorious market.

And then there are the fabulous wine bars like funky Monsieur Moutarde – nothing to do with mustard despite this being Dijon. With its roof terrace and quirky rooms, it’s perfect for a glass of wine of local aperitif Kir. It was invented by a former Mayor of Dijon – wine and cassis (preferably from a local cassis producer!).

Read more about what to do in Dijon ; read more about where to eat out in Dijon .

Beaune makes for a great base to tour the local countryside and the vineyards of the Route des Grands Crus. The city has a beautiful old centre with cobbled streets and is terrific for wandering. Let yourself  get lost in its winding streets and enjoy the wonderful architecture. The must-see place is the Hotel Dieu founded by Guigone de Salins and her husband Nicolas Rolin in 1443. On the third week-end of November the 3 Glorieuses take place. Festivals, concerts, cellar opening and a unique charity wine auction. The proceeds fund the local hospital’s equipment and the hotel-dieu’s conservation.

In Beaune you’ll enjoy plenty of choice for great restaurants. Of course Boeuf Bourguignon is a firm favourite as well as coq au vin made with Burgundy wine. Ideal winter dishes and perfect with a glass of robust red.

Take a wine tastin g: Sensation Vin in the town, open year-round. Perfect for novices or experts, and tastings are from 1.5 hours in a 10th century cellar to a day in the vineyards. (sensation-vin.com)

Wine and dine : Hotel Le Cep, an institution in Beaune. Gastronomic dishes and 70 different wines by the glass in a historic 16th century mansion (hotel-cep-beaune.com).

Stay at : Les Jardins de Lois, 5-minute walk from the Hospices and town centre. Authentic, cosy and tranquil B&B in a characterful house with rooms named after vineyards and owned by local wine makers the Dufouleurs. (jardinsdelois.com)

Wine tasting

There’s also the Côte Chalonnaise Great Wine Route which takes in the vinueards planted by monks more than a thousand years ago. And the Mâconnais-Beaujolais Wine Route wends its way through south of Burgundy and the Saône Valley. Finally, the Routes des Grand Crus which takes you through to the vineyards of Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beane.

Find out more about cellars that are open to the public on the Vins de Bourgogne website: vins-bourgogne.fr

Festival fun

The colourful festival of Saint Vincent Tournante honours the feast day of St. Vincent, patron saint of wine. The festival is held on the weekend closest to the Saint’s Day 22 January. The event attracts thousands to enjoy a choreographed collaboration between the Brotherhood of Tastevin, the Church and local wine making societies.

In Novemner in Noyers-sur-Serein, a medieval jewel of a village, the town comes to life with a truffle market that’s famous throughout Burgundy (details: www.noyers-et-tourisme.com/).

Whilst in Bresse, famous for its plump, tasty chickens, said to be the best in France, a December competition is held. The annual Glorieuses de Bresse attracts visitors from all over France.

Useful websites

Burgundy Tourism: www.burgundy-tourism.com/ ; Dijon Tourism: www.destinationdijon.com/

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