Burgundy
Visit Burgundy, France
The Burgundy region is a fascinating mix of unspoiled countryside, historical towns and monuments, many a result of the illustrious and wealthy past of the region, while also being highly reputed (and visited!) for the exceptional Burgundy wines produced here
Four random places to explore: discover somewhere new in Burgundy!
Burgundy - an introduction
Burgundy (Bourgogne) is found in central-eastern France, south-east of Paris. It covers the region from Sens and Auxerre in the north, and south to Macon (just north of Lyon). Among the reasons that people visit the region are the attractive countryside, including the Morvan Regional Park, numerous historical towns and villages.
The wine of Burgundy wine is held in high esteem the world over, with wines such as Chablis, Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges all from this part of France.
The Burgundy region was for several centuries independent of France (until 1477) and the region sided with the English against the French during the Hundred Years War. During that period it was a very rich state, and continues to be one of the more wealthy regions of France to this day. Indeed it is the legacies of this golden age of prosperity that still provide many of the major attractions in Burgundy.
Explore Burgundy by region
Cote d'Or - north-east Burgundy
Cote d'Or is a fine introduction to Burgundy, with several of the region's most interesting and scenic highlights.
The historical Fontenay Abbey is one of France's finest abbeys and architectural treasures (close to Montbard).
For nature and the great outdoors head south-west to the Morvan regional park, entred via the gateway town of Saulieu, and for beautiful villages be sure to visit Chateauneuf-en-Auxois and Semur-en-Auxois. Nearby Flavigny is another Burgundy village in the department that is well worth visiting (classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'). To the east of Cote d'Or visit Chatillon-sur-Seine and the Treasure of Vix.
For larger towns visit Beaune - famous for its wine and its medieval hospital complex - and the extensive historical centre of Dijon.
See Cote d'Or travel guide for details
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 chateaux to visit, with both 'traditional' castles such as those at Ancy-le-Franc castle and Tanlay castle, while for something different the new castle building project at Guedelon is recommended. Other very important monuments in Yonne include Vezelay Abbey and Pontigny Abbey.
There are numerous towns and villages in the region worth visiting, including Avallon (a personal favourite) and Sens, Joigny and Tonnerre, and Auxerre. For pretty Burgundy villages see Montreal and Noyers-sur-Serein, and also stop for wine-tasting at the village of Chablis, famous worldwide for the fine wine produced on the surrounding hills.
See Yonne travel guide for details
Nievre - south-west Burgundy
Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Nievre department, with the quiet roads and paths around Morvan being very popular with hikers and cyclists.
Nievre has some notable towns to visit including Clamecy and Nevers, and the UNESCO listed world heritage site at La Charite-sur-Loire.
It also contains a large part of the unspoiled countryside - small-scall agriculture interspersed by streams and ancient woodlands on the rolling countryside that we associate with Burgundy. The Morvan Regional Park is a particularly scenic part of the department, often entered via the gateway town of Corbigny.
See Nievre travel guide for details
Saone-et-Loire - south-east Burgundy
Saone-et-Loire in the southern part of Burgundy is perhaps a less established part of the tourist trail in the region, but still has much to discover and explore.
The highlight is perhaps the well-known abbey at Cluny. The Paray-le-Monial basilica and the church at Anzy-le-Duc are other important religious monuments. Stepping further back in time, see the Roman ruins at Autun.
The attractive village of Semur-en-Brionnais and the towns of Tournus and Macon are also highlights of a visit to this southern part of Burgundy. The historical centre of Chalon-sur-Saone and the chateau at Cormatin are other popular Saone-et-Loire attractions, also the attractive village at Brancion.
See Saone-et-Loire travel guide for details
See more ideas at Burgundy tourist information, with more towns, national monuments, national parks, towns in bloom etc across the Burgundy region.
Map of Burgundy
French version: Burgundy (Francais)
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