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Visit Cote d'Or, France

One of the most popular and historically wealthy regions of Burgundy, the Cote d'Or includes among its highlights the Abbey at Fontenay, quaint villages such as Flavigny and important historical centres like Dijon - while wine lovers will enjoy exploring the vineyards along the Route des Grands Crus such as Beaune and Nuits-Saint-Georges

Selected places to visit in Cote d'Or

Beaune

Beze

Chateauneuf-en-Auxois

Chatillon-sur-Seine

Dijon

Flavigny

Fontenay Abbey

Montbard

Nuits-Saint-Georges

Saulieu

Semur-en-Auxois

Cote d'Or, Burgundy: highlights

The Cote d'Or department occupies the north-eastern part of Burgundy, in central-eastern France. The capital of Cote d'Or is Dijon. The name of the department comes from the golden leaves of the vines in the region.

Some of the highlights of a visit to this department include:

North and West Cote d'Or

Start perhaps at the Castle Rochepot on the north-east borders of the department, and then the village of Vauchignon, best known for the cliffs and caves at the 'Cirque du Bout du Monde'.

The village of Chatillon-sur-Seine, especially well known because of the ancient 'treasure of Vix' found nearby and now on display in the town. The town is in the forested Chatillonais region

A little to the south-west from here, the world famous and world admired Fontenay Abbey is in the Cote d'Or department, to the east of Montbard.

Next stop at Montbard itself, the three star 'ville fleurie' traversed by the Burgundy canal and with several attractive buildings to discover, and the impressive Parc Buffon. Following in Buffon's footsteps you can also visit the 18th century 'Forges de Buffon' before taking a stroll through the gardens at Montigny-Montfort castle.

Continuing southwards, be sure to visit the attractive village at Semur-en-Auxois, then to the west of the department explore the rolling woodland countryside of the Morvan Regional Parc, for example around Saulieu.

Central Cote d'Or

In the heart of the department there are some more interesting places to visit.

Start perhaps with the Chateau Bussy-Rabatin - an understated castle, best known for ite paintings and interior decoration.

Very close to here is the site of Alésia, where Julius Caesar had his final battle with the gauls, and now listed as one of the 'Grand Sites of France'. Excavations at the site attempt to prove that it was indeed site of the great final battle.

Still very close by, Flavigny is a beautiful village with an interesting selection of religious buildings to admire.

Less well know, try to visit Saint-Thibault (south-west of Flavigny) to see the entrance to (and interior of) the 13th century church.

South and east Cote d'Or

Start your visit at Dijon, the capital of the region (and famous of course for Dijon mustard!).

To the north-east of Dijon visit the village at Beze, and south-west of Dijon visit the pretty classified hilltop village at Chateauneuf-en-Auxois, then towards the southern tip of the department be sure to see Beaune.

Best known for being a renowned wine region, Beaune is also among the most attractive towns in this part of Burgundy - the highlight of a visit to Beaune is the splendid Hotel-Dieu (medieval hospital) complex.

The interesting town of Auxonne is on the Saone River and has many interesting historical buildings and an attractive centre to explore.

Burgundy wine - Cote d'Or

Wine enthusiasts will want to follow the 'Route des Grand Crus' that passes through the Cote d'Or department, from Santenay to Dijon, with ample opportunities to try the wines en route and admire the countryside where it is grown...Beaune, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Pommard, Meursault, and many others.

See also our feature article - a slow guide to enjoying the Cote d'Or

See a list of all Cote d'Or communes

Map of Cote d'Or

French version: Cote d'Or (Francais)