6 Original Ways to Discover the Vineyards of Burgundy

First published: May 16, 2018 by Sponsored Content

By Hot Air Balloon

Set off at either dawn or the early evening, when the first and last rays of sunlight light up the magical grapes, revealing their iridescent colours. After inflation, your silent vessel will rise into the air and take you on a one and a half hour journey over the landscape. Seen from above, the terroir and legendary vineyards take on another dimension. The yellow avenues of rapeseed in Charolais appear as glazed tiles from above, and are not to be missed.

Practical info
Prices: between 200 and 240 euro.
When: between April and October, early in the morning or late afternoon. There is the possibility of a night flight with Beaune Montgolfiere.
Duration: 1h to 1h30 in the air and 1h to 2h on the ground dedicated to inflation and deflation of the balloon. You are free to have a go at steering the balloon!

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Wine adventure in southern Burgundy

Imagine a 30,000m² Leisure Park dedicated to wine, with spaces and play areas adapted for children. In Romanèche-Thorins, a little train will take you and your family to the Hameau du Vin, to learn everything about the history of wine; next stop, the model train station and a world dedicated to railways. The journey continues in the huge garden where you are given free rein to take in all the scents of flowers and vines. You’ll finish in the winery for an introduction to the tasting…

There is even a 3D film cinema and adventure golf course!

LA BOITE A IMAGES

Practical info
Prices: Full pass: 20 € / adult and free for children.
Garden pass + small train + adventure gols: 12 € / adult and 8 € / child.
Free for children under 3 years old.
When: The Hameau du Vin is open all year round, 7 days a week from 10am to 6pm.

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By Citroën 2CV

How about touring the vineyards by Citroën 2CV, the classic French car? Top down and accompanied by an oenologist, and the charming snore of the little engine, this is the perfect retro ride. You’ll come across exceptional plots on the hillsides and in the heart of the vineyards, with opportunities to knock on the door of winemakers to taste and discuss their produce, not to mention fill up the trunk with some of the regions finest wine!

If you prefer another vehicle you can take a classic Jeep or even a luxury Limousine, the choice is yours.

Practical info
Prices: 70 € for the accompanied half-day and 150 € the whole day.

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By Bicycle

Cycling is a fantastic way to discover the vineyards of Burgundy. The aptly named Voie des Vignes from Dijon to Santenay allows you to travel in 2 or 3 days (breaks included) from the Côte de Nuits, nicknamed “the Champs Elysees of Burgundy” to the Côte de Beaune. Here the bike is more than a simple mode of locomotion, it becomes your chariot on a hedonistic and contemplative journey. On this slow speed journey you will be able to appreciate the beauty of the vineyards and you’ll pass villages with names full of promises offering beautiful tastings.

Until Cluny: beyond Santenay, the Vineyard Trail continues to Chalon and crosses the Côte Chalonnaise where vineyards of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir that have been planted for over a 1000 years bloom in the sun. You can continue the trip to Cluny and its fabulous abbey by taking the first Green Way of France, which perfectly secure and well marked.

Practical info
To help you build your route, click here

Interactive discovery of the largest cellar in Burgundy

Discover the history of wine by exploring the Patriarch cellars, which some of the largest in Burgundy. Built between the 13th and 19th centuries, they extend over two hectares and form an underground labyrinth of vaults, alcoves and galleries. It’s impossible not to be dazzled by the grandeur of these halls which shelter nearly 2 million bottles. More than a cellar, it is also a place to visit with its interactive terminals and concludes with a tasting of a range of 13 great Burgundian wines.

A little extra: formerly a convent of the Visitandines, there remains today of this religious past the small chapel. Refurbished in 2010, it is definitely worth a look.

Practical info
When: open every day.
Duration: 1h free visit.
Price with tasting: 17 € – free for minors under 18 years old.

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Walk in the footsteps of Cédric Klapisch

What is the link between Cédric Klapisch and Burgundy? “Back to Burgundy”, is the 13th film of the celebrated director, released June 2017 and shot entirely in natural settings on the side of the Route des Grand Crus and Côtes de Beaune. With the app “In the eye of Klapisch”, go from the big screen to real film locations and immerse yourself in the scenery of the film.