A Dozen Must-See Places to Visit in Burgundy
A selection of some of the finest experiences to enjoy on your next trip.
Dijon
In gastronomic terms, musts on a visit to the capital of Burgundy include the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin, a mustard factory such as Edmond Fallot and the famous pain d’épices from Mulot et Petitjean. www.destinationdijon.com
Beaun
A visit to La Cité des Climats et Vins de Bourgogne offers a fascinating insight into all the wineproducing areas of Burgundy, from Chablis in the north to Mâcon in the south, exploring their landscapes, history and traditions. www.beaune-tourism.com
Auxerre
Among Auxerre’s cultural unmissables – Abbaye SaintGermain and Cathédrale SaintÉtienne – head north to Bassou for Maison Billot, gastronomic masters of the Burgundian snail since 1796. www.ot-auxerre.com
Semur-en-auxois
Pick up a map from the tourist office (Rue de la Liberté) of the self-guided Circuit Découverte. The 90-minute walk takes in both upper and lower towns – with the best views from Le Pont Pinard and Pont des Minimes. tinyurl.com/semurenauxois
Flavigny-Sur-Ozerain
This Plus Beau Village de France is best known for its abbey and the Anis de Flavigny sweet factory, where the famous aniseed sweets have been made since 1591. The village featured in many scenes in the film Chocolat. tinyurl.com/flavigny-sur-ozerain
Chablis
This very attractive town gave its name to a particular style of wine. Hop on board the Petit Train, departing from Musée Vinéa Passion, for a sightseeing tour with commentary of the historic town and its surrounding vineyards.www.chablis-tonnerrois.fr/en
Joigny
Burgundy’s unsung hero, this beautiful town in the north of the region is designated a Plus Beau Détour de France. Historic half-timbered buildings, vineyards and the River Yonne make it a delight to explore. www.joigny-tourisme.com
Druyes-Les-Belles-Fontaine
Possibly the most beautiful village in France off the tourist trail, this 12th-century village was the first to be awarded the Cités de Caractère de BourgogneFranche-Comté label. tinyurl.com/druyesLBF
Mailly-le-Château
Like Druyes, this village is built on two levels, with the château overlooking the River Yonne. Look out for the Wolf Fountain beside the river. A short walk across the Yonne leads to the Canal du Nivernais, popular with walkers and cyclists. maillylechateau.fr
Clamecy
This stunning medieval town on the River Yonne also has a leisure port on the Canal du Nivernais. Its cathedral has one of the tallest towers in the region, along with vibrant stained-glass windows. clamecyhautnivernais-tourisme.fr/en
Vézelay
This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts tourists and pilgrims along the Way of St James to its exemplary Romanesque basilica. It is also a gateway village to the Parc naturel régional du Morvan. destinationgrandvezelay.com
Meursault
One of the prettiest villages on the Côte de Beaune and the Route des Grands Crus, Meursault is known for its church spire, a landmark across the vineyards. Visitors should also look out for the glazed-tile Hôtel de Ville. meursault-en-bourgogne.fr/en
