Burgundy’s soul resides in its wine. No trip here is complete without a deep and personal dive into its celebrated vineyards. This is the sacred birthplace of two of the world’s most noble and notoriously fickle grape varieties: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the concept of terroir – the unique, almost mystical combination of soil, climate, topography, and human touch that gives each wine its distinct character – is not just a philosophy; it is an obsession.

And while I have long shied away from French wines in general as I thought they were too “boring”, I have become a big fan of them recently, with Burgundy being my favorite region.

There are endless options to stop, visit a vineyard or even do a wine tasting. I would advise though to check in advance whether you have to make a reservation.

And even without being a wine enthusiast, the Route des Grands Crus is definitely worth it as you will get to know the beauty of Burgundy.

Burgundian cuisine is the terroir of the kitchen: rich, robust, and deeply satisfying. This is hearty, unpretentious food, rooted in the land and prepared with a profound respect for tradition.

• Boeuf Bourguignon: The quintessential Burgundian dish. This is not just a beef stew; it is a symphony of flavors. Tender, marbled Charolais beef is slow-cooked for hours in a full-bodied local red wine, along with mushrooms, pearl onions, and savory bacon (lardons).
• Coq au Vin: Another global classic born here. Traditionally, an old rooster (coq) is simmered in red wine until meltingly tender, creating a dish with incredible depth of flavor.
• Œufs en Meurette: A bistro favorite and a true revelation. It consists of perfectly poached eggs served in a rich, savory sauce made from the same ingredients as boeuf bourguignon: red wine, bacon, and onions. It’s often served with garlic-rubbed toast for dipping.
• Escargots de Bourgogne: Don’t be shy! These plump snails, prepared with a generous amount of garlic, parsley, and butter, are a true Burgundian delicacy and a must-try for the adventurous gourmand.
• Gougères: These airy, savory, and cheesy choux pastry puffs are the perfect snack. They are served everywhere as an accompaniment to an aperitif, and a warm gougère alongside a glass of crisp Aligoté or Crémant de Bourgogne is a perfect welcome to the region.

The region is also a cheese lover’s paradise. Seek out the famously pungent and creamy Époisses, a washed-rind cheese so potent it’s rumored to be banned from public transport. Also try Délice de Bourgogne, a decadent triple-cream cheese, and the various goat cheeses (chèvres) of the Mâconnais. For a true local experience, visit the covered market in Dijon or the Saturday market in Beaune. Here you’ll find stalls overflowing with local produce, butchers showcasing the famed Charolais beef and Bresse chicken, and cheese mongers offering tastings of their incredible wares.

And of course, one cannot forget the condiment that put a Burgundian city on the global map: Dijon mustard. A visit to a traditional mustard maker like Fallot in Beaune reveals the history and production of this sharp, flavorful paste. Finally, for an after-dinner treat, sip on a Crème de Cassis, a sweet blackcurrant liqueur that is famously mixed with white wine (traditionally Aligoté) to create the kir, the classic Burgundian apéritif.

Beyond the vineyards and the dining table, Burgundy boasts a wealth of historical and cultural attractions that tell the story of its powerful past. For centuries, the Dukes of Burgundy were among the most influential rulers in Europe, rivaling the King of France in wealth and power. Their legacy can be seen in the magnificent art and architecture they left behind.

• Dijon: The historic capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, Dijon is a vibrant city with a beautifully preserved medieval center. The Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy, a vast and imposing complex, now houses the excellent Musée des Beaux-Arts, one of the finest art museums in France. Follow the charming “Owl’s Trail” (Parcours de la Chouette), a walking route marked by brass owls on the pavement, to discover the city’s hidden gems. Don’t forget to rub the small stone owl on the side of the Notre-Dame church for good luck!
• Beaune: As well as being the wine capital, Beaune is a gem of a town. Its main attraction is the magnificent Hospices de Beaune (or Hôtel-Dieu). Founded in 1443 as a charity hospital for the poor, its flamboyant, polychrome-tiled roof is an icon of Burgundy. Inside, you can see the original sick wards and a treasured masterpiece of Flemish art, Rogier van der Weyden’s “The Last Judgement.” The famous charity wine auction held here each November sets the benchmark for Burgundy wine prices for the vintage.
• Abbeys and Monasteries: Burgundy was a major center of monasticism in the Middle Ages. The remains of the great Cluny Abbey, once the largest church in Christendom and the head of a vast monastic empire, are a powerful reminder of its former glory. For a more complete picture of monastic life, visit the beautifully preserved Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its serene, unadorned Cistercian architecture offers a deeply spiritual experience.
• Châteaux and Canals: The Burgundian countryside is dotted with magnificent châteaux. From the dramatic medieval fortress of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, perched on a hill with panoramic views, to the elegant Renaissance style of Château d’Ancy-le-Franc, these castles offer a glimpse into aristocratic life. For a different pace, explore the Canal de Bourgogne. Taking a slow barge cruise or cycling along its shaded towpaths is a wonderfully tranquil way to see the region unfold. The Voie des Vignes, a dedicated cycle path, runs from Dijon to Santenay, allowing you to pedal through the heart of the Grands Crus vineyards at your own pace.
• Vézelay: This stunning hilltop village and its magnificent Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, another UNESCO World Heritage site, has been a major pilgrimage destination for centuries, serving as a starting point on the Way of St. James to Santiago de Compostela. The basilica is a masterpiece of Romanesque art and sculpture.

Nestled along the banks of the Saône River in the heart of Burgundy, Tournus stands as a testament to France’s rich medieval heritage. This charming town, often overlooked by travelers rushing between Lyon and Dijon, rewards those who pause to explore its ancient streets and remarkable architecture. With its magnificent Romanesque abbey, traditional Burgundian restaurants, and weekly markets brimming with local produce, Tournus offers visitors an authentic glimpse into the soul of rural France. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culinary adventurer, or simply seeking the quiet charm of a French provincial town, Tournus provides an enchanting escape from the beaten tourist path.

I discovered Tournus by coincidence on a road trip a few years ago when I was looking for a conveniently located hotel along the A6 notorway. And since then, I have always stayed there on our road trips through France. It’s neither the most interesting nor the most beautiful town in Burgundy. But it offers all you need in a very convenient way:

• it has its own motorway exit, so it only takes a few minutes until you reach the town center
• as far as I know, there’s no true luxury hotel, but it offers various options for all budgets. So far I have stayed repeatedly at Les Sept Fontaines (Best Western) and Aux Terrasses. Both are very good 4-star hotels with great restaurants. While Les Sept Fontaines offers a little more overall convenience, Aux Terrasses has more charm and is home to a Michelin star restaurant, just in case…
• there are several other nice restaurants – also in walking distance to both hotels
• close to both hotels, you find good supermarkets and amazing boulangeries to stock up for your trip

IIf you plan a longer stay in Burgundy, you could probably skip Tournus as an overnight base and instead visit for a few hours on a day trip. But if you combine it with a shorter stop, I think it’s hard to beat.

Burgundy is more than just a place on a map; it’s a feeling, an appreciation for the finer things in life that are cultivated with patience and a deep connection to the land. It’s a region that invites you to slow down, to engage all your senses, and to fall in love with the rhythm of its seasons. So, raise a glass of its finest nectar, savor the flavors of its rich earth, and let the timeless charm of Burgundy captivate your soul. Santé! And we hope you have enjoyed this Burgundy Travel Guide. Let us know any questions you might have!

If you want to learn about my favorite hotels around the world, please check out this post!