Discover Burgundy by Chris Salmon

The land of Burgundy rolls eastward from the Loire and stretches south to the vineyards of Beaujolais: a similar size to Belgium, it takes some three hours to travel it north to south, and two and half hours from east to west. Located at the centre of western Europe, access to Burgundy is easy (6 hours or less) from Germany, Italy, northern Spain, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg and the English Channel.

Burgundy is renowned for its superb wines, such as Beaujolais, Fleurie and Morgon, and too-many- to-mention fabulous restaurants, notably the famous Troisgros with its Michelin star rating. The pretty towns of Cluny and Dijon are just two examples of Burgundy's wonderful architectural heritage.

With activities such as boating, horse riding and walking so readily available, plus two ski resorts close by, it is possible to enjoy holidays here year round. The region has an excellent climate, with long hot summers accompanied by short, cold but very dry winters. Burgundy is a hidden gem, where visits have not been been spoilt by the tourist trade, and where the local people give you a warm welcome any time of day.

More about Burgundy by Cathy Foley

Burgundy, or Bourgogne, is a region of France as rich and diverse as the food for which it is famous. Residents of Paris often use Burgundy as a weekend getaway spot, since the city of Dijon and its surrounding vineyard-dotted countryside are less than two hours away by high-speed train, and the north-western part of Burgundy, home to well-known towns like Chablis, is even closer. For all holiday-goers from near or far, Burgundy is a place to mingle with friendly locals while enjoying the sights, the culture, the history, and the food.

Burgundy is divided into four regions, each with its own unique character: Côte d'Or, Nièvre, Saône-et-Loire, and Yonne. Additionally, the Morvan Nature Park is located in Burgundy. Each of these regions is described further below.

 

Côte d'Or

Home to Burgundy's capital city of Dijon, the Côte d'Or is also home to some of the most famous wine-making regions in France. Wine tours begin and end in Beaune, with the possibility of sampling Pommard, Mersault, and Chambertin, to name just a few. Historical sights include the ruins at Alésia, the site where Julius Caesar completed his conquest of Gaul, and the breathtaking Abbey at Fontenay, one of the oldest Cistercian monasteries in Europe.

One can choose to tour the Côte d'Or in several ways, depending on your particular interests. Fans of medieval villages and towns should not miss Flavigny-sur-Ozerain or the slightly larger Semur-en-Auxois. Or, charter a barge and follow the Burgundy Canal through the many picturesque villages that pass by.

 

Nièvre

Punctuated by its capital city of Nevers, Nièvre is a quiet province, full of down-to-earth people and undiscovered beauty. Nevers is located at the meeting point of the Loire and Nièvre rivers, and hosts a number of important historical buildings, including the ducal palace (shown) and the cathedral of Saint Cyr-Sainte Julitte. Outside of the city, the mostly rural province offers a sample of true farm life in the campagne (countryside).

Saône-et-Loire

This aptly-named province lies between the Saône and Loire rivers, and lies in the south-east corner of Burgundy. Although Dijon in the Côte d'Or is considered by many to be the gastronomic capital of France, this province has its fair share of delights for the palate. Charollais and Bresse are famous throughout Europe for their beef and chicken, respectively. For wine connoisseurs, Pouilly-Fuissé is made near the capital city of Mâcon, and the light, refreshing Beaujolais can also be found at the province's southern border.

 

Yonne

As the closest Burgundian province to Paris, the Yonne is a kind of gateway province: a popular tourist destination, with friendly, welcoming inhabitants. Perhaps the most famous provincial wine is Chablis, and its namesake town is a lovely stop during a drive through the countryside. The Yonne's capital city of Auxerre boasts a beautiful Gothic cathedral (shown), and the town of Avallon has a rich history, including ties to Arthurian legend.

Morvan Nature Park

The Morvan Nature Park is a large preserve in the center of Burgundy, covering almost a quarter-million hectares of land. Within its boundaries are rivers and lakes, mountains and valleys, miles of unpaved roads and trails, and historic and religious sites such as the lovely town of Vezelay.

Visitors to the Morvan come for the camping, fishing, riding, hiking, birdwatching, water sports -- or just to stop, take a deep breath, and remember what unspoilt nature feels like.

 

 

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