Destination Burgundy France

Wine is unmistakably the most well-known product in Burgundy and its vineyards are some of the most prestigious in the world. Archaeological evidence establishes viticulture in Burgundy as early as the second century AD, although the Celts may have been growing vines in the region previous to the Roman conquest of Gaul in 51 BC.

Burgundy wine grows over 230 km from north to south, from Auxerre to Mâcon, and offers a wide variety of wines, among the most famous in the world. The territory expresses itself in the "Climats", name given to the parcels of vines.

The most famous and recognizable wines of the region grow on carefully exposed soils. Chablis, Chardonnay, Côteaux de l'Auxerrois, Côte-de-Nuits, Côte-de-Beaune, Hautes-Côtes, Côtes Chalonnaise et Mâconnais, Pouilly-sur-Loire and of course Beaujolais.

Surrounded by the renowned Côte d'Or vineyards, the walled city of Beaune is the region's wine center, also known for its medieval Hôtel-Dieu hospital with its multicolored, geometric-patterned tile roof, typical of the region.

Notable religious monuments include the Romanesque abbeys of Fontenay and Vézelay. The town of Autun has Roman ruins including an amphitheater and city gates. Some regional dishes – bœuf bourguignon, coq au vin, and escargot – are virtually synonymous with French cuisine.

Burgundy has a rich architectural inheritance of remarkable buildings, castles, and Roman churches and its cuisine is also famous.

The Festival Musical des Grands Crus de Bourgogne, June to October, celebrates music and wine in cities throughout the region.

Traditional medieval fairs take place in towns and villages throughout the area from May to September. The famed annual Hôtel-Dieu wine auction is held in Beaune each November.

Discover Burgundy's rich historical heritage, with its towns and emblematic buildings.