The Treasures of Bourgogne Vineyards: 7 Days Among Wines and Landscapes

Bourgogne, a region rich in history, renowned for its exceptional wines and bucolic landscapes, invites you on a journey where the vineyards reveal all their secrets. From Beaune to Chablis, passing through Dijon, this itinerary immerses you in the art of viticulture, with varied tastings, visits to estates, and walks in the heart of vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Highlights of the trip:

• Discover the world-famous Grands Crus.
• Admire a rich cultural heritage with picturesque villages and historical monuments.
• Enjoy the expertise of local producers through authentic tastings.
• Experience unique and unforgettable moments in one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world.

The 10 Best Activities or Must-See Places (Specific to Vineyards):

1. Tasting of Grands Crus in Beaune.
2. Visit the Hospices de Beaune.
3. Wine Route through the Côte de Nuits.
4. Excursion in the Chablis cellars.
5. Visit the Château du Clos de Vougeot.
6. Discover the historic city of Dijon.
7. Hiking in the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune.
8. Bike ride on the Grands Crus route.
9. Private tasting in a family estate.
10. Savor Burgundian specialties in traditional restaurants.

1. Itinerary for a 7-Day Stay:

Day 1: Arrival in Beaune – An Introduction to the Vineyards

Welcome to Beaune, considered the capital of  wines. Known for its medieval ramparts, cobbled streets, and underground cellars, Beaune is a must-see for any wine lover.

Activities of the Day:

• Visit the Hospices de Beaune: The Hospices de Beaune are a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and a jewel of Burgundian heritage. This historic site will allow you to delve into the history of the region while getting a glimpse of the annual wine auction held there.
  • Practical Info: Open daily, price: about 12 €. Allow 1h30 to fully enjoy it.
• Tasting at Patriarche Père et Fils: This iconic  producer offers you an immersion in one of the largest cellars in Beaune. You can discover their unique wines during a guided tasting while strolling through an impressive underground labyrinth.
  • Practical Info: Open daily. Tasting from 20€. Allow about 2h for a complete visit.

Accommodation:

• Les Nomades – 4-star hotel from 150 € per night, with a pool (ideal after a long day of discovery).
• Le Clos de la Challangette guest rooms from 95 € per night for a more authentic experience.

Where to Eat:

• Le Bistrot Bourguignon for traditional dishes like œuf en meurette (dishes from 18 €).
• Ma Cuisine, a family bistro where you can taste refined local specialties (menu from 35 €).

Day 2: The Vineyards of the Côte de Beaune

Today, set off to discover the Grands Crus of the Côte de Beaune. Nicknamed "the eldorado for wine lovers," this area is home to some of the best white wines in the world, including those from Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet.

Activities of the Day:

• Visit and Tasting at Domaine Bouchard Père et Fils: A prestigious estate located near Beaune offering an immersion in the production of Côte de Beaune wines. The guided tour of the historic cellars is followed by a legendary wine tasting.
  • Practical Info: Count 50€ for a premium visit. Duration: 2h.
• Walk in the Vineyards: For a breathtaking view of the vines, nothing beats a walk in the heart of the Côte de Beaune. The Grands Crus trail connects the various wine villages, such as Meursault and Pommard.
  • Practical Info: Well-marked trails, bring good shoes and a bottle of water.

Accommodation:

Stay one more night in Beaune at the same accommodation.

Day 3: Chassagne-Montrachet and Meursault – Terroirs of White Gold

Chassagne-Montrachet and Meursault are two villages from the Burgundian vineyard, closely associated with exceptional white wines.

Activities of the Day:

• Tasting at Château de Meursault: The château organizes guided tours and tastings of its prestigious cuvées. You will be charmed by the elegance of the place and the warmth of the welcome.
  • Practical Info: Visits available daily, from 40 €.
• Picnic in the Vines: For an authentic experience, why not prepare a picnic with crusty bread, local cheeses, and a bottle of Meursault or Puligny-Montrachet? Many estates sell bottles directly to be enjoyed in the vineyards.
  • Practical Info: Prepare it in advance in Beaune or buy on-site in a local grocery store.

Accommodation:

• La Maison d'Olivier Leflaive in Puligny-Montrachet, from 160 € per night, a luxurious setting with wine-related activities.
• Le Relais de Meursault, a cozy guest house from 95 € per night.

Where to Eat:

• L'Épisode in Meursault, a true bistro-tavern with essential Burgundian dishes (menu from 28 €).
• La Goutte d'Or for a more sophisticated gastronomic experience. Menu from 60 €.

Day 4: Grands Crus Route to Dijon

Take the Grands Crus route, which crosses the emblematic villages of the Côte de Nuits. End the day in Dijon, the historic capital of the Dukes of .

Activities of the Day:

• Visit the Château du Clos de Vougeot: This château, located in the middle of the vineyards, is one of the key monuments of 's wine history. You can admire beautiful medieval cellars and learn more about wine production in the Middle Ages.
  • Practical Info: Open daily, price: about 8 €.
• Stop at Vosne-Romanée: The birthplace of prestigious Grands Crus like Romanée-Conti. A short walk in this village will tell you the story of these exceptional wines.
  • Practical Info: A free stop to explore at your own pace.

Accommodation in Dijon:

• Hôtel Philippe Le Bon, a charming hotel with medieval architecture, from 120 € per night.
• La Maison des Cariatides, from 80 €, in the heart of the old town.

Where to Eat:

• La Dame d'Aquitaine, a gourmet restaurant in a vaulted room (menu at 50 €).
• Chez Léon, for Burgundian dishes in a friendly atmosphere (menu at 25 €).

Days 5-7: Stay in Dijon

Day 5: Dijon – Heritage and Gastronomy

Capital of -Franche-Comté, Dijon is much more than a gateway to the vineyards. A city of art and history, it is full of architectural treasures and culinary delights. In the heart of the city, beautiful medieval houses stand alongside Renaissance mansions.

Activities of the Day:

• Visit the Palace of the Dukes and States of : This magnificent palace, now housing the Dijon Museum of Fine Arts, is a sumptuous witness to the historical power of the Dukes of . Don't miss the works from the medieval and Renaissance periods.
  • Practical Info: Open daily except Tuesday. Free entry for the permanent collection. Duration of the visit: about 2h.
• Discover the Dijon Market Halls: Built according to a design attributed to Gustave Eiffel, these halls are a paradise for lovers of fresh and regional products. Stroll between stalls of cheeses,  snails, parsley hams, and local wines. It's the perfect place to discover authentic products and meet local artisans.
  • Practical Info: Open in the morning every day except Monday. Purchase of local products on-site.

Accommodation in Dijon (additional choices):

• Vertigo Hôtel - Dijon, an elegant and design establishment with a spa, from 150 € per night.
• Hôtel des Ducs, for a more affordable option, rooms from 80 € per night.

Where to Eat:

• Loiseau des Ducs, one Michelin star, with reinvented Burgundian flavors (Menu from 65 €).
• DZ'Envies, a bistro address whose reputation is well established for its dishes based on fresh local products (menu from 30 €).

Day 6: Vineyards of the Côte de Nuits – The Soul of Grands Crus

Surrounding Dijon, the Côte de Nuits is renowned for its sophisticated red wines, mainly based on Pinot Noir. This day is dedicated to exploring this legendary terroir.

Activities of the Day:

• Bike Ride on the Grands Crus Route: Rent a bike and pedal on the Grands Crus Route, which travels through magnificent landscapes and crosses emblematic villages like Nuits-Saint-Georges and Gevrey-Chambertin. This mode of transport allows you to discover the vineyards in a relaxed manner, enjoying the views and aromas of the surrounding countryside.
  • Practical Info: Electric bike rental from 35 € per day. Bike circuit between 1h30 and 2h30 depending on the pace.
• Tasting at Domaine Armand Rousseau: Make a stop at Gevrey-Chambertin, home to a true titan of the Burgundian vineyard. Domaine Armand Rousseau is an essential reference for lovers of fine and elegant red wines. The visit ends with an exceptional tasting of several cuvées.
  • Practical Info: By reservation only. Tasting from 50 € for 5 wines. Duration 1h30.

Accommodation in Dijon:

Return to your accommodation in Dijon for the last night in the city.

Where to Eat:

• Restaurant William Frachot, 2 Michelin stars, an exceptional table for memorable dinners (tasting menu from 100 €).
• La Brasserie des Oenophiles, chic and relaxed atmosphere, perfect to end the day simply (menu from 29 €).

Day 7: Excursion in the Vineyards of Chablis

To conclude your stay, head to Chablis, located about 1 hour from Dijon. This wine region is renowned for its exceptional Chardonnays.

Activities of the Day:

• Visit Domaine Laroche in Chablis: This estate invites you to discover its historic cellars and taste Chablis Premier Cru. It's an opportunity to understand the importance of terroir and compare different vintages.
  • Practical Info: Available by reservation only. Price from 35 € for the visit + 5 tastings. Duration 1h30.
• Stroll in Chablis: After the tasting, enjoy a walk in the charming village of Chablis. Stroll along the banks of the Serein or discover the small local shops to bring back some souvenirs.

Accommodation (if you wish to extend by one night in Chablis):

• Hostellerie des Clos, a charming establishment in the heart of Chablis, from 120 € per night.
• Auberge du Pot d'Etain, simpler but authentic, from 70 € per night.

2. Preparing Your Trip to 

How to Get There:

• From Paris by train: A TGV ride will take you to Dijon in about 1h40. From Dijon, Beaune is only 30 minutes by TER.
• By car: Renting a car is recommended to easily reach the wine villages and explore the different towns at your own pace. Distances are short in the region; for example, Beaune is only 45 minutes from Dijon.

Essentials for Discovering the Vineyards:

• Hospices de Beaune
• Grands Crus Route (from Gevrey-Chambertin to Nuits-Saint-Georges)
• Domaine Laroche in Chablis
• Private cellars and estates in Meursault and Pommard

Preparing Your Trip:

• Best Seasons to Go: Autumn, between September and October, is the ideal time to enjoy the harvest and the fall colors in the vineyards.
• Health and Medical Needs: No specific vaccine is required. Bring your personal medications and don't forget a good sunscreen if you go in the summer.
• What to Bring: Bring comfortable clothes, walking shoes for the vineyards, and why not a larger suitcase to bring back some souvenir bottles?
• Necessary Documents: ID card or passport for EU citizens. Driving in  does not require a special permit for foreigners.

3. Booking Your Trip:

Finding a Flight to :

To reach Dijon, the simplest route is to fly to Lyon-Saint-Exupéry, followed by a train ride (about 2h). Another option is Paris-Charles-de-Gaulle, then a TGV to Dijon.

Tip for Cheap Flights: Consider booking your flights at least 2 to 3 months in advance to get the best deals. Use comparators like Skyscanner or Google Flights to find the best deals.

Recommended Accommodation:

• Cottages and Guest Rooms: For a more friendly and authentic experience, opt for guest rooms in the vineyards, often run by local families who are happy to share their passion for wine.
• Hotels: Many hotels in the region combine charm and comfort while being ideally located to explore the surrounding vineyards.

Renting a Car:

Renting a car is essential to visit the vineyards freely. Book in advance to get the best rates through platforms like Rentalcars.com or Auto Europe. Make sure you have good insurance coverage.

Conclusion:

By exploring the vineyards of , you will dive into a region where each glass of wine tells a centuries-old story. This journey rich in flavors and cultural discoveries will leave you with unforgettable memories. So, what are you waiting for to organize your journey through one of the most famous wine terroirs in the world? Cheers!