Vast vineyards where guests can stop to visit the cellars and taste Burgundy’s finest wines, commanding castles sitting atop the region’s hills, lush forested areas packed with water and land adventures, and picturesque and well-preserved abbeys. These are only part of the things you can expect to see and experience in and around Dijon. One of France’s most breathtaking regions can be explored by foot, bike, car, or even on a hot air balloon if you want to see unforgettable panoramic vistas. Some of the most iconic landmarks in the region include Burgundy’s Canals, the fortified Gallic town of Bibracte, Abbaye de Fontenay, Rock of Solutré, and many more. If you’re looking to discover this idyllic region, read on as we explore the best things to do in Burgundy, France.
1. Head to the royal Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With a history spanning centuries, Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon is a fine arts museum that first opened its doors in 1787. The museum is hosted by the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, an impressive and vast architectural construction. The museum is home to spectacular art collections, from antiques and paintings to sculptures and drawings, together counting over 130,000 preserved works. Come here and explore the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods, as well as modern art, created by some world-renowned artists but also local Burgundian artists.
Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
Address: 1 Rue Rameau, 21000 Dijon
Website: Musee des Beaux-Arts de Dijon
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 9:30am - 6pm (closed on Tue)
Price: Free admission to permanent collections
2. Explore the historic Parcours de Chouette
Located on Rue de la Chouette, hence its name - Parcours de Chouette, the Owl’s Trail is a 22-stage trail that takes visitors back in time for a peek inside the city’s history and charm. The owl is the symbol of the city of Dijon, so locals make the most of it through this self-guided walking tour that has become a tourist attraction. Tradition says that rubbing an owl with your left hand while you make a wish, will make that wish come true. On this tour, you have to spot as many owls as possible; you’ll find them on brass plaques.
Parcours de Chouette (Owl's trail)
Address: Rue de la Chouette, 21000 Dijon
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
3. Check out the 15th-century Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
France is known for its many superb castles, and Châteauneuf-en-Auxois in the Côte-d'Or region is no exception. The 15th-century fortress sits grandiose atop a hill, attracting people from all over the world to come and admire its spectacular architecture from up close. Its location is a big plus as the surrounding scenery is breathtaking and the village nearby is indeed enchanting.
Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
Address: 21320 Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
Website: Châteauneuf-en-Auxois
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 12:30pm, 2pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
4. Admire the structure of Hospices de Beaune
Hospices de Beaune, also known as Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune, is a hospital foundation that dates back to the Middle Ages when it was founded by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin in 1443, while its building is one of France’s most distinguished historic monuments in Gothic style. The Hospices de Beaune has a renowned wine estate spreading over 60 hectares (148 acres). The wine produced here is sold at an auction every year in November.
Hospices de Beaune
Address: Rue de l'Hotel Dieu, 21200 Beaune
Website: Hospices de Beaune
Opening hours: 9am - 11:30am, 2pm - 5:30pm (daily)
5. Visit the remarkable and well-preserved Bibracte
Bibracte is a fortified Gallic town that was founded at the end of the second century BC at the top of Mont Beuvray. Bibracte is where Julius Caesar stayed after his victory at Alésia, making its historical significance even greater. The city of Bibracte was abandoned for two millennia, but has remained one of the best-preserved sites, and was reborn, thanks to archaeologists.
Bibracte
Address: Mont Beuvray, 71990 Saint-Léger-sous-Beuvray
Website: Bibracte
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
6. Cruise on Burgundy’s Canals
Built between the 17th and 19th centuries, the Burgundy Canal cross the central and eastern part of France, connecting River Yonne at Migennes with the Saône at Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Throughout the years, the canals have played an important role as a means of ceramic transportation and in wood floating. A river cruise on the canals will pass you by the superb landscape, including charming French villages.
7. Pray at Vézelay Abbey
Vézelay Abbey, a landmark monastery in the commune with the same name, was founded in the 9th century. The Benedictine church has become a place of pilgrimage soon after it was built, as it acquired the relics of St Mary Magdalene. The construction is impressive, as it blends Burgundian Romanesque architecture and art. Vézelay Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Vézelay Abbey
Address: 89450 Vézelay
Website: Vézelay Abbey
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
8. Enjoy panoramic views from Rock of Solutré
Another natural beauty in Burgundy is Rock of Solutré, a limestone formation that stands tall like a Sphinx, overlooking the Solutré-Pouilly commune. Its unusual shape, as well as the surrounding scenery, have turned Rock of Solutré into a symbol of Southern Burgundy, and an iconic site visited by travelers from all over the world. The rock can be climbed in under an hour and the views from atop are simply breathtaking – on a clear day, you can even see the Alps in the distance.
9. Hike through Morvan National Park
Another area that nature lovers and outdoors enthusiasts should visit is Morvan Regional National Park, a protected area sprinkled with lakes, rocky slopes, rivers, and woodlands. The national park spreads across 285,000 hectares (704,000 acres) of pristine nature, right in the heart of Burgundy. The granite massif of Morvan is the closest mountain range to Paris, making for a terrific nature getaway, easily accessible by motorway. This green oasis of untouched lands is perfect for hiking, fishing, sailing, rock climbing, and a variety of other outdoor adventures.
Morvan National Park
Address: Lieu-dit, Les Petites Fourches, 58230 Saint-Brisson
Website: Morvan National Park
10. Tour Château de Cormatin
Built in the 17th century, the magnificent Château de Cormatin sits in a 12-hectare (30 acres) park, surrounded by splendid gardens with colorful flowerbeds, ornamental lakes, a boxwood maze, a vegetable garden, and 200-year-old lime trees. Its architecture impresses with military-style facades and a large staircase, while indoors the castle is separated into sumptuous apartments that are painted and sculpted, and boasts gold details. Walk through the Hall of Mirrors, where a collection of exotic and peculiar objects has been gathered, including stuffed animals and minerals. The cabinet of Saint Cecilia is so impressive, as it is the best-preserved room in France from that time, and features gold and carefully painted details.
Château de Cormatin
Address: Château de, 71460 Cormatin
Website: Château de Cormatin
11. Browse through the fine art at Musée des Ursulines
The Ursulines were the first religious community of nuns to be established in Trois-Rivieres in the late 1600s, where they had notable influence. A former school, hospital, and cloister, Musée des Ursulines today hosts regional archaeology collections and temporary exhibits on the ground floor and fine arts paintings and sculptures from the 16th century to contemporary times on the second floor. It’s an impressive visit, as you’ll get to take a peek inside French art, learn about neo-classicism, but also the symbolist movement, the more current post-cubist art, and the abstract-geometric current.
Musée des Ursulines
Address: 5 Rue de la Prefecture, 71000 Mâcon
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm; Sun: 2pm - 6pm (closed on Mon)
12. Ride on a hot-air balloon from Beaune (from USD 291.0)
The Burgundy region of France has one of the country’s most scenic landscapes, especially the region between Dijon and Beaune, but it’s hard to capture the beauty in all its entirety from the land. The best way to admire Burgundy’s vineyards, imposing chateaux, and picturesque medieval villages is from the air. Hop on a hot air balloon, and take on the skies, as you take in Burgundy’s magnificence from up above.
Beaune Small-Group Hot-Air Balloon Ride with Champagne
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
13. Visit Paray-le-Monial
Paray-le-Monial is a commune in the Saône-et-Loire department, in eastern France. Nicknamed the “city of the Sacred Heart,” the picturesque town is set on the rolling hills of Burgundy, right on the banks of the River Bourbince. The most iconic town landmark is Basilica du Sacre-Coeur, which welcomes more than 1 million visitors each year. The Roman-style church dates back from the 12th century and features an octagonal central tower and several round chapels around it. Other notable attractions in Paray-le-Monial include the Town Hall, Chapel of the Visitation, Place Lamartine, and Saint Nicholas Tower.
14. Taste Bourgogne wine at Péniche Cancale
When in Dijon, Péniche Cancale is a must-stop, for an authentic experience and local wine tasting in a unique setting. The boat that serves as a cultural and gourmet establishment in the Port du Canal today was built in 1951 and formerly used to transport different goods like wheat, corn, flour, iron, cement, and even beer cans. The boat had seen the major canals of France and Europe, until October 2008, when it was retired in Port du Canal. Today, it serves as a concert venue, a great place to visit for dancing, to have a drink, a snack, or enjoy culinary entertainment. The variety of its programs attracts people with different interests and likes, all looking to have a great time.
Péniche Cancale
Address: Port Du Canal, 21000 Dijon
Website: Péniche Cancale
Opening hours: Thu: 7pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 7pm - 1:45am (closed from Sun - Wed)
15. Go river rafting in Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan
Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan is a natural oasis and protected area not far from Paris. Sprinkled with lush forests, lakes, and rivers, it is the ideal setting for a getaway in the heart of nature, whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or just an off-the-grid place to recharge. With rivers and lakes galore, the park is a watersports aficionado’s dream place. It’s perfect for sailing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and river rafting. If you know how to swim and are not afraid of getting wet or being cold, whitewater rafting in the idyllic setting of the Morvan will leave you breathless. From adrenaline-pumping your veins, as you encounter quick rapids to smooth water areas where you get to take in the surrounding greenery, it will be an adventure to remember.
Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan
Address: Lieu-dit, Les Petites Fourches, 58230 Saint-Brisson
Website: Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan
16. Party it out at Le Copacabana
After all the cultural and historical attractions and outdoor adventures, it’s time to dance the night away, and what better place to go to than the iconic Copacabana in Beaune? Its location might be surprising, as you wouldn’t probably expect to find a dance club is a small old town like Beaune. The club has an age limit of 25 years so make sure you first check that everyone in your group can enter. Once inside, you can enjoy a snack and drink, hang out on the heated smoking terrace, or head inside and get dancing.
Le Copacabana
Address: Hotel Zone, 5 Rue Buffon, 21200 Beaune
Website: Le Copacabana
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 12am - 6am (closed from Sun - Thu)
17. Dine at Restaurant Greuze
Everyone knows that French cuisine is a delight and goes best with a fine glass of wine. Restaurant Greuze, in Tournus, however, takes the fine dining experience to a whole new level. The Michelin-starred restaurant is an institution of cuisine, where Chef Chapuis creates magic in every plate he carefully crafts like the artist he is. Each plate that comes out of his kitchen is picture-perfect and delicious that you’ll feel both sorry and excited to eat it. Restaurant Greuze serves classic dishes with a twist with a menu that includes recipes like caramel and salted butter Saint-Honoré with short pastry and Madagascar vanilla ice cream, or Limousin lamb shoulder with cassis viennoise and Paimpol beans. Best of it all, the restaurant is set in an 11th-century abbey with striking architecture.
Restaurant Greuze
Address: 1 Rue Albert Thibaudet, 71700 Tournus
Website: Restaurant Greuze
Opening hours: Thu - Mon: 12pm - 1:30pm, 7:15pm - 9:15pm (closed on Tue & Wed)
18. Be amazed by the historic Abbaye de Fontenay (from USD 125.6)
Founded by St. Bernard in the 12th century, Abbaye de Fontenay is a former Cistercian abbey built in Romanesque style. The Burgundian monastery features a church, a cloister, a refectory, a bakery, and sleeping quarters, as well as flawlessly manicured gardens – everything the earliest communities of Cistercian monks needed for living a good but modest day-to-day life. Today, the oldest Cistercian church in the world is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
From Dijon: Countryside, Villages & UNESCO Half-Day Tour
Duration: 5 hour
19. Take a wine tour from Dijon (from USD 147.0)
It wouldn’t be a trip to Burgundy without tasting some of the finest Burgundian wines, carefully crafted on the many vineyards surrounding Dijon. Less than 30 minutes by car from Dijon, and you’ll arrive at the start of the Côte de Nuits. Make sure you enjoy the scenic drive along the way as you pass through different vineyards, stop at traditional wine cellars, and sample the prestigious Premier Cru and Grand Cru red and white wines.
Burgundy Small-Group Wine Tour, Côte de Beaune, from Dijon
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
Burgundy, one of France's most picturesque regions
Whether it’s the finest wine and French cuisine, outdoor adventures, or a history and culture immersion that you’re looking for, you’ll find them all in Burgundy, France’s stunning region that is filled with national parks, mountain peaks, vineyards, castles, and abbeys. Read our full list for the best things to do in Burgundy, France, and get ready to experience all these wonders on your next trip.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to