What to do in Burgundy?

• Dijon, capital of the dukes of Burgundy It is called the city of a hundred steeples, because of its beautifully preserved architectural heritage, dating back to medieval and Renaissance times. We admire the Palace of the Dukes, the Philippe Le Bon Tower, churches and mansions, following the course of the owl, the emblem of the city.

• The Hospices de Beaune This former 15th century Gothic flamboyant hospital with polychrome roofs is known worldwide for its 60 hec vineyard. The wines of Côtes de Nuit, Pouilly-Fuissé and Côtes de Beaune are sold at auctions on the 3rd Sunday of November. A note to the amateurs...

• Chalon-sur-Saône, city of art and history Of medieval tradition, Chalon is also the birthplace of Nicephore Niepce, the inventor of photography, which has its museum. Go stroll in the pedestrian streets, around the place St Vincent, it will charm you.

• The abbeys of Cluny and Tournus If you are interested in religious sites, you will be seduced by the imposing Cluny abbey, founded in the 10th century, cultural and intellectual center, and by St Philibert abbey of Tournus, a masterpiece of Romanesque art.

• The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy At the heart of Dijon, this is where the sovereigns of the Burgundy state had taken up residence in medieval times. Redesigned by Mansart, opened on a place of honor, the stone building today houses the town hall, the museum of fine arts and the tourist office.

• Saint-Etienne cathedral of Sens Amateur gothic art, the cathedral will amaze you. The architect-builder is said to have invented the ogival cross, a revolutionary concept in the 12th century.

• The small town of Chablis Surrounded by the famous vineyards that produce dry white wine, Chablis is a fine example of a medieval village. Visiting the Obédiencerie, a former monastery built in the 9th century, will whet your appetite before sitting down at Fil du Zinc, an exceptional restaurant in the heart of the city.

• The Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Paray-le-Monial High place of pilgrimage in France, the sanctuaries of Paray-le-Monial attract hundreds of thousands of people each year. The Romanesque basilica of the Sacred Heart, erected in the 10th century, still testifies to the Christian faith.

• The medieval site of Guédelon Do you have a builder soul? So this experience will please you. On the living site of Guédelon, you will learn how to use materials to build ... a castle! By participating in workshops, you will know how to carve the stone, bake tiles, reduce iron ore ... This will keep you busy until 2025, date of completion of this project which is like no other.

• The priory of Charité-sur-Loire and the basilica of Vézelay Two major sites to discover religious art: the priory of Charity, the Gothic cloister, and the basilica of Vézelay, building symbolizing the Romanesque style, step on the road to St Jacques de Compostela

• Travel the road of Grands Crus de Bourgogne With nearly 100 appellations, Burgundy wine is distinguished by its great diversity of wines (red and white) and "climates", shaped by soils and very specific exhibitions. Here, on the 60 kms of the route des grands crus, the famous names are crisscrossed: Meursault, Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, St Georges Nights, Vosne-Romanée, Pommard, Aloxe-Corton, Puligny-Montrachet, ...

• A visit to Béru Castle and a tasting of its exceptional wine A charming break in the vineyards of Chablis: the castle belongs to the Counts of Béru since the 17th century and produces a grape variety 100% Chardonnay, mineral aroma, on a small parcel protected walls fortified for 700 years.

• Test the mustard bar of Fallot mustardery If you thought you knew everything about Dijon mustard, you will be surprised. This traditional factory offers an interactive Sensations Fortes circuit, which reveals the secrets of Sénevé seeds, verjuice and various herbs. To be enjoyed at the bar, without moderation.

• Cycling getaway along the greenway From Chalon sur Saône to Macon, 70 kms, the greenway allows you to discover by bike the vineyards and the heritage, at slow speed while you take your time.

• Delight in a rare and delicate dish: the truffle The truffle of Burgundy, or "Tuber Uncinatum" for the specialists, thrives on the limestone plateaux, with the feet of the black pines, the hazel trees and the charms. Black in color, it releases a subtle aroma of hazelnut and mushroom. Check out the markets in the fall, and enjoy it in one of the Burgundy restaurants that offer "truffle" menus.

• Browse 900 years of history at Fontenay abbey The religious heritage of Burgundy has crossed the centuries and this Cistercian Abbey Fontenay is one of the oldest preserved in the world. Founded in 1118, nestled in a preserved valley of 1200 ha, it is always visited with emotion and serenity.

• Drill the legend of the Dijon owl Scrutinize the foothills of Notre Dame church in Dijon, and you will see it! It brings good luck to all those who touch it with the left hand, the right hand on the heart. And the owl was a nocturnal animal protection symbol, right?

• Make friends at the Burgundy Wine School in Beaune A school to know everything about wine? Yes, it exists! In Beaune, it is an essential step, where there are organized courses, conferences, tastings, to initiate or improve you, in a friendly atmosphere.

• A cruise on the Nivernais canal Over nearly 180 kms, between St Léger des Vignes in the Nièvre and Auxerre, capital of Lower Burgundy, the canal allows you to sail closer to the greenery, villages and vineyards, in boats without a license. Ideal to take the time to live!

• Take a trip to the Great Lakes of Morvan Ideal to decompress! The six lakes are all different, nestled in a hilly and generous nature: Settons, Pannecière, St Agnan, Chaumeçon, Chamboux or Crescent. Canoeing, swimming, cycling, fishing, ... you will find your happiness.