The Best 5 Things to See in Burgundy Cote d’Or

When you think of Burgundy, and the first thing that comes to mind, is “WINE” right? Well, you are definitely right, however, if you look a bit deeper, this region also has an incredibly rich cultural heritage to offer. Read on to discover the 5 very best things to see in Burgundy.

Burgundy is an enchanting region in Eastern France and undisputedly one of the most famous in the country.

La Bourgogne, as the French call it, is a must-see for any wine aficionado, wine is practically the lifeblood of the region. 

Known for its rolling hills, lush vineyards, and picturesque medieval villages, Burgundy is a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

The Côte d’Or is Burgundy’s most precious gem. The name, Côte d’Or, literally means, “Golden Slope”.

Famously and historically, it is the heartland of Burgundy’s wine regions, producing some of the most expensive wines in the world.

The Côte d’Or is divided into two halves, namely, Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune.

Since 2015 this region’s “Climats” (vineyards) have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Dijon is the capital city of the Côte d’Or region, and the former seat pf power of the dukes of Burgundy.

As you set foot in this pristine Burgundian town, it’s great historical importance is immediately evident.

Broad, limestone paved avenues and opulently decorated facades draw you in, inviting you to share in the city’s good fortune. Dijon is definitely one of the best things in Burgundy to see.

After arriving, head over to Notre Dame cathedral, an architectural masterpiece. Once there, don’t forget to stroke the lucky owl.

This emblematic symbol of Dijon is so popular, that you might have to wait your turn to give it a rub.

Head back along the iconic Rue des Forges, straight to the François-Rude square. This is such a charming place, ideal for shopping some locally produced mustard or just chilling at one of the lively bistros.

The central carousel and surrounding timber frame houses give this place a magical ambience.

If you enjoy being wowed by grand buildings, visit the Place de la Liberation. Here stands the Ducal Palace and its mighty tower, which are a sight to behold.

There’s so much to see in Dijon, you might want to stay for a couple of days????.

2. The Enchanting Château du Clos de Vougeot

Tucked away in the heart of the vineyards, and enclosed by ancient stone walls, stands the Château du Clos de Vougeot. This captivating site is symbolic of Burgundy’s monastic heritage, which spans over 1000 years.

Although wine is no longer produced here, the former monastery is now an excellent museum dedicated to antiquated winemaking.

Four immense wine presses still stand in the vat house or cuverie. You can visit the main cellar or Grand Cellier, the kitchen, and even the dormitory, where you’ll find a cool display of wine-making tools.

Monks have been cultivating vines here since the 12th century. It is thanks to their efforts that the appellation of “Gran Cru, Clos de Vougeot” continues to exist today.

Although the wine is now produced at a more modern facility, it is still heralded as one of the most prestigious labels of the region.

Originally a farm, Vougeut was transformed into a Renaissance manor house during the 15 hundreds.

This historic residence later become the headquarters of the “Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin”,

Every year, the order appoints new members and knights them in the name of Bacchus.
To commemorate the occasion, members from all over the globe unite to celebrate with a grand dinner at the Clos de Vougeot.

Vsiting the Châteaud du Clos de Vougeot, along with its astonishing exhibits, is an absolute must on anyone’s list of the best things to see in Burgundy.

Behind the sturdy walls of this minute town, resides the great wine capital of Burgundy.
Its association to the great wines of the region is so strong that almost everything in town centers around it.

Within the city’s walls, you’ll discover a staggering assortment of wineries. Most of these establishments can be visited, and some of them boast a rather fine pedigree.

One of the more renowned merchants, Bouchard Aîné & Fils, is a family-run business, selling fine wines for over 300 years.

Directly off of the charming, La Halle square, you’ll find two of the city’s must-see attractions: the landmark Hotel-Dieu Museum, and the Marché aux Vins.

If you need to escape the scorching heat of summer, it’s a good idea to book a wine tasting at the Marché aux Vins. The cool, underground cellars are a welcome relief from the hot sun. They also stock an excellent selection of elite Burgundian wines, there’s a bottle for each pocket.

Beaune is also home to a Wine Museum-Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne and the Maison des Climats, a free museum dedicated to the unique wine-making history of the region.

During the high season, Beaune can get quite hectic.

For some activity in the fresh air, leave the city walls and visit one of the many outlying vineyards strewn about the surrounding hills. Don’t forget, these are UNESCO world heritage sites. 

ALSO, check out this wonderful Grand Cru day trip that takes you from a quaint winery in Beaune to the enthralling cellars of the Château du Clos de Vougeot. In addiction, you get to taste 10 Burgundian wines, TEN!

Honestly, visiting Burgundy doesn’t get easier than this, and you don’t even have to worry about driving.

Are you looking to buy some wine, but not sure what’s what? Well, here’s a quick cheat sheet to know what you’re looking at. 

Appellations are a part of the various nomenclature you’ll find on Burgundian wine labels. They are applied to categorize and distinguish wines according to their origin.

Knowing the four appellation tiers will help you to understand how prestigious (ergo how pricey), a particular bottle of wine is.

This gem of a museum is so fascinating that it deserves it own special mention. We absolutely loved it and, we think you will too.

Hôtel-Dieu is the most famous landmark in Beaune. You’ll recognize the Museum easily from afar thanks to its iconic tiled roof and stunning Gothic architecture.

This grand establishment opened its doors as a hospital for the poor back in 1443. The charity was founded by the good-hearted Nicolas Rolin and his wife.

The noble couple dedicated their lives to the success of the project and created an institution that would last for centuries. The hospital was so ahead of its times that it remained in use until 1971!

During your visit, get ready to take a leap into the past. The museum’s exhibits offer a rare glance at life from another era.

Two long lines of curtained beds will lead you through the “Great Hall of the Poor”, a room so impressive and grand that you won’t know where to look first.

Be sure to take a moment to also appreciate the ceiling, which is as marvelous as it is ancient.  

It stands to reason, that an establishment of this importance, in Burgundy, must also be connected to wine. In fact, the estate owns its fair share of vineyards and continues to produce high-quality wines.

Each year, a charitable auction of Hôtel-Dieu wines is still held at the former hospital.

Meursault is a small Burgundian town that sits on the banks of the Meursault river.  The name “Meursault”  was allegedly given by roman soldiers and literally translates to “Mouse Leap”.

If it’s not too hot, you can take a quick stroll through the small town center. Along the charming streets, take in the beautiful architecture of the medieval houses and churches.

One of the most striking features of Meursault is the Town Hall. This grand building is a perfect example of Burgundian architecture, with a striking colorful tiled roof and a beautiful clock tower. 

Albeit small, the building houses a museum and a library too!

Known for its picturesque rolling hills and sloping vineyards, the Meursault region produces some of the finest wines in the world. Among the most prestigious wineries is Château de Meursault.

This residence, its parks, and vineyards stretch for more than 10 hectares and provides a marvelous setting to taste some of the more select wines of Cote de Beaune.

Among the most prestigious wineries is the Château de Meursault.

This residence, its parks, and vineyards stretch for more than 10 hectares and provides a marvelous setting to taste some of the more select wines of Cote de Beaune.

The Château’s cellars consist of many intricate chambers, spread out over 3500 square meters. This antiquated subterranean network dates all the way back to the 12th century.

Also, the biggest room is so vast that up to 800 barrels of wine can fit in it! 

Here the vines are organically cultivated, and the grapes are still handpicked. In other words, at Château de Meursault, people still have nature at heart.

We enjoyed a fantastic private tour of the immense underground cellars and tasted some of the region’s most famous Grands Crus.

From ancient cloisters to mystical abbeys, sumptuous châteaux, and fine bistros, there’s something here to suit every taste.

In conclusion, whether you’re a wine aficionado or a teetotaler, Burgundy’s Côte d’Or makes for a great holiday destination.

We hope you enjoyed this article and that you will LOVE your stay in Burgundy! Support us by following Bold Travellers on Pinterest and Instagram