Burgundy: The Heart of France's Wine Country

Plan a trip to Burgundy, France, and take a wine-country road trip to sample some of the world's most expensive wines, eat delicious coq au vin, explore the Castle of Saint Fargeau and more.

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Chardonnay Grapes

France’s most famous wines are produced here – those commonly referred to as “Burgundies” – are dry red wines from Pinot Noir grapes and white wines made from Chardonnay grapes (pictured).

Macon, France

Macon, a southern city in the Burgundy region, is best known as a source of good white wines made from the Chardonnay grape. Wine connoisseurs love white wine particularly from the Pouilly-Fuissé. While you’re in Macon, we recommend taking a stroll by the Saône River while you enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir, Beaujolais or Chardonnay -- native to this small town and local wine region.

Burgundy Wine

Burgundy is home to some of the most expensive wines in the world, including those of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, Henri Jayer, Emmanuel Rouget, Domaine Dugat-Py, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Armand Rousseau.

Clos de Vougeot Vineyard

Clos de Vougeot -- a wall-enclosed vineyard and the largest, single vineyard in the Côte de Nuits wine region -- is named for the River Vouge. The river is actually a stream that separates the village Vougeot from Chambolle-Musigny. If you like red wine, then this is a destination you should add to your to-do list.

Dijon, France

Travel to the quaint town of Dijon, known for its gastronomic specialties like snails, mustard and cassis -- a liqueur often mixed with white wine to make Kir, a popular aperitif. The town is also known for its medieval art, half-timber houses and hotels, and its charming streets lined with chic shops.

Beef Bourguignon

Not only is it known as a popular wine region, Burgundy is also a popular food destination. Travel here to taste authentic beef bourguignon, a.k.a. beef Burgundy. The stew is prepared with beef braised in red wine, beef broth, garlic, onions and mushrooms.

Castle of Saint Fargeau

Heribert, bishop of Auxerre and son of Hugh the Great, built the Castle of Saint Fargeau as a hunting meeting place in 980. Located in Yonne, the castle hosts a history show with 600 actors and 60 men on horseback. The show represents 10 centuries of history, including the Joan of Arc epic, the Great Mademoiselle arrival and the French Revolution.

Époisses de Bourgogne

Époisses de Bourgogne is a popular but pungent unpasteurized cows-milk cheese in Burgundy. It’s an acquired taste. This soft cheese is best served with a good red Burgundy wine.

Burgundy Canal

The Burgundy Canal (Canal de Bourgogne), located in central eastern France, connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea via the Seine and Yonne rivers to the Saône and Rhône rivers.

Les Hospices de Beaune

Les Hospices de Beaune, better known to some as the Hôtel-Dieu, was founded in 1443 as a hospital to that provided free care for men who fought in the Hundred Years’ War. The architecture and medieval art is awe-inspiring. Don’t miss seeing Rogier Van de Weyden’s 15th-century masterpiece, “The Last Judgment.”

Coq au Vin

While you’re visiting Burgundy, we suggest you taste coq au vin -- a French braise of chicken cooked with wine (usually local), salt pork, mushrooms and garlic. American chef Julia Child made the dish popular in the U.S. after preparing it on the PBS cooking show, "The French Chef."

Fontenay Abbey

Nestled in a wooded valley in Burgundy, Fontenay Abbey is a well-restored 12th-century Cistercian monastery founded by St. Bernard of Clairvaux. It’s just one of several places tourists should see when visiting Burgundy. Other popular tourist spots include Museum of Modern Art, Morvan Regional National Park and Palais des Ducs.

Truffle Market

Every autumn, the famous Burgundy Truffle market is held at Noyers-sur-Serein. Vendors sell pottery and local produce in the town center. While you’re here, we suggest taking a day trip along the Serein valley to Poilly-sur-Serein, the heart of the Chablis vineyards. Other popular festivals in Burgundy include the Chablis Wine Festival and the Jazz a Beaune.

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France

Burgundy: The Heart of France's Wine Country

Related To:

Shop This Look

Chardonnay Grapes

Macon, France

Burgundy Wine

Clos de Vougeot Vineyard

Dijon, France

Beef Bourguignon

Castle of Saint Fargeau

Époisses de Bourgogne

Burgundy Canal

Les Hospices de Beaune

Coq au Vin

Fontenay Abbey

Truffle Market