Burgundy

BURGUNDY – WHY GO?

A trip to Burgundy is like travelling through a stellar wine cellar. The region's celebrated wine towns make it heaven for bon vivants as one famous vineyard runs into another. Expect great gastronomy to match: this is the home of boeuf Bourgignon and other famous French kitchen classics.

MUST SEE, MUST DO

Lyon
Lyon showcases 2,000 years of history from Roman theatres to the best of contemporary art. The city's vieille ville is a medieval jewel of narrow cobblestone streets, high-sided Renaissance mansions, tiny courtyards and pillared doorways. Wander along the quayside markets, browse in some of top stores of France's second city and the climb the hill for an eagle's eye view from the cathedral grounds.

Dijon
Best known for its famous mustard, Dijon was once home to one of the most powerful dynasties in France. Remnants of its historic glories are best seen in the Quartier Notre Dame, heaving with characterful old buildings. You'll find sumptuous food shops and cafes around the market square and covered Halles.

Beaujolais
The well marked Route de Beaujolais winds through pretty villages to Villefranche, not far from Lyon. There are plenty of wine caves where you can enjoy a taste of the region's famous Beaujolais wines.

Beaune
Narrow cobbled streets and sunny squares dotted with cafés make Beaune a lovely spot to sample the region's Burgundian wines.

MAKE A DATE

December
Shops and homes in Lyon light up with candles for the city's four-day Festival of Light.

September
Fight for tickets to see one of the shows at the Biennale de la Danse, held in Lyon every two years.

BURGUNDY ROMANCE

Good food and wine are the stuff of life here. Share a hearty Bouef Bourgignon with a bottle of a fine Burgundian wine in a candlelit cellar restaurant.