If you are looking for an elegant and cultural experience holidays in Burgundy should come high on your list. Located on the border of France and Switzerland, the area is renowned for its luscious countryside and the acres upon acres of vineyards that give the region its distinct landscape.
If you do plan to visit Burgundy, you can not miss out on experiencing the best of the regions famous wines, but you could be surprised by how many other activities and attractions are waiting to be discovered. Burgundy accommodation in France can range from village bed and breakfasts to family-size gites and traditional farmhouses, all of which will add to the unique atmosphere of the region.
Burgundy’s cities have some wonderful French architecture on display and can offer some of the finest cuisine in the country. The capital Dijon (known for its mustard) stands as a great monument to French building and design. As most of the city escaped bombing in the Second World War, it houses some great monuments and structures that are now a rare sight in France.
The wealth of Gothic and Renaissance architecture is what makes Dijon a truly remarkable and unique must-visit on your trip. Arriving in the centre en route to your Dijon accommodation you will meet the La Porte Guillaume an arc de triomphe-style gateway to the old part of the town.
A visit to the Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne (Palace of the Dukes and the States of Burgundy) is an absolute must. The building is an immaculate and rare example of Capetian style from the 13th centuries. Inside there is a wonderful display of artwork collected by the Dukes of Burgundy over the years. It also houses the Musee des Beaux-Arts which has some great paintings from local artists and with their interactive exhibition of medieval artefact’s, it is a great place for kids to travel back in time and also experience the famous Guard Room with tombs.
But back in the modern world, Dijon serves as vibrant cosmopolitan shopping area and you cannot leave the city without sampling some of the fine cuisine it has to offer. Coq au vin, beef bourguignon and the customary escargot are all readily available, but there are also lesser known delicacies to choose from. Although Dijon is considered to have one of the best collections of restaurants in France, good value for money can still be found. Many establishments will offer fixed-price menus and family deals. Of course, the best of cuisine is always washed down with the best of the local wine.
Moving south through the rich countryside and you will come to the historic city of Beaune, the former capital of Burgundy which is at the heart of the wine producing of the area. After strolling around the sights of the city centre a trip into the surrounding Côte de Beaune is where you will find famous vineyards from the small communes dotted around the area. Some notable names you may recognise include Savigny-les-Beaune (with its famous chateau), Pernand-Vergelesses and Santenay. Staying in Beaune accommodation offers an abundance of options to visit one of the many vineyards and taste the best of the local produce, but one that comes highly recommended is the Marché aux Vins, which is open 7 days week, all year round.
When you feel you have indulged enough in the fine wine and local cuisine, the beautiful Burgundy countryside provides plenty of opportunities to get out and about. Not only can you take the many walking trails through the hills and vineyards, but bike rental in Burgundy is becoming the most popular way to come into contact with the rural scenery and is a great away for families to explore the area. A vast collection of cycle routes and green roads are provided for cyclists and these pass by many of the main attractions.
When you are taking your leisurely ride through the nature of Burgundy, you will pass by its waterways that are also a hive of activity all year round. From a quiet and calming day of fishing to intense white-water rafting they provide something for everyone. The 1000km of navigable waterways in the region make it one of the most popular areas in France for boating holidays. The Canal de Bourgogne runs from the Yonne valley to the Saône valley and passes through some fascinating attraction such as the town of Chateauneuf-en-Auxois and the châteaux of Tanlay and Ancy-le-Franc in Tannerois. Many of the major towns offer boat and barge rental for as little as one day and up to two weeks.
However, an adventure into the Burgundy countryside wouldn’t be made complete without a visit to the Morvan national park where its stunning scenery is home to a wealth of activities for families to enjoy. Watersports, crafts and wildlife are all here to be discovered. The park also has an inspiring collection of historic sites as well as a museum with local artefact’s.
With so much to do in Burgundy, you had better make sure that you have comfortable accommodation where you can recover and relax. Fortunately, the wealth of options in the area means you will be spoilt for choice.
If deciding on a rural setting, a real holiday farmhouse in Burgundy could be just what you’re looking for. Many of the farmhouses available combine the old rustic charm of a French stone building while offering modern conveniences. They can range from a two-bed bungalow to ten-bed two storey home. Farmhouses and gites in the countryside of Burgundy are ideally located for taking in the calm and blissful atmosphere and experiencing the many activities that the region has to offer.
Although apartment rental and bed and breakfasts in Burgundy can also be found out in the country with some great options in the small villages and communes around the Côte de Beaune there is plenty of great holiday accommodation in the cities and towns to also be considered especially if you are planning a short break for two.
Dijon has some wonderful options close to its cultural centre. However the other cities of Auxurre, Avallon and Beaune can provide some real stunning rentals in the renovated historic buildings, which will add to the cultural ambience of your Burgundy holiday, so why not browse the range of Burgundy accommodation in France today.