Discover Burgundy: The Heart of French wine and cuisine

Food & drink
France
3 min read

Burgundy is renowned for its world-class wines, exceptional food culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If you're seeking an authentic French experience, there's no better destination. Autumn is especially magical, as the vineyards glow with golden hues and the region buzzes with harvest excitement.

Getting There: Effortless Travel with LeShuttle

Start your adventure from Calais. After a swift 35-minute Channel crossing with LeShuttle, you can drive off in your own car and reach Burgundy in less than six hours. This seamless journey means more time to explore.

Why Burgundy?

World Class Wine: Sample legendary Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the heart of France’s wine country
Gastronomic Delights: Enjoy classic French dishes at local restaurants, including Œufs en meurette, gougères, escargots, bœuf bourguignon, and jambon persillé.
Stunning Landscapes: colourful-tiled villages and tree-lined country roads nestled in rolling countryside.
Rich History: the birthplace of the Cistercian order, whose abbeys and vineyards have shaped wine culture over the centuries.

An illustrative map of the itinerary through Burgundy, starting in Semur-en-Auxois and ending in Saint-Aubin

Day 1: Villages & Vineyards

A journey through medieval towns and peaceful countryside, with traditional flavours and a touch of UNESCO world-heritage.

Semur-en-Auxois → Flavigny-sur-Ozerain → Dijon

Morning – Semur-en-Auxois

Explore the medieval town: Wander cobbled streets, admire the ramparts and towers, and enjoy scenic views over the Armançon River.
Coffee & pastry at Le Mont Drejet.
Lunch at La Fontaignotte, enjoy traditional French cuisine made using local produce

A panoramic view of the medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois, with its fortified walls and ancient stone towers rising above a river and bridge. Step back in time as you explore the charming cobblestone streets of Semur-en-Auxois

Drive to Flavigny-sur-Ozerain: ~20 minutes

Afternoon – Flavigny-sur-Ozerain

Visit Les Anis de Flavigny: Taste the famous aniseed sweets made in a former abbey.
Explore the village: One of France’s “Plus Beaux Villages,” known for its preserved medieval charm and as the filming location for Chocolat.

Optional Detour to Fontenay Abbey (UNESCO Site): ~30 minutes from Flavigny

Visit Fontenay Abbey: A serene 12th-century Cistercian monastery and UNESCO World Heritage site. Admire Romanesque architecture and tranquil gardens.
Drive to Dijon: ~1 hour from Flavigny or ~1.5 hours from Fontenay

Fontenay Abbey with a reflecting pool and a large autumn tree on a sunny day Find a moment of peace at the beautiful Fontenay Abbey in Burgundy

Evening – Dijon

Dinner at one of the many Michelin star restaurants: William Frachot – Two Michelin Stars, honoring Burgundy’s finest local ingredients; Cibo – Young chef Angelo Ferrigno crafts honest, locally sourced cuisine with a strong eco-conscious spirit or Origine – Chef Tomofumi Uchimura showcases elevated French dishes—like pressed poultry, gingerbread, and escargots de Bourgogne.
Stay at Grand Hôtel La Cloche: Elegant accommodation in the city centre.

Day 2: Wines & Wonders

A day of legendary vineyards, world-class wines, and elegant dining in Burgundy’s most iconic wine towns through the Route Des Grands Crus.

Dijon → Nuits-Saint-Georges → Beaune → St-Aubin

Morning – Dijon

Visit Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin
Visit the historic centre (part of the UNESCO-listed Climats de Bourgogne): Including the former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy which houses the Fine Arts Museum, and Notre-Dame Church
Stop at Maison Mulot & Petitjean: Sample traditional pain d’épices.

The Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, a grand historic building, towers over the open Place de la Libération, with fountains and outdoor cafe seating in the foreground. The magnificent Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy stands as the centerpiece of the Place de la Libération in Dijon

Optional stop at Clos de Vougeot: ~30 minutes from Dijon

Visit Clos de Vougeot: Explore the historic château and its vineyards, a symbol of Burgundy's wine heritage

Drive from Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges: ~30 minutes

Midday – Nuits-Saint-Georges

Lunch at Le Café de Paris: Try gougères and beef bourguignon.
Wine tasting at Domaine Henri Gouges: Sample robust Pinot Noirs.

Drive to Beaune: ~20 minutes

Afternoon & Evening – Beaune

Visit the Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices Civils de Beaune, one of Burgundy’s must-see sites. This living hospital heritage housed in an iconic medieval building even has its own famous wine estate.

A man and a woman toast with glasses of white wine while sitting on a low stone wall, with rows of grapevines stretching out behind them under a bright sky. Enjoy exquisite wines with breathtaking views across the Côte de Beaune vineyards

Drive to Saint-Aubin: ~25 minutes

Evening – Saint-Aubin

Dinner at Olivier Leflaive—restaurant Klima for seasonal French food (7-minute drive from Saint-Aubin) or Michelin starred L’ed.EM in Chassagne-Montrachet (5-minute drive from Saint-Aubin).
Stay at Maison Prosper Maufoux – Château de Saint-Aubin: Charming guesthouse with wine tasting where you can learn the secrets of the family’s wines. Maison Prosper Maufaux can also propose a tasting session directly on their wine estate.