Located just a few hours from Calais, Burgundy is ideal for a short break or for a longer holiday.

5 reasons to visit Burgundy:

- The vineyards:
Chablis, Coteaux de Pouilly-Sancerre, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise, Mâconnais… The vineyards of Burgundy stretch out from north to south over a length of 250 km, the source of some of the most prestigious wines in the world. Our offer in terms of wine tourism is growing every year with an ever-greater choice of visits to cellars, walks through wine estates, tasting courses, table d’hôtes (meal with a commented wine-tasting). What distinguishes wines in Burgundy is the unique match between the soil, a microclimate, a grape variety and individual know-how. This is what is called the «terroir».
Two grape varieties stand out: Pinot Noir for the red wines and Chardonnay for the whites. The Burgundy Wine Road is divided into several itineraries and covers over 100 AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), representing 200 million bottles marketed annually.

- The local produce and products:
Renowned for its gastronomy, Burgundy boasts some of France’s most famous eating places, including a number of restaurants with culinary distinctions. You’ll find innovative chefs putting a contemporary twist on some of our most traditional favourites, but we have more modest places too. Try some of our regional specialities such as tender Charolais beef, Bresse chicken, Burgundy truffles, Dijon mustard and small red fruits. And browse our colourful food markets where you can talk to farmers and growers who have a passion for produce.

- Cluny 2010:
Celebration of the 1100th anniversary of the foundation of the Abbey of Cluny: in the Middle Ages, the Abbey of Cluny had achieved an extraordinary influence, on a spiritual, political and economical level. Evidence of this power is the abbey church, symbol of the Benedictine order and the largest church in Christendom up until the construction of St Peter’s in Rome in the 16th century. Numerous events will be organised in 2010, including the « Cluny, acme of Romanesque art » exhibition from 29th June to 30th September 2010. This anniversary will be the occasion to rediscover the region’s exceptional Romanesque heritage and, more generally, Burgundy’s religious heritage.

- Another way to discover Burgundy:
Burgundy by water or Burgundy by bike: Burgundy is a real haven for inland waterway enthusiasts. The river network links major towns and historic sites, providing a different and relaxing way to discover Burgundy. The Burgundy canal, Yonne River, the Nivernais canal, the Canal du Centre, the Val de Saône and the Seille River, the Loire Valley, etc... all these canals and rivers are served by more than 40 ports and stopping places. Tourists can go ashore and explore some remarkable sites (Pouilly-en-Auxois, Clamecy, Ecuisses, Digoin, etc.), towns and villages and restaurants... With 1,000 km of navigable water ways, Burgundy is a major destination for boating. 80 % of these tourists come from abroad. Cycling is not only an environmentally-friendly means of transport, it is also a very pleasant way to discover Burgundy. Thanks to the efforts of the local authorities: The Cycling Tour of Burgundy©, Eurovelo 6 (Nantes-Budapest), the green way in Saône-et-Loire, blue paths along the canals, etc., this beautiful and protected region is just waiting to be discovered by cycling enthusiasts.

- An excellent stopover:
If you are en route for your winter or summer holiday destination, Burgundy is a great place to break your journey for a night (or more!). You will find any number of accommodation possibilities and a host of other surprises conveniently placed close to the motorways.