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Burgundy Overview

The east of the region, also known as Franche-Comté, is a paradise for outdoors enthusiasts, offering rugged scenery and sparkling rivers, making hill walking and canoeing two popular pastimes here.

Many of our customers who enjoy wine base themselves in the Loire, Dordogne, Jura or Champagne regions, but also make a pilgrimage to Burgundy, in order to enjoy the many famous vintages that originate in this prosperous region.

The village names in Burgundy read like a wine merchant’s list, with Beaune, Chablis, Macon, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Aloxe-Corton to name but a very few. So it goes without saying that wine buffs are in for a rare treat and many fascinating dégustations when they venture here. Though one doesn’t necessarily have to be here for the wine to be charmed by the ancient, winding streets of lovely Chablis.

There are also a host of venerable towns, cities and great buildings to admire in Burgundy: with Dijon offering art and architecture in equal measure and Fontenay and Vézelay offering a wealth of exquisite Romanesque buildings.

The 12th century Abbaye de Fontenay is not only the oldest Cistercian Abbey in all France, it is also spectacularly beautiful, while the Basilica of Saint Madelaine in the hilltop town of Vézelay is widely regarded as a Romanesque masterpiece.

And once you have immersed yourself in the countryside, or the culture of Burgundy, you will find a cuisine that is as hearty and robust as any in France, making the perfect accompaniment to all of those fine wines and Grand Cru.

As well as Burgundy campsites, Eurocamp have campsites available across France. Take a look at our campsites in France section for more information.

Places to visit - Sightseeing

Combining unspoiled scenery with some of the most historic cities in all France, camping in Burgundy really does offer something for everyone:

Beaune
This lovely old town offers a host of treasures within its ancient ramparts, most notably the 15th century Hotel-Dieu, with its elaborate, multicoloured roof; and the Hotel des Ducs de Bourgogne, home to the fascinating Burgundy Wine Museum.

Dijon
One of the most spectacular cities in France, Dijon’s many treasures include the wonderful 11th century Church of St Etienne, the Musée des Beaux Arts and the magnificent 13th century gothic Notre Dame Cathedral.

Avallon
This splendid, fortified town has withstood everyone from the Saracens to the English over the centuries, and its proud ramparts, overlooking the ravines of the River Cousin are still well worth seeing today.

Basilica of Saint-Madelaine
The jewel in the crown of Vézelay, the Basilica of Saint-Madelaine dominates the skyline for miles around, and is equally magnificent from within. Combining Romanesque and Gothic architecture, it is famously beautiful.

Abbaye de Fontenay
As the oldest surviving Cistercian abbey in France, Fontenay is a must-see while you are in Burgundy. Originally founded in 1118, its Romanesque church and vaulted Chapterhouse have a faded grandeur all of their own.

Besancon
Ancient Capital of the Franche-Comte region, Besancon’s glories include the 16th century Palais Granville and 12th century Cathedral St Jean. However, the stunning 19th century Astronomical Clock must also be seen, especially when it strikes the hour.

Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut, Ronchamp
Completed in 1955, this is certainly not one of France’s oldest cathedrals; but as it was designed by legendary architect Le Corbusier, its sculptural qualities make it well worth seeing.

Great for younger kids

Touro Parc en Beaujolais
With more than 800 animals in its zoo park area, a fascinating museum, theme park and water park, Touro Parc offers enough to keep every family amused all day long.

Great for older kids

Karting Dijon-Prenois
This 1100m long kart track offers mini karts for 7-14 year-olds and twin-engined and Rotax karts for older drivers, creating an exciting experience that is particularly popular with teens.

Places to visit - Activities & events

Fishing
The serene countryside and gentle rivers and lakes of Burgundy are ideal for fishing, and both Saint-Martin-sur-Ouane and Avallon offer fine waters for fly-fishing.

Golf
Burgundy offers numerous beautiful golf courses, including the lovely Golf de Bourbon-Lancy, which sits at the foot of the Charolais hills and Golf de Chalon-sur-Saone, which enjoys a stunning riverside setting.

Cycling
Burgundy already has 600km of cycle routes, which will ultimately become an 800km loop that runs past may of the regions finest chateaux and vineyards. Consisting of both greenways and cycle tracks, it is an ever-growing delight for every cyclist.

Watersports
Burgundy offers many opportunities to enjoy watersports, though many of the best are to be found in the Morvan National Park, where the lakes and rivers enable you to enjoy canoeing, kayaking and white water rafting.

Unmissable events in Burgundy

Chalon dans la Rue
For a few days in the middle of July in Chalon-sur-Saone, the medieval streets are given over to this internationally famous street arts festival, as tumblers, jugglers, storytellers and circus performers entertain the crowds.

Festival Ciné-Rétro – Every August in Beaune
For a month every year, film buffs gather in Beaune to enjoy this wonderful festival dedicated to silent films and the Hollywood stars who came before the invention of the talkies.

Le Creusot Blues Festival
Usually held on the last weekend in June, this is the biggest Blues festival in the region and features an eclectic mix of jazz, blues and gospel.

Festival de Montgolfières
Usually held for a few days in mid-June in Chalon-sur-Saone, this extraordinary festival brings together balloonists and wine-makers in a celebration of both of these uplifting pursuits.

Places to visit - Eating out

The cuisine of Burgundy is rich and full of flavour, thanks largely to the local habit of adding a bottle of wine to every great dish:

• Boeuf Bourguignonne– fine beef from the Charolais, cooked in red wine with baby onions and lardons.
• Coq au Vin – Chicken flamed in brandy then cooked in a bottle of Burgundy, with garlic, carrots, shallots, mushrooms and lardons.
• Escargots – Snails that have been boiled with Chablis, carrots and onions, then returned to their shells together with garlic and parsley, then baked.
• Wine – There are so many great wines here that you really are spoiled for choice, though it is hard to go wrong with anything that says Burgundy on the label, whatever the vineyard of origin.

Campsites in region