Summary
Exploring the Beauty of Burgundy by Train
It is a commonly agreed upon misconception that you cannot see the European countryside by train. The European rail system covers much more ground than you might expect, especially with maps available at your fingertips.
Moreover, the internet has made it challenging to display comprehensive rail maps due to bandwidth and pixel limitations on typical web pages.
If you’re eager to explore some of France’s most captivating countryside without the hassle of driving, follow along to plan your personal itinerary to the Burgundy (Bourgogne) region, particularly the Cote d’Or, known as the gold coast.
Burgundy Starting at Paris
If you’re flying into Paris, you can take the TGV directly from Charles DeGaul Airport (CDG) to Dijon or Beaune. Dijon is a town in northern Burgundy boasting a fine Medieval core and an intriguing market. Staying a couple of nights in Dijon will help you acclimate, particularly if you’re arriving from the US.
Alternatively, you may start your journey in Vezelay, a charming hill town developed to protect Vézelay Abbey; the abbey and the town together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This town is also celebrated for its wine and culinary delights.
Getting into the Burgundy Countryside by Train
From Dijon (the station is called Dijon Ville), you can take a short hop to either Beaune or Chagny (Beaune also has a TGV station). If you’re traveling on a limited Eurail pass, avoid using a day for a short trip like Dijon to Beaune.
Beaune serves as an excellent hub for your Burgundy visit. Make sure to stop by the Beaune tourist information office on the ring road at 6 Bd Perpreuil to explore your options. If you enjoy walking—which is undoubtedly the best way to appreciate the breathtaking vineyard landscape—this office can provide a packet of walking routes complete with maps and directions. You can also look into the Pass Beaune Comme Bourgogne, which offers discounts for touring various sites. Don’t miss the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune), which intriguingly combines community charity with the wine industry. Additionally, the tourist office can recommend other tour options.
For those who enjoy cycling, there is a bike route from Beaune to Santenay. The brochure is available for download in PDF format, although it is only in French. Bicycles can be rented in Beaune; inquiries can be made at the Tourist Information Office.
Alternatively, you might consider extending your local train ride a bit further and disembarking at the village of Chagny. Here, you will want to stay at the Hotel Restaurant Lameloise, located at 36 Place D’armes, which features an exceptional restaurant despite being categorized as a three-star hotel.
Continuing down the train line, you will arrive at Chalon-sur-Saône, nestled in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise, famous for appellations like Mercurey, Rully, and Montagny.
In Chalon-sur-Saône, you can also access the Voie Verte, a paved pathway extending 117km away from roads and cars, utilizing old railway and “haulage” routes. This path allows for walking or biking through the stunning vineyards of Burgundy. A map and information about France’s first voie verte can enhance your experience.
Consult the Tourist Office at 4 place du Port Villiers for additional travel resources.
Train Resources for Burgundy
Continuing South from Burgundy
Just south on the rail line, you will find France’s culinary capital, Lyon. Traveling further south allows you to discover the wines and towns of the Rhône Valley.
