Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Burgundy

Burgundy is renowned for its world-class wines, stunning natural parks, rich heritage, picturesque countryside, and exceptional cuisine. To truly appreciate this region’s extensive viticulture, visitors should plan several days to explore the bounty of offerings, including esteemed names such as Chablis, Meursault, and Rully, along with five designated wine trails.

This region also boasts a wealth of history, with medieval Romanesque abbeys and churches that have withstood the test of time, as well as remnants of ancient civilizations evident in the Roman ruins of Autun and the Gaulish city of Bibracte.

Wander through charming historic cities like Dijon and Beaune or take a leisurely sail along one of the region’s two picturesque canals.

Here is a closer look at the top attractions in Burgundy:

1. Bibracte

Located on Mont Beuvray near Autun are the remnants of ancient Gaul’s largest city, which continue to be uncovered. Bibracte was a settlement for 10,000 inhabitants, entirely abandoned following the Roman conquest and rediscovered in the 18th century.

This site is historically significant; Vercingetorix was declared leader of the Gauls here in 52 BC, just prior to the crucial Battle of Alesia.

The Museum of Celtic Civilization at Bibracte provides insights into the discovery and excavation of the city and demonstrates how Bibracte fit into the broader context of Celtic Europe, featuring artifacts such as jewelry and pottery alongside depictions of daily life based on archaeological findings.

2. Rock of Solutré

This remarkable limestone ridge, set amidst Burgundy’s premier vineyards, offers an exhilarating hiking experience. The ascent is manageable, and as the highest point in the vicinity, the panoramic views are breathtaking.

On clear, sunny days, it is even possible to glimpse the snow-covered Alpine peaks to the southeast.

Humans have inhabited the limestone formations in this area for over 50,000 years. At the base of the rock lies a Museum of Prehistory showcasing flint tools, and remains left by nomadic hunters.

3. Château de Cormatin

During a time when French châteaux were becoming increasingly ostentatious, this 17th-century château favored understated exteriors. It is situated on an island in the River Grosne, surrounded by 12 hectares of beautifully maintained formal gardens.

Access to the interior is available only through guided tours, where visitors will encounter rooms that have remained unchanged for 400 years.

The grand staircase, a 20-meter tall and 9-meter wide masterpiece, is prominent upon entry. Among the many stunning rooms, the Cabinet of Sainte-Cecilia stands out with its painted panels and abundant gilding.

Visitors should also explore the château’s remarkable kitchen garden, which might inspire garden enthusiasts.

4. Parcours de Chouette

Inspired by the Notre-Dame Church’s emblematic lucky owl, which has been smoothed by centuries of people seeking good fortune, Dijon has established a tourist trail featuring this whimsical character.

The trail consists of 22 stops, which can be arranged into the Roussea, Zola, and Moses loops for a more in-depth exploration of the city’s historic districts.

Each point of interest is marked by a brass owl embedded in the pavement, while visitors may also enjoy additional offerings such as Dijon’s museums, upscale shops, restaurants, and cafes along the way.

5. Hospices de Beaune

Established in 1443 by Burgundy’s chancellor, Nicolas Rolin, this almshouse and hospital for the impoverished in Beaune represents a vital piece of Burgundian heritage, showcasing architectural elements such as wooden galleries, timber framing, and the region’s characteristic polychrome glazed roof.

Furthermore, the hospices are centrally located within 60 hectares of Grand and Premier Cru vineyards and host a notable charity wine auction every November.

The museum on-site features the Beaune Altarpiece, a polyptych painted for the chapel by a Dutch artist, recognized as a masterpiece of 15th-century Gothic art.

6. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon

Dijon’s Museum of Fine Arts is situated in the historic Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, once the seat of some of Europe’s most influential rulers during the Middle Ages.

The diverse collections include works by notable artists such as Monet, Boudin, and Titian, as well as Tibetan sculptures, Korean stoneware, and the fascinating renaissance tombs of the dukes, including John the Fearless and Philip the Bold.

Among the Egyptian artifacts, the collection features a remarkable set of Fayum mummy portraits, which are strikingly realistic paintings created for 2,000-year-old Egyptian burials, resembling Renaissance art from 1,500 years later.

7. Burgundy’s Canals

Before the advent of railroads in the 19th century, Burgundy’s two canals, the Canal du Nivernais and the Canal du Bourgogne, played crucial roles in transporting goods such as timber from the Morvan region across long distances.

The Canal du Nivernais once linked the Seine River with the Loire, while the Canal du Bourgogne stretched over 300 kilometers from north to south.

Visitors can enjoy boat rides through the lush Burgundy countryside, passing picturesque vineyards, woodlands, historic locks, charming villages, and majestic châteaux on elevated grounds. Alternatively, one can drive to a canal and explore the former towpaths on foot or by bicycle.

8. Wine Trails

The Burgundy region is synonymous with exceptional wines and features five designated wine routes, designed to help visitors optimize their experiences amidst the many prestigious vineyards and wine museums.

Prowess in producing first-rate wines is epitomized by the Grands Crus de Bourgogne trail, where 24 of the region’s 33 grands crus can be sampled. Connoisseurs should also include Montrachet and Corton Charlemagne, notable for their exquisite chardonnays.

9. Abbaye de Fontenay

This stunning UNESCO-listed former monastery exemplifies the self-sufficiency of Cistercian monks during the 12th century. Visitors can explore the well-preserved dormitory, refectory, and cloister, along with the monastery’s forge, bathing complex, and bakery.

It is rare to encounter a collection of Romanesque and early Gothic buildings in such pristine condition, characterized by a cohesive architectural style. The grounds are meticulously maintained, featuring formal layouts with linear gravel paths juxtaposed against lawns adorned with topiary.

10. Guédelon Castle

This captivating construction project, gaining international acclaim, involves the recreation of a 13th-century castle being built using period-specific techniques, tools, and materials sourced from the 1200s.

While the castle’s completion is not anticipated until the 2020s, visitors can witness medieval craftsmanship in action. Surrounding the construction site are workshops, offering a glimpse into the work of medieval carpenters, stonemasons, quarrymen, rope-makers, tilers, and blacksmiths. It is remarkable to observe these ancient crafts revitalized in the construction process, contributing to the castle’s evolution each year.

Younger visitors can also engage with medieval farmyard animals such as pigs, lambs, and geese.

11. Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay

As another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Vézelay Abbey stands out among Burgundy’s remarkable collection of Romanesque churches. Its impressive tympanum above the portal is not only masterfully carved but also uniquely depicts a defense of the Crusades occurring in the Middle East during that era, contrasting the typical apocalyptic imagery found in similar structures.

This art serves as both a remarkable political statement and a reminder of the Apostles’ mission during a pivotal period.

12. Autun

This small rural town, located on the eastern foothills of the Morvan, is rich in history, beginning with Emperor Augustus’s directive to establish a settlement at a key intersection of two roads.

Visitors can explore remnants dating back 2,000 years, including the gates of Saint-André and Arroux, the amphitheater, the Temple of Janus, the Couhard Pyramid, and the town’s ramparts.

In addition, Autun is characterized by a sophisticated atmosphere, featuring an exquisite Romanesque cathedral and a range of stately townhouses dating from the 16th century onward.

13. Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

Visible from the old towpath of the Burgundy Canal, the dramatic silhouette of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois represents one of the few remaining 15th-century castles in the region. Although the castle’s square tower dates back to the 12th century, expansion occurred during the 100 Years’ War to fortify the prosperous hillside village.

A total of five towers remain in good condition for their age, with ornate Gothic elements added to the castle’s courtyard after the war for the comfort of nobility.

During the summer months, the village comes alive with various activities, including medieval baking demonstrations and performances by roaming minstrels.

14. Abbaye Saint-Philibert

The Abbey of Saint-Philibert, a remarkable piece of Romanesque architecture, is associated with a former Benedictine monastery in Tournus. A significant portion of its 11th-century structure remains intact, including the church, chapter house, refectory, and cloister.

Explorers can venture into the surprisingly expansive crypt, featuring seven chapels adorned with delicately painted murals. Visitors should take their time upstairs to appreciate features such as 12th-century mosaics and a Baroque organ installed in 1629.

15. Basilique de Paray-le-Monial

This 12th-century Romanesque structure located on the Bourbince River merits a thorough inspection from all angles before entering. Intriguing features include the two towers in front, which reveal differing construction timelines and stylistic elements, with the left tower showcasing Gothic ornamentation while the right adheres to a more austere Romanesque style.

Explore the opposite side to appreciate the beautiful geometry of the small circular chapels branching from the larger circular apse. Inside, the extraordinary foliate and animal motifs carved into the choir’s capitals present even more to discover. An audio guide can provide insights and ensure visitors do not miss any detail.