Stage 7 of our regiontrip: Burgundy-Franche-Comté, do you know it? Let me give you a few examples: good wine, good cheese, good charcuterie, breathtaking landscapes, historic monuments and outdoor activities.
So, you want to discover it? I knew you would! We’re off!
First stop: history
Many towns and villages are brimming with history and monuments. Unfortunately, we can’t mention them all, so we’ve tried (as best we can) to make a small selection for you.
First of all, the well-known Hospice de Beaune and Hôtel-Dieu. These are real architectural gems and a must-see if you’re in the area. In the same vein, there’s Semur-en-Auxois. It’s a village not to be missed! You’ll find château life as it was in days gone by, medieval bridges and, not to be missed, a visit to the collegiate church of Notre-Dame. In the same spirit, let’s talk about Cluny, a charming little village. Don’t hesitate to climb to the top of the cheese tower! 120 steps of effort, but a 360° panoramic view.
Vézelay will also live up to all its promises. It holds the title of most beautiful village in France, and is also a starting point for pilgrimages on the route to Santiago de Compostela. Finally, because we prefer to give you a qualitative list rather than a quantitative one, we’ll travel to Flavigny sur Ozerain for our last village. This is a very well-preserved historic village. You can visit it on your own or on a guided tour. We recommend a visit to the Maison du Donataire and the Church of Saint-Genest.
Second stop: the monuments
First of all, we recommend a visit to the Roche de Solutré. It’s a monument that’s a little out of the ordinary for those of us who are used to visiting the remains of buildings. Here, you’ll discover one of Europe’s oldest prehistoric deposits. It’s the starting point for numerous hiking trails. We strongly encourage you to try the local white wine, Pouilly-fuissé. Then, if you love castles, you must visit the Château de Guédelon. It’s one of a kind! It doesn’t look at all like what we’d call a castle, and yet it’s a 13th-century fortress. The entire tour takes around 4 hours. Yes, there’s a lot to discover! The region also boasts a number of abbeys and basilicas, including the Basilique Sainte Marie Madeleine and the Basilique de Vézelay. They can be visited, and masses are held there every day.
Third stop: outdoor activities
The Bourgogne Franche-Comté region is rich in every way. And it’s not nature that’s going to make us lie! It boasts a mountain range, the Vosges, a mountain chain, the Jura, and a huge nature park, the Morvan, which lies in the center of the region.
What to do there, you might ask. Well, there’s plenty to do, quite the contrary.
For water sports enthusiasts, the Morvan nature park is the place to be. With rafting on the Chalaux, canorafting on the Cure and night-time canoeing, you’re spoilt for choice! Finally, if you’re in the park, you absolutely must not miss the Saut de Gouloux. It’s a waterfall preserved in the depths of the forest that always makes an impact. And of course, for hiking enthusiasts, there are a number of trails within easy reach. Among the best known are the G13, the route des crêtes and the hike to Lac de Settons.
And for those who prefer snow, you won’t be disappointed! The Vosges and Jura mountain ranges have a lot to offer. These include the Notre-Dame du Haut hill in the Vosges or the Turfs et Arbois waterfall in the Jura, often referred to as France’s most beautiful waterfall. And don’t forget to visit the nearby Vallée des Hérissons, a great family outing.
Last stop: Its major cities and gastronomy
What would our article on the Burgundy region be without mentioning Dijon! Well-known as the capital of mustard, Dijon has many other secrets. First of all, at the very top of our list is the Chouette course. In our opinion, this is the best way to discover Dijon. It’s a walking tour that takes you through all the city’s districts, with a stop at the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. It takes about an hour to complete. And even if you’re not there, take the opportunity to discover the Gothic cathedral and the Garden of Science and Biodiversity.
And of course, you can also visit Auxerre, Nevers, Belfort and Besançon.
I’ll admit, I’ve saved the juiciest part of the article – no pun intended – for last. Let’s talk gastronomy! We’ve already advised you to try the region’s white wine. Don’t stop there. Take the time to try a good boeuf bourguignon– you’re in the region of its birth! Next, I think you already know this, but it’s so good you need to be reminded. You’re in a region renowned for its traditional cheeses and charcuterie. Don’t forget the StyQR team during your tasting!
And to finish on a high note, for those who want to go further, you can take a tour of the Grands Crus route. In just a few quick figures to tantalize your taste buds, there are 9 grands crus and 26 premiers crus to be tasted over a 60 km stretch through 37 villages and 2 towns. What’s in it for you? Go ahead and treat yourself!
The discovery of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region ends here. I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and that it has whetted your appetite for more. See you soon in a new region. In the meantime, don’t forget to update Your booklet!