7th stop on our tour: Do you know the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region? Let me give you a few examples: good wine, good cheese, good charcuterie, breathtaking scenery, historic monuments and outdoor activities.
So, do you want to discover? I knew it! Here we go!
First stop: history
Many towns and villages are brimming with history and monuments. Unfortunately, we can’t list them all, so we’ve tried (as best we can) to make a small selection for you.
First, the well-known Hospice de Beaune and Hôtel-Dieu. They’re real architectural gems and a must-see if you’re in the area. In the same vein, Semur-en-Auxois. It’s a village not to be missed! Here, you’ll find castle 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 vein, we can mention 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 as a comfort.
Vézelay, too, will live up to its promise. It 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. It’s a very well-preserved historic village. It can be visited on its own or on a guided tour. We also recommend a visit to the Donataire house and Saint-Genest church.
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 can discover one of Europe’s oldest prehistoric sites. It’s the starting point for many hiking trails. We (strongly) encourage you to try the region’s native 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 complete tour will take around 4 hours. Yes, there’s a lot to discover! The region also boasts numerous abbeys and basilicas, including the Basilica of Sainte Marie Madeleine and the Basilica of Vézelay. They can be visited, and Masses are held daily.
Third stop: outdoor activities
The Bourgogne Franche-Comté region is rich in every way. And she’s not going to lie about nature! It is home to the Vosges mountain range, the Jura mountain range and the Morvan nature park, which lies in the center of the region.
What to do about it you have to tell yourself. Well, there’s no shortage of activities, quite the opposite in fact.
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, don’t miss the Gouloux jump. 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 hiking 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 and Arbois waterfalls, often referred to as France’s most beautiful waterfall in the Jura. Take the time to visit the nearby Hedgehog Valley, a great family outing.
Last stop: Its major cities and gastronomy
What would our article on the Bourgogne region be without mentioning Dijon! Well-known as the capital of mustard, Dijon has many other secrets. At the very top of our list is the Owl trail. 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 Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Museum of Fine Arts. It takes about an hour to complete. And if you’re there, why not visit the Gothic cathedral and the Science and Biodiversity Garden?
Not to mention 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 local white wine. Don’t stop there. Take the time to enjoy a good beef bourguignon– you’re in the region where it was born! Then I think you already know, but it’s so good to be reminded. You’re in a region renowned for its traditional cheeses and charcuterie. Think of the StyQR team during your tasting!
And to finish on a high note, for those who wish to go further afield, you can take the Grand Cru route. In just a few quick figures to tantalize your taste buds, there are 9 grands crus and 26 premiers crus to taste over a 60 km stretch through 37 villages and 2 towns. So ? Go ahead and treat yourself!
The discovery of the Bourgogne Franche-Comté region ends here. I hope you’ve enjoyed this article and want to discover more. We soon find ourselves in a new region. In the meantime, don’t forget to update Your booklet!