Burgundy

The name Burgundy conjures up images of fine wines and classic French dishes such as Boeuf Bourguignon and Coq au Vin. Yet, it offers so much more – beautiful touring, glorious châteaux and fascinating towns such as Beaune and Dijon. It is the perfect stop en route to or from Provence or the Côte d’Azur.

Dijon

Once the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, Dijon’s old town with its atmospheric, narrow streets is one of the best preserved mediaeval centres in France. You’ll sample some of France’s finest cuisine and wines at one of the many wine bars and see great works by Lotto, Hals and Monet and remains of the lavish court of the Dukes of Burgundy at the impressive Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Beaune

Situated in the middle of France’s Côte d’Or ‘departement’, Beaune is the capital of the Burgundy wine region and is surrounded by some of France’s most celebrated wine villages. At the centre of its cobbled streets is the Hôtel Dieu and Hospices de Beaune, with its inner courtyard and multi-colourful tiled roofs.

Vougeot

A famous village in the heart of the Grand Cru wine producing countryside between Dijon and Beaune. Most of the wine produced here comes from one walled grand cru vineyard, Clos de Vougeot which dates from 1336.

Recommended Excursions

With fascinating medieval towns and beautiful vine-covered rolling hills, it is essential to get out and explore the real Burgundy. We can arrange tours of some of the 585 premier cru vineyards, producing the distinctive pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, as well as the region’s cultural highlights, either with a private guide or joining a small group. Prices include English-speaking driver/guide, entrance fees and wine tasting sessions. Group tours, starting and finishing in Beaune, only run on certain days of the week so please ask a Kirker expert for schedules and local transport suggestions. Group tours from £195 per person, private tours from £385 per person 

Côte de Beaune: At the heart of Beaune, key to your visit of the town, is the wonderful gothic Hospices de Beaune, with its beautifully-maintained art collection. Just outside the city sample some fine local wines in a small domaine. Meursault is known for its creamy chardonnay which you will also have a chance to taste in one of the local wineries before visiting the historic town itself. Between Beaune and Meursault you will take the scenic route through Montrachet, another famous appélation.

Côte de Nuits: a narrow valley stretching over 20 kilometres from Dijon, the Côte de Nuits produces several high-quality wines. As well as tasting sessions in two of the finest vineyards you will visit the 11th century castle, Clos de Vougeot, with its 50 hectares of prestigious vines and the picturesque village of Gevrey-Chambertin.