How to Spend 3 Days in Burgundy

For centuries, Burgundy has been associated with luxury. Famous for producing some of the world’s most beloved wines—think of names like Gevrey-Chambertin and Puligny-Montrachet—the region is also renowned for its elegant châteaux, top-notch restaurants, and wealth of culture. Here’s how to spend three days in Burgundy.

Day 1: Wine sipping in Beaune

Burgundy produces some of the wine world’s most coveted vintages, and the charming medieval city of Beaune is the perfect place to begin your vinous adventures. The city’s proximity to the Côte-d'Or—a limestone ridge that’s home to Burgundy’s most heralded producers—makes it a major destination for wine tourists. Choose from several half- and full-day touring options for easy access to the region. Head to the Côte de Nuits if pinot noir is your varietal of choice, or venture to the Côte de Beaune for world-class chardonnay. Beaune itself is also well worth a look: stop there for lunch or dinner, and check out the Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices (a 15th-century former hospital known for its distinctive tiled roof) and the Basilique Notre-Dame de Beaune.

Day 2: Historical highlights

After a day of decadence among the vines, dedicate your second day in Burgundy to a sightseeing tour of the region’s medieval abbeys, centuries-old châteaux, and lovely villages. Begin your tour in Vézelay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of France’s most beautiful villages. Spot landmarks such as the grand Vézelay Abbey, and discover Burgundian cuisine on a tasting tour of the town’s restaurants. Alternatively, visit another regional highlight or two, such as the Château de Bazoches, the UNESCO-listed Fontenay Abbey, or Cluny Abbey.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Dijon

Round out your stay in Burgundy with a day in the region’s capital. Picturesque, walkable Dijon—whose entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is an idyllic setting for a day of discovery. If you’re a history buff, don’t miss the Ducal Palace or the Church of Notre-Dame. If food is your passion, browse the vendors at Les Halles Market, stop for a treat at one of the many chocolatiers, or pick up jars of Dijon mustard to take home with you. And art lovers should spend a few hours at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. Finally, wind down with a hearty meal at a local bistro—washed down with plenty of local wine, of course.