Burgundy is a beautiful wine region in eastern France with few cities and plenty of rural towns, chateaux and hiking trails. While you can easily spend a relaxing week discovering the whole region, our 2 or 3 days in Burgundy itinerary will cover the main highlights that you can experience in this gorgeous area.
From wine tasting and mustard-making to pottering around the old towns and discovering unique local treasures, Burgundy has plenty to offer visitors.
Table of Contents
How Many Days in Burgundy?
Burgundy is a small region so you don’t need to spend weeks in the area to get a feel for the place or discover everything, so how many days to spend in Burgundy depends on your style of holiday.
If you’re short on time, you can have a fantastic time over just 2 days in the area, filling each day with a cultural and gastronomic experience in the city of Dijon or the town of Beaune, each bursting with exceptional food and history.
Those who have a bit more time to spare, 3 days would be ideal to see the main sights of the largest towns, and spend one day wine-tasting or visiting a picturesque chateaux that’s off the beaten track.
If you can take the time, over one week in Burgundy you can have a relaxing trip, visiting small villages such as the picturesque hilltop town of Vézelay, or the renowned white wine vineyards of Chablis from a base out in the countryside, or moving from campsite to campsite as you tour through the area as part of a Burgundy road trip.
Getting To & Around Burgundy
While famous for wine-making, Burgundy is not so famous internationally for tourists and isn’t as easily accessible as other major cities in France.
If you’re reaching Burgundy from afar, your best option is to fly into Paris, Geneva or Lyon and rent a car or take the train into the region.
Cities like Dijon, Auxerre and Maçon are all well connected with public transport, so you won’t have a problem taking a train over from the airport, whichever one you choose to fly into. You can view schedules here.
Plus, there are regular trains to smaller towns such as Beaune, and buses available for even shorter excursions to smaller villages. However, if you’re spending longer than a few days in the region, it’s advisable to rent a car.
There are wineries, quaint villages and chateaux scattered all over the Burgundy countryside, so if you want to discover some of its best kept secrets, you’ll need a car to get around and turn your holiday into a Burgundy road trip. You can browse car rental options here.
With your own car, you can then feel free to stop anywhere that piques your interest along the way, as well as stop by local boulangeries for fresh bread, and markets for your cheeses and meats, so you can have delicious picnics as you travel and keep your costs down.
2 to 3-Day Burgundy Itinerary
From mediaeval streets and colourful tiled roofs to exquisite pinot noir, mustard and, of course, beef bourguignon, Burgundy has everything for a wonderful trip over a few days to eat and drink at your leisure or have a packed itinerary of activities.
Our itinerary will take you around the region’s largest city of Dijon, complete with quaint old town and gastronomic heaven, to the smaller town of Beaune to the south with historic buildings and cultural activities.
We’ll then offer you a few day trip ideas so if you’re lucky enough to have 3 days to explore the region, you can choose whether food, history or culture wins out for your final day.
Day 1 – Dijon
Dijon is a beautiful mediaeval-turned-university city with plenty of vibrant activity taking place within the historic streets lined with half-timbered houses.
Whether you simply amble around the city on your first day, join a walking tour or get involved in a cooking class, you’re sure to have a great time.
Vieux Dijon
The best place to explore Dijon is on foot, wandering around the beautiful streets of the old town. From the iconic Place François Rude with its half-timbered houses and classic carousel to the central square Place de la Libération and all of the small streets in between.
Dijon’s tourist office offers maps of the city’s Owl Trail which you can follow to discover all of the hidden gems of the old town, marked by numbered plaques of owls, or you can simply wander around the pretty streets, discovering the city for yourself and following your nose and ears as the bustling city and mouth-watering treats are sure to draw you in.
You can wander from the enormous gothic Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne de Dijon and its neighbouring Romanesque Abbey now housing the Archaeology Museum of Dijon.
You can also follow the popular Rue de la Liberté, usually bustling with locals and tourists perusing the shops, into Place François Rude where you can stop for the famed pictures of Dijon as well as a coffee or lunch in a brasserie, before heading down Rue des Forges, with ornate buildings and boutique shops galore.
At the end of the street is another Gothic architectural wonder of Dijon, the Cathédrale de Notre Dame de Dijon, its facade lined with gargoyles and its interior covered with impressive historic paintings and stained glass windows.
At the back of the cathedral you’ll find the 16th-century owl sculpture that has become symbolic of Dijon, and the most important stop on the Owl Trail – don’t forget to stroke the owl’s head with your left hand while making a wish!
Just behind the cathedral is Dijon’s central marketplace, Les Halles. Take a look at all of the local produce before stopping by one of the neighbouring bars and restaurants for a fantastic and scenic lunch spot.
Place de la Libération and Palais des Ducs et des États de Bourgogne
Surrounded by restaurants and bars on one side and the Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Bourgogne on the other, Place de la Libération is a must-see stop on your itinerary for Burgundy.
The heart of Dijon since the 17th century, the square has seen many changes over the centuries yet still remains a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to meet and spend an afternoon in the sun or an evening with a glass of wine.
Next to the square is the beautiful private mansion Musée Magnin which is open to the public, but the highlight of this area is the incredible Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Bourgogne.
Having been rebuilt in parts and been extended over many centuries from its original construction in the 1300s to the final additions of the 1800s, the palace has a mix of architectural styles visible as you wander around the outside, creating the unique appearance that stands proudly in the square today.
Since the palace is so large, it has been transformed into two sections, the town hall of Dijon to one side, and the city’s Fine Arts Museum on the other, both of which can be visited.
The Fine Arts Museum is well worth a visit and not just because it’s free to enter and gaze upon the 1500 works of art contained within.
From the tombs of the former Dukes of Burgundy and Egyptian antiquities to Renaissance works from the likes of Rubens and more modern collections including Monet and Manet – the Fine Arts Museum contains a huge number of impressive paintings and sculptures that you can easily spend a whole afternoon in awe of.
The palace also has access to the Philippe Le Bon Tower, built in the 15th century and standing at 46-metres high to give incredible views over the city.
International Cité of Gastronomy and Wine
If Fine Arts Museums aren’t your cup of tea and you want to get a more unique experience while in Dijon, then head down to the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin for one of the city’s more modern attractions.
This complex of boutique shops, luxury hotels and marketplace hosts a number of events aimed at educating visitors on the local gastronomic and wine-making traditions.
You can book a cooking class on location, or book tickets to attend a talk or wine tasting event to learn more about the food and wine history of Burgundy and the wines from the nearby Côte de Nuits region.
Or, simply take in the exciting sights and smells of the space that was once a hospice, and now offers some of the most delicious artisanal produce of the region.
It’s best to book classes and talks in advance to ensure a space, but if you have a few days in the area and fancy staying at the onsite four-star hotel, you may get lucky and attend a talk on the spur of the moment.
Day 2 – Beaune
Nestled in the heart of the Burgundy wine region, Beaune is a charming town renowned for its rich history, exceptional wines, and vibrant culinary scene.
With its picturesque streets, mediaeval architecture, colourful rooftops, cultural attractions, and warm hospitality, Beaune offers a quintessential Burgundian experience that captivates everyone seeking a blend of history, gastronomy, and wine culture.
Hôtel-Dieu Museum
The Hôtel-Dieu Museum (also referred to as the Hospices de Beaune) is the highlight of any trip to Beaune, and possibly Burgundy as a whole as the incredible architecture, history and art combine into one extraordinary location.
Founded in 1443 by Nicolas Rolin, chancellor to the Duke of Burgundy, and his wife Guigone de Salins, the Hôtel-Dieu was originally established as a hospital for the poor and sick. Its iconic architecture, characterised by colourful tiled roofs and intricate Gothic details, shows off the philanthropic endeavours of its founders and makes for fantastic photo opportunities.
Today, the Hôtel-Dieu Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcases a wealth of historical artefacts, artwork, and medical instruments, located within expertly restored wards and kitchens providing a glimpse into the daily life of those living and working in the Hospice during the Middle Ages to gain a better understanding of the evolution of healthcare over the centuries.
One of the museum’s highlights is the magnificent ‘Last Judgement’ artwork over several panels by Flemish artist Rogier van der Weyden, located in the hospice’s chapel and considered one of the masterpieces of early Northern Renaissance art.
You can also explore the museum’s tranquil courtyards and gardens for more incredible photos of the immaculate coloured tiles and cobbled ground.
Mustard-Making
Dijon mustard is world-renowned, yet the oldest traditional mustard manufacturer in the area is located in Beaune and offers both tours and experiences to make mustard in the traditional manner, by grinding mustard seeds in a mortar.
La Moutarderie Fallot has a shop in Dijon you can visit if you simply want to take some souvenirs home with you.
However, the factory tour is well worth visiting to learn about the history of mustard-making in the area. This includes what herbs and aromatic spices they use to flavour their mustard as well as the incredible Burgundy cuisine that has been influenced by the exceptional local mustard production.
Book your tour before your arrival to ensure you have a guide speaking your language, as the factory receives many visitors and offers tours in various languages throughout the day.
Patriarche Wine Tour
Burgundy is synonymous with medium-bodied red wines, so you have to visit at least one vineyard or wine cellar while in the area for a few days.
If you’re not able to get out to a vineyard over just 2 days in Burgundy, fear not, as Beaune has one of the most remarkable wine cellars in France located just below the street, which offers tours and tastings as well as a small shop for souvenirs.
Patriarche Père et Fils has 5 kilometres of vaulted caves below Beaune, filled with around 2 million bottles of wine!
You can wander around the caves yourself, admiring the sheer quantity of high-quality wine, and be joined by a wine expert at the end of your trip who will discuss the 6 wines you’ll taste and answer any questions you may have.
The Patriarche tour is an excellent stop for any trip to Burgundy, especially if the weather is unfavourable, but if you want to get outside and enjoy some sunshine, you can take an organised tour to a nearby vineyard to see how the producers collect the grapes and turn them into liquid gold.
Day 3 – Chalon-sur-Saône, Savigny-lès-Beaune or Wine Tasting
There are plenty of delightful Burgundy day trips to take, from visiting the lesser-known villages and towns, to excursions to see the amazing chateaux, wine tasting or hiking; so choose your activity for your final day wisely!
If you don’t have a car, some organised options from Dijon include this bike tour or this full-day bus tour.
Chalon-sur-Saône
Chalon-sur-Saône is a small pretty town to the south of Beaune and worth a day trip if you’re staying in Burgundy for 3 days or more.
As a significant Roman settlement, you can explore the historic centre with quaint mediaeval streets filled with colourful half-timbered houses before stopping in various caves for wine tasting opportunities, and exceptional traditional Burgundy cuisine.
Located on the Saône River, you can also enjoy pleasant strolls or boat rides along the river to see the town from another perspective, enjoy picnics of local wines and cheeses and end your trip to Burgundy in a state of relaxation.
Just outside of Chalon-sur-Saône, easy to reach in 10 minutes by bus or by car on your Burgundy road trip, is the unique Nicéphore Niépce Museum of Photography.
This museum is named after the inventor of photography and is located in the inventor’s studio, the oldest photography lab in the world, where he took and developed the first-ever photograph.
For fans of photography and history, this museum offers an experience to delve into the traditional techniques of the practice and understand its significance in the world of art.
Savigny-lès-Beaune
If you’re staying closer to Beaune or have a keen interest in vehicles, then you shouldn;t miss out on a trip to the epic Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune which has been transformed into an amazing museum of motor vehicles.
With reportedly the world’s biggest collection of fighter jets, as well as helicopters and fire engines in the grounds, and numerous rooms filled with all kinds of motorbikes, there is plenty to take in on a day trip to the Château, just 10 minutes driving north of Beaune – not to mention the entire room dedicated to Fiat Abarth race cars.
You can then spend your afternoon ambling around the very small town, and stopping for wine tasting in one of its many cellars.
Wine Tasting
For a full day of wine tasting, you’re not stuck for choice in Burgundy, with renowned locations like, the Route de Grand Crus, Gevrey-Chambertin and Meursault right on your doorstep around Beaune for those with expensive tastes or just looking to experience the finer things in life.
Those who prefer white to red wine are also in luck, as the town of Chablis is located in the northwest of Burgundy, towards the town of Auxerre, and offers some excellent choices for sipping chardonnay and vineyard day trips.
Domaine William Fèvre is one of the most prominent producers in Chablis, known for its wines that reflect the unique characteristics of local limestone soils, which visitors can enjoy tastings of, including their range of Premier Cru and Grand Cru Chablis wines.
Domaine Jean-Marc Brocard is another well-known producer of Chablis, although with a focus on organic and biodynamic practices to produce more expressive and vibrant Chablis wines. Here you can taste a variety of Chablis, experiencing the vast range of flavours on offer in the area.
Otherwise in Burgundy, Domaine des Comtes Lafon is a beautiful vineyard situated in stunning surroundings in Meursault, perfect for an afternoon of wine tasting in the sun, while further north, towards Dijon is Domaine Armand Rousseau in Gevrey-Chambertin famous for its outstanding and elegant red Burgundy wines, including its Grand Cru Chambertin and Chambertin-Clos de Bèze.
Have More Time?
If you have more than 3 days in Burgundy, you should definitely deviate one day to vineyard tours and wine-tasting, while spending a couple of other days visiting the other, larger towns in the area.
While the small valley between Dijon and Beaune is ideal for shorter breaks, over at least 4 days, you can travel further in the region, visiting Auxerre and Chablis to the northwest, or Maçon to the south.
Hiking
Hiking in the Gorges de la Canche in Burgundy offers an ideal day out for nature enthusiasts seeking stunning scenery and outdoor adventure.
With its dramatic limestone cliffs, meandering streams, and lush greenery, the gorge provides a picturesque backdrop for hiking, catering to all skill levels with a variety of trails which are clearly marked.
With plenty of wildlife and plants around, hikers can delight in trekking around this area, coming across ancient ruins and mediaeval landmarks along the way.
Hiking in the Gorges de la Canche promises a memorable and enriching experience, blending natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation in the heart of Burgundy.
Mâcon
Mâcon is located in the far south of Burgundy and offers ample opportunities for wine tasting and exploration of local vineyards. The city itself has a charming historic centre with picturesque streets, lively markets, and architectural gems such as the towering and ornate Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
Mâcon is also a lovely place for riverside walks as it’s situated along the banks of the Saône River, providing scenic riverfront promenades and opportunities for boat rides.
Food enthusiasts will also appreciate the city’s gastronomic delights, including regional specialities like Poulet de Bresse (Bresse chicken) and the famous Mâconnais cheeses.
Auxerre
Auxerre is a charming town in Burgundy, France, offering a rich tapestry of historical and cultural attractions worth exploring.
One standout site is the Clock Tower, originally a Gallo-Roman tower turned prison in the 15th century, now restored and housing a fascinating clock mechanism dating back to 1483. Its unique solar and lunar hands not only tell time but also indicate moon phases, making it a captivating piece of heritage.
The town is also graced by the tranquil Canal du Nivernais, known as the “stop Vineyard,” offering scenic paths for boat rides, biking, or leisurely walks through picturesque wine villages along its banks.
Among its architectural marvels, Auxerre boasts the Saint-Germain Abbey, founded in the 5th century by Queen Clotilde and home to ancient crypts adorned with remarkable murals, making it a testament to the town’s rich history spanning over sixteen centuries.
Visitors can also ascend the 12th-century tower of Saint Jean for panoramic views and immerse themselves in Burgundy’s wine culture with a visit to Domaine Louis Moreau.
Where to Stay in Burgundy
Hôtel des Ducs – A central, 3-star hotel in the lovely city of Dijon, this is a good mid-range base for exploring Burgundy. There are several room types to choose from, a bar and a very good breakfast available.
Led Nomades Beaune – A chic, modern hotel in Beaune, this is an excellent upmarket place to stay during your time in Burgundy. Not only are there 2 swimming pools but there is also a spa, a bar and a superb breakfast.
City Loft Apparthotel – These apartments in Dijon are great for those after their own space in Burgundy. They are well-located, breakfast is available and all flats are fully equipped with all you may need during your stay.
Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Burgundy hotels!
Burgundy is a diverse region so creating an itinerary for your stay should include a variety of history, culture, nature and, of course, food and drink to make the most of your trip.
Are you planning to visit Burgundy? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!
