Capital: Dijon
Michelin-Starred Chefs:
The 2015 Michelin Guide awarded 40 stars to Burgundy, including two three-starred restaurants: the Relais Bernard Loiseau in Saulieu and Lameloise in Chagny.
UNESCO World Heritage:
There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Burgundy:
the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay, an austere Burgundian monastery founded in 1119 by St Bernard and still complete with its church, cloister, refectory, sleeping quarters, bakery and ironworks;
the Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene and hill at Vézelay, a pilgrimage place, especially the 12th-century monastic church, a masterpiece of Burgundian Romanesque art and architecture;
the Sainte-Croix-Notre-Dame church of La Charité-Sur-Loire, a 12th-century church listed as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.
On the Water:
Burgundy's more than 600 miles of canals and rivers constitute the largest navigable network in France. Even on the water, you are never far from the sites that haven give the region its distinct charm: cosy countryside bistros, vintner-owned wine cellars right on the farm, a Roman abbey or a Renaissance castle. Of course, being on the water has its own charms and amusement, just some of the many good reasons to discover Burgundy by boat.
Wine Tours:
On foot or horseback, or by bike, moped, jeep or limousine, a wine tour is at the top of the list of wonderful ways to explore Burgundy. What better way to take in the wine-growing country and heritage? It's a great escape, combining an introduction to viticulture, gentle rambles and tastings. From complete beginners to expert enologists, and whether alone, as a couple, with friends or as part of a business seminar, everyone can become familiar with Burgundy's finest nectars.
With Two Wheels:
With 500 miles of "Voies Vertes" (marked bike paths and greenways) and "Véloroutes" (safe, clearlymarked, on-road bike itineraries), Burgundy is a paradise for two-wheelers in search of off-the-beatentrack holidays.
Festivals & Events: Some top festival events in Burgundy include:
Florissimo (March 19-29, 2015), a major flower exhibition, held once every five years in Dijon;
French Gourmet Days (Francos gourmandes, June), a music and gastronomy festival in Tournus;
Beaune International Festival of Baroque Opera (July);
"Fantastic Picnic" in Burgundyon the banks of the canals from Sept 25-27;
Musicancy, seasonal music performances in the Chateau of Ancy le Franc;
Nevers Jazz Festival(mid-November).
A Perfect Location Located just a few hours from Paris, Burgundy is ideal for a short break or a longer holiday. The region is easily accessible by motorway (185 miles from Paris) or by high-speed train (TGV, 1 hour and 40 minutes from Paris).