Things to do in Burgundy

The French region of Burgundy is near the heart of mainland France and is best known for its fascinating history, pretty hilltop villages, traditional market towns, picturesque countryside, and its famous wine!

There are plenty of things to do in Burgundy no matter what you like doing while you’re on holiday, and those who have an interest in striking architecture and delicious food and drink are guaranteed to fall in love with this beautiful region.

To drive from Calais to Burgundy takes around 6 hours, but there are a number of lovely places to visit en route if you’d like a pit stop, and the drive itself will take you through some lovely scenery so you can start your French adventure as soon as you disembark the ferry.

To give you more freedom and peace of mind when you travel with your car why not upgrade to one of our Flexi tickets? Allowing you to take the scenic route home and not have to rush back, our Standard Flexi and Fully Flexi tickets give you greater flexibility to your departure time!

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Morning	01;55	04:25	06:50	09:15
Midday	11:40
Afternoon	14:05	16:30
Evening	18:55	20:50	23:40

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Vineyards
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Dijon
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World Heritage Sites
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Eating and drinking

Things to do in Burgundy

Explore Burgundy's vineyards

The sloping valleys, limestone soil, and sunny climate in Burgundy make it perfect for producing wine, which is why it is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards and wine villages.

If you take your car to Burgundy you can drive the 60km Route des Grands Crus which will take you through some of France’s most prestigious vineyards, including Dijon and Beaune, and you are sure to be blown away by the stunning scenery during the trip.

Visit Dijon

The city of Dijon is one of the most popular places to visit in Burgundy due to its impressive architecture, particularly the ‘hotels particuliers’, which used to house the Dukes and have amazing facades, and the medieval Palace des Ducs which you can find at the city’s centre.

Dijon is also home to the Museum of Fine Arts, which has been named as one of the best art museums in France. Here you will find works from across a range of eras, including the Egyptian, renaissance, and medieval periods, so you are in for a treat if you love gazing at impressive artwork!

Another building that is hard to miss is the Eglise Notre-Dame, as this 13^th century gothic church boasts a three tiered design and over 50 gargoyles which make it a truly impressive sight. Inside the church you will find one of France’s oldest statues of the Virgin, and an owl carved into the north side of the chapel which can be stroked for good luck!

Burgundy's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Burgundy has a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites which are certainly worth a visit during your trip. First, head to Abbaye de Fontenay which is located in the countryside and was created in 1119 with a simple design so that the monks were not distracted. Nearby you will find streams and waterfalls, and the abbey itself has lovely gardens to explore. Inside you can see a bakery, church, refectory, and the monks’ sleeping quarters.

The town of Vézelay is another UNESCO World Heritage Site you should visit, and the Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine that is located there is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site so you can see two at the same time. Situated on top of a hill, Vézelay offers stunning views over the Monts du Morvan mountain range, plus the monastery is still in use today and open to the public so you can find out all about it

Eating and drinking in Burgundy

As with many French holiday destinations, Burgundy offers plenty of amazing food and drink options that you are sure to enjoy.

For a true taste of France, you must have snails cooked in garlic and parsley butter, a selection of amazing cheeses, and delicious truffles. You’ll also find a number of dishes cooked in wine, including coq au vin, beef bourguignon, and even eggs! Unsurprisingly, the number one drink to indulge in is burgundy wine, and don’t forget to stock up before you head home too.

Other delicacies that Burgundy is famous for, and that you may want to bring back with you as gifts, are Dijon mustard, gingerbread, and crème de cassis, all of which are definitely worth a try!

With so many amazing things to do in Burgundy on offer to you, why not book one of our Dover to Calais crossings today and start planning your trip to this fascinating holiday destination?