Burgundy (Bourgogne) – Tourist information

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Burgundy (Bourgogne) – Tourist information
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in short
Burgundy is one of the most beautiful regions in France and also one of the least known to Israelis – making it a quiet and rewarding destination.
  • What's there: A combination of nature, historic towns, castles and some of the most famous wineries in France.
  • The source of architectural beauty: Cathedrals and monasteries founded by the clergy, alongside the legacy of the Dukes of Burgundy who turned the province into a wealthy kingdom in the 14th and 15th centuries.
  • How many days: Three to five days at least.
  • How to get there: There are no direct flights from Israel. The best way is to fly to Paris and then take a train from Gare de Lyon, or rent a car. Alternative: fly to Lyon.
  • Recommended base: Dijon, the provincial capital, is a convenient starting point for stargazing in the region.
  • Also on the page: Weather by season, recommended booking sites, and districts to continue to.

Burgundy (or Bourgogne in French) is one of the most beautiful regions in France, where you can find a combination of charming nature, historic cities and towns, and of course, famous castles and wineries.

This region owes its beauty (especially architectural) both to the clergy, who built beautiful cathedrals and monasteries here, and to the Dukes of Burgundy, who in the 14th and 15th centuries turned the region into a wealthy kingdom.

Despite all this beauty, the Burgundy region is less popular than other regions such as the Loire Valley or Provence, which is a shame – as you will see, there is quite a bit to do there and you can spend between 3-5 days (at least) of sensual pleasures there.


How to get to Burgundy

Although Dijon, the capital of the Burgundy region , has a small airport, there are no direct flights there from Israel. Therefore, the best way in my opinion is to fly to Paris and from there reach Burgundy by train from Paris (Gare de Lyon) or by rental car.

Another option is to fly to Lyon and reach Dijon by train or rental car.

Either way, no matter which option you choose, I recommend you check out the Francophile's toolbox, where you'll find the best sites for booking flights, rental cars, or train tickets.


Accommodation in Burgundy

Here are a number of places that can be a good base for stargazing in Burgundy and the surrounding area:

  1. Accommodation in Dijon
    Accommodation in Dijon

    It is located right in the center of this region of the country, so you can easily get anywhere from there. It is a relatively large city where you can find everything travelers need (shops, restaurants, etc.).

  2. Accommodation in Avalon
    Accommodation in Avallon

    A historic town about an hour's drive west of Dijon. An excellent option for those who don't want to live in the busy city and for those who want to hike in the Morvan National Park. My address in town: Hôtel de la Poste , the 1707 inn where Napoleon stayed on his way from Elba to Paris, with the restaurant Le 1815.

  3. Accommodation in Autun
    Accommodation in Autun

    A very old town with a beautiful church. It is definitely an excellent alternative to Avon, for those who want to live in an old town and visit the Morvan park.

  4. Accommodation in Macon
    Accommodation in Mâcon

    A charming historic town that is an excellent place to stay for those who want to discover the southern part of Burgundy and also visit Lyon.


Attractions and places of interest in Burgundy

  1. City of Dijon
    City of Dijon

    The capital of the province, which became an architectural gem during the reign of the Dukes of Burgundy. It is recommended to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Ducal Palace.

  2. Bonn Hospice
    Beaune Hospice

    A beautiful 15th century hospital that has become one of the main attractions. Don't miss the local market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

  3. Burgundy wineries
    Burgundy wineries

    Burgundy wines are considered the best in France. You can build an independent tour of the wine route or join a guided tour.

  4. Morvan Nature Reserve
    Morvan Nature Reserve

    A beautiful nature reserve in the west of the province, perfect for lovers of nature, lakes and forests. It also includes the impressive castle of Bazús.

  5. The town of Sens
    The town of Sens

    An ancient town close to the Loire Valley, with a magnificent cathedral considered the first Gothic cathedral in France.

  6. Abbey of Saint-Germain-en-Laye above the River Hyon
    The city of Auxerre

    A charming old town on the banks of the River Hyon. Don't miss the Saint-Etienne Cathedral and the Saint-Germain Abbey with its ancient frescoes.

  7. Saint-Père-de-Luz Castle seen from the park
    Saint-Fargeau Castle

    A pink brick castle with six towers in Puisaye, about 45 kilometers from Asse. This is where the Grande Mademoiselle, Louis XIV's cousin, lived in exile, and on summer nights a historical show is held there with hundreds of volunteers.

  8. Entrance bridge to Tenla Castle
    Tanlay Castle

    A Renaissance castle surrounded by water near Tonnerre, with a gallery full of trompe-l'œil paintings and a ceiling depicting the greats of the French court as gods of Olympus. The interior can only be seen on a guided tour.

  9. The toner cartridge is a waste of money.
    The town of Tonnerre

    A small town with a turquoise cistern that no one has found the end of, a medieval hospital almost ninety meters long, and the house where Chevalier d'Aun was born.

  10. Weasel and Oxua
    The city of Semur-en-Auxois

    A fortified medieval city on a pink cliff above the Armenson River, with a tower that cracked to its full height on the orders of Henry IV, a Gothic collegiate church, and a convenient base for trips to Alesia and Fontenay Abbey.

  11. Alesia Park
    Alesia Park

    A fascinating historical display commemorating the famous battle in which Vergingorix was defeated by Julius Caesar.

  12. Bossey Rebutan Castle from the courtyard
    Bussy-Rabutin Castle

    The castle where Count Bussy, Madame de Savigny's cousin, lived in exile, and filled the walls with more than three hundred portraits of courtiers, each with a sarcastic sentence underneath.

More activities in Burgundy


Burgundy weather

☀️ When should you visit?

Burgundy is at a climatic crossroads. The best time to visit is between April and October. Here are the average temperatures:

  • January: 2.5°C
  • February: 3.5°C
  • March: 7°C
  • April: 10°C
  • May: 14°C
  • June: 17.5°C
  • July-August: 20°C
  • September: 16°C
  • October: 12°C
  • November: 6°C
  • December: 3.5°C

🌦️ Forecast for the coming week
Burgundy Weather


Tools and useful information

What other regions can be reached from Burgundy?

All articles about Burgundy


4 thoughts on “Burgundy (Bourgogne) – Traveler Information”
  1. I liked the site. Well detailed.
    My wife and I would be happy to help you build a route with a departure from Madison at the end of September 2023
    Thanks

    Reply
    • Hi Asher. Thank you very much. Unfortunately, I do not personally build routes for people, due to lack of time. If you would like, I would be happy to recommend you a great person who does this for a fee (please send me a private email and I will send you her details).

      Reply
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