Walking in Burgundy’s Vineyards

Day 1 : Arrival in Dijon

An emblematic city of gastronomy and lifestyle, Dijon is also the gateway to some of the most prestigious vineyards in France. Stroll in the narrow streets of the old city and feel free to follow the smell of mustard and gingerbread and stop for a tasting.

Dijon is called 'The town of 100 bells', because of its beautifully preserved architectural heritage, dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Wander in the cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. There are marvellous mansions with jewel coloured tiled roofs, a regional feature, which glint in the sunlight. Reach Les 'Halles' indoor market : this indoor market is an absolute feast of flavour. Let yourself be captivated by the capital of Burgundy, and enjoy the beauty and wealth of its heritage and gastronomic delights.
You stay at Hotel des Ducs (Breakfast included)

Day 2: Dijon to Gevrey Chambertin via Marsannay (10km/6.2mi)

Transfer to Marsannay, a city reputed for its rose wines (unique in the Burgundian region). This village opens the Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne and offers a landscape of soft curves, where vineyards run in close rows from villages to villages. This is a land where the plots surrounded by old dry stone walls are called clos (enclosures), and where beautiful castles like to leapfrog up the hills. With its double vaulted cellars, Marsannay's cellar is a good place to start on the route.

Continue towards Fixey and Gevrey-Chambertin. Known worldwide, the small town didn't let fame change it-it's still peacefully wrapped around its Romanesque church and medieval castle. To get a look at the town's panorama, you have to take the high path, just behind the vineyards. It is worth a look!

On your way, possibility to visit a manufacturer of raw milk cheeses with an introduction to the Burgundian favours with various cheese tasting.
You stay at Hotel Arts et Terroirs (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 3 : Gevrey Chambertin to Nuits St Georges (14km/8.7mi)

Cross through the Grand Cru vineyards towards Morey Saint Denis. Pass by the village of Chambolle Musigny, and Romanee Conti. You could almost miss this vineyard (and what a shame if you did)! A simple sign in the shape of a crucifix by the side of the road indicates one of the most treasured grape plots in the world, that of the domain Romanee-Conti. It is there, on 1.8 hectares (4.5 acres), that the most expensive and most famous red wines on the planet are born. The secret of this nectar with aromas of rosehips and rose petals? Its climate, its land which enjoys perfect exposure and the work of the winemakers that has improved the wine over the centuries.

Then head to one of the most famous sites of Burgundy, the majestic Chateau de Clos Vougeot.This majestic castle crowned with a roof of glazed tiles, standing like an islet planted in the middle of the vineyards. You can see it from a distance, and approach the awe-inspiring portal of this mythical enclosure with a little thrill. This is the den of the knights of Tastevin, a venerable brotherhood of 12,000 ambassadors of Burgundy all over the world. The old grape presses, the wine cellar and the large cellar set the scene as it was in the 12th century, under the motto: 'Jamais en vain, toujours en vin' ('Never in vain, always in wine').
You stay at Hostellerie Gentillhommiere (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 4: At Nuits St Georges (20km/12.4mi or 13km/8.1mi)

Today's walk leads you to a farmhouse producing red fruits where a visit and tasting of the local blackcurrant liquor is possible. Burgundy is not just famous for its namesake wines; a small black and shiny berry also takes the spotlight on the Hautes Cotes of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Next to the vineyards, blackcurrant plantations are budding with fragrance in July, at the time of the harvest. Blackcurrant has been cultivated in Burgundy for over four centuries. Associated with an aligote white wine, the blackcurrant liquor produces the famous kir, a 100% Burgundian aperitif.

Today you have several options of visits : on the way back you can visit a winery in Vosne Romanee. Then discover the terroirs and hunt the Burgundy Truffle with the dogs in a local estate. To end perfectly this day why not to stop for a visit and tasting of 5 wines including Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru.

Do not miss the weekly market on Fridays for an introduction to the local products and gastronomy.
You stay at Hostellerie Gentillhommiere (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 5: Nuits St Georges to Beaune (18km/11.2mi)

After a transfer today's walk leads you to the Hautes Cotes de Nuits: the landscape is delightful, with beautiful views across the valley. Pass through charming villages and descend into the Cotes de Beaune where you reach other picturesque little villages such as, Aloxe-Corton, famous for white wines like Corton-Charlemagne, one of the best in Burgundy.

The story of Burgundy's authentic villages is told through its old stone buildings, castles and churches, Romanesque art and medieval houses, reflecting a rich past. Along your way you will discover washhouses, fountains, churches. It will only take a moment of contemplation or a conversation with a local to understand that in those small villages, the past, the present and the future come together at the same time.
You stay at Hostellerie de la Bretonniere (Breakfast included)

Day 6: At Beaune (8km/5.0mi)

Today you could walk into the centre of Beaune and enjoy a visit to the 'Hotel Dieu' with its museum. This flamboyant Gothic 15th century former hospital, crowned with polychrome slates, is known worldwide for its 60-hectare (150 acre) vineyard. The wines of Cotes de Nuit, Pouilly-Fuisse and Cotes de Beaune are sold at auction.

Alternatively, follow our route to walk through the Premiers Crus vineyards, heading to the 300 year old winery in the storybook Chateau de Pommard. If you don't wish to visit the chateau, Pommard itself has plenty of other viticulteurs and domaines along with a chocolaterie, that could fill a day investigating. Loop back to Beaune for an afternoon of training your taste buds with even more possibilities including another artisanal chocolaterie followed by wine tasting in one of the many wineries.
You stay at Hostellerie de la Bretonniere (Breakfast included)

Day 7: Leave Beaune