Burgundy Walking: From Dijon to Meursault

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 9KM (6MI), 2HR

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!
You stay at Hotel Arts et Terroirs (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 3: Gevrey Chambertin to Nuits St Georges 14KM (9MI), 3HR

Cross through the Grand Cru vineyards and pass by the village of Chambolle Musigny before continuing to one of the most famous sites of Burgundy, the majestic Château de Clos Vougeot.

Your path continues across the vineyards of Echezeaux and Romanée-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. Continue your way until you arrive at Nuit St Georges. The small town that gives its name to the famous Côte de Nuits is the cradle of some of the world’s greatest red wines. Nuits-Saint-Georges also welcomes the Cassissium, a place dedicated to cassis, the black gold of Burgundy.
You stay at Hostellerie de la Gentilhommiere (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 4: Nuits St Georges to Beaune 19KM (12MI), 4HR

Today's walk leads you to the Hautes Cotes de Nuits. Pass through charming villages and descend into the Cotes de Beaune and Aloxe Corton. At the foot of the 'illuminated' mountain of Corton, Aloxe-Corton, a village with three chateaux, produces two grands crus. Corton red is the Emperor of the red grands crus of the Cote de Beaune, while the second, Corton Charlemagne white, is the Emperor's wine, 'Carolus Magnus' having owned a vineyard here in the 8th century.

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 5: At Beaune

A magical Burgundian city of medieval charm, famous for its hospices and ramparts. Enjoy a visit at the 'Hotel Dieu' 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.

Do not miss the weekly market on Wednesdays for an introduction to the local products and gastronomy.
You stay at Hostellerie de la Bretonniere (Breakfast included)

Day 6: Beaune to Meursault 8KM (5MI), 1,5HR

Walk through the first Premiers Crus vineyards, heading to Pommard. When one thinks of red wine, Pommard is a name that first comes to the lips, a name evocative of a village and an iconic vineyard of Burgundy where Pinot Noir reigns supreme. A pleasure for the eyes as well as the tongue, Pommard is home to an 18th century castle built in front of the vineyards, boasting magnificent French-style gardens, vaulted cellars and an astonishing art gallery with exceptional cuvees and works by Dali, Picasso and Miro.

Then continue in the direction of Meursault. The unjustly charming capital of the great white wines of Burgundy, with a vineyard mostly planted with chardonnay grapes, lying in the middle of the hills of a gentle slope. With its vineyard castles, its cozy houses, its great restaurants lorded over by spire of its gothic church, Meursault embodies 'la douce France' (sweet or gentle France).
You stay at Hotel Le Chevreuil (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 7: At Meursault 22KM (14MI), 4,5HR

Make your way across the vineyards, to pass through hamlets, forest and reach Chateau of La Rochepot. This 12th-century feudal castle of neo-Gothic-Burgundian style is covered with glazed burgundy tiles and is jewel in the green scenery.

Then wind through the Grands Crus of Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet. Here is a vineyard that does not deserve to be judged by its cover-it's set up on a rocky hill of a bald mountain that turns out to be a terroir of excellence in the heart of the Cote de Beaune. In this ocean of vineyards, two villages, accomplices and rivals at the same time, share the honor of producing the world's grandest dry white wine.
You stay at Hotel Le Chevreuil (Breakfast and evening meal included)

Day 8: Leave Meursault