What to do in Burgundy: top 8 best activities

Published on 24/01/2022 - updated: 24 June 2026 - 5 min read - By Théo Mercier-Balaz

Contents

Key takeaways:

Push open the doors of the Hospices de Beaune and admire the most photographed glazed tile roofs in France
Hop on a bike along the Voie des Vignes: 72 km from Dijon to Santenay through the Grands Crus, between Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges
Travel back to the Middle Ages at the Guédelon construction site, where stonemasons and carpenters have been building a fortified castle before your eyes since 1997
Dive into the 6 great lakes of the Morvan by kayak, pedal boat or simply with your feet in the water, in the heart of 239,000 hectares of preserved nature

UNESCO-listed vineyards, ancient abbeys, lakes surrounded by forests: Burgundy concentrates rare diversity of experiences in France. But what to do in Burgundy when you want to go beyond the clichés?

Here is our selection of 8 must-do activities to plan during your next vacation in Burgundy in a camping with water park!

1. Visit the Hospices of Beaune

The Hôtel-Dieu of Beaune, founded in 1443, is the most visited monument in Burgundy. Its polychrome glazed tile roofs have become a symbol of the region. Inside, you discover the Grande Salle des Pôvres, the pharmacy, and the polyptych of the Last Judgment by Rogier van der Weyden.

Count on 12 € for a free visit and 19 € for a guided tour. The site is open daily, from 9am to 7:30pm in summer season. Book online to avoid waiting in July-August.

Claire’s advice: arrive at 9am at opening. You will enjoy the Grande Salle des Pôvres almost alone, with the morning light passing through the stained glass. After the visit, head to Beaune’s covered market 200 meters away to taste pressed ham and a glass of aligoté from a local producer.

2. Cycle on the Wine Route between Dijon and Santenay

The Wine Route follows the famous Grand Crus road over 72 km, from Dijon to Santenay. The route crosses the villages of Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Clos de Vougeot, Nuits-Saint-Georges, then Aloxe-Corton and Beaune. The route is nearly flat and marked, manageable in three stages of about 1.5 to 2 hours of cycling each.

3. Discover the Medieval Construction Site of Guédelon

Since 1997, a team of builders has been constructing a 13th-century fortified castle using the techniques and materials of the time, in the middle of the Puisaye forest. Stone cutters, carpenters, blacksmiths, and tile makers work before your eyes. The site welcomes about 300,000 visitors per year and the visit lasts about 4 hours.

Count on 19 to 21 € per adult and 13 € for children aged 5 to 17. Guédelon is open from April to November. It is an outing in Burgundy ideal for families.

Claire’s advice: “Guédelon is my absolute favorite for families. Children are captivated by the craftspeople at work and leave with much more memorable souvenirs than a traditional museum visit.” – Claire

4. Hike to the Top of the Solutré Rock

The Solutré Rock rises to 495 meters in the heart of the Mâconnais vineyard. The ascent, accessible to all, represents 4 km of hiking with about 100 meters elevation gain, about 45 minutes on average. At the top, the panorama over the Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards and the Saône valley is magnificent.

A must-do for those wondering what to do in Burgundy in the outdoors!

5. Discover the Morvan Lakes by Kayak

The Morvan Regional Natural Park covers 239,000 hectares and is home to 6 large lakes: Pannecière, Crescent, Settons, Saint-Agnan, Chaumeçon, and Chamboux. The Settons Lake is ideal for families, with supervised swimming, pedal boats, and recreational structures. For those seeking thrills, the Saint-Agnan Lake offers a lovely setting for canoeing-kayaking with cliffs and forest.

Count on about 15 to 25 € per person for a 2-hour kayak outing. It is one of the most beautiful nature activities in Burgundy.

Claire’s advice: favor Chaumeçon Lake if you are seeking calm. Less frequented than Settons, it guarantees a wild and preserved atmosphere, perfect for a canoe trip at sunset.

6. Follow the Owl Route in Dijon

The Owl Route is a 3 km pedestrian route with 22 stages through the historic center of Dijon. Bronze plaques on the ground guide your steps from the tourist office to the city’s treasures: the Palace of the Dukes, the Notre-Dame Church and its Jacquemart, the 15th-century Millière House, and the covered market halls. The route is free and takes 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace.

Take the opportunity to taste the Dijon mustard directly at Fallot or at the Edmond Fallot Mustard House. Discovering Burgundy often begins with this stroll.

7. Taste the Wines of Chablis at a Winery

The Chablis vineyard produces world-renowned dry whites, exclusively from the Chardonnay grape variety. Several estates open their cellars to visitors for commented tastings, generally starting at 26 € per person. The Louis Moreau Estate and Régnard House are among the best-rated addresses. For an immersive experience, the City of Burgundy Climates and Wines offers an interactive multisensory tour.

The 46 climates listed as UNESCO World Heritage make this wine region a unique heritage in the world.

8. Admire the Basilica of Vézelay

Perched on its hill, the village of Vézelay is home to the Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, a masterpiece of Romanesque art listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The nave bathed in light and the carved capitals from the 12th century justify the detour on their own. Admission is free and the basilica is open daily from 8am to 8pm. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays, from Easter to All Saints’ Day. Vézelay is also the starting point for one of the routes to Santiago de Compostela, making it a major site for tourism in Burgundy.

You now know what to do in Burgundy for vacations rich in discoveries. Between heritage, vineyards, and vast natural spaces, the region satisfies all desires. Have you already found your home base? Discover our campings with water parks in Burgundy and book your stay in the heart of the region.

FAQ – What to Do in Burgundy?

Frequently asked questions

What free activities are there in Burgundy?

There are plenty of free activities in Burgundy: the Parcours de la Chouette trail in Dijon, climbing the Roche de Solutré, visiting the Vézelay basilica, and the hiking trails of the Morvan park. Swimming at the Morvan's supervised lakes is also free all summer long.

What can you do in Burgundy as a family with children?

As a family in Burgundy, you can visit the Guédelon medieval building site, where children watch craftspeople at work, enjoy the Morvan lakes for swimming and kayaking, follow the Parcours de la Chouette trail in Dijon, or cycle along the Voie des Vignes, which even the youngest riders can manage.

What can you do in Burgundy when it rains?

When it rains in Burgundy, the best options are visiting the Hospices de Beaune, a wine tasting in the cellars of Chablis or Beaune, the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne, and Dijon's museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts housed in the Palace of the Dukes. The indoor pools at campsites with water parks also remain open!

What is the best time of year to visit Burgundy?

The best time to visit Burgundy runs from May to October. Summer offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities and the Morvan lakes, while September and October let you witness the grape harvest and enjoy the autumn colours over the vineyards, with smaller crowds.

Are there campsites with water parks in Burgundy?

Yes, particularly in the Morvan Regional Nature Park (Lac des Settons, ponds) and in the Saône valley. 3- and 4-star campsites offer water parks with pools and slides. Check out our selection of campsites with water parks in Burgundy-Franche-Comté.