guide
UNESCO-classified vineyards, millennial abbeys, lakes surrounded by forests: Burgundy concentrates a rare diversity of experiences in France. But what to do in Burgundy when you want to go beyond the clichés?
Here’s our selection of the 8 essential activities to schedule during your next Burgundy vacation at a campsite with water park!
The Beaune Hôtel-Dieu, founded in 1443, is the most visited monument in Burgundy. Its polychrome glazed tile roofs have become a regional symbol. Inside, you discover the Great Hall of the Poor, the pharmacy and Roger van der Weyden’s Last Judgment polyptych.
Plan 12 euros for self-guided visit and 19 euros for guided tour. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in summer season. Book online to avoid waiting in July-August.
Claire’s tip: arrive at 9 a.m. opening. You’ll enjoy the Great Hall of the Poor almost alone, with morning light filtering through the stained glass. After the tour, head to Beaune’s covered market 200 meters away to taste persillé ham and a glass of Aligoté from a local producer.
The Wine Route follows the famous Grand Crus route for 72 km, from Dijon to Santenay. The route crosses villages of Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Vougeot Clos, Nuits-Saint-Georges, then Aloxe-Corton and Beaune. The route is nearly flat and marked, doable in three stages of about 1.5 to 2 hours of biking each.
Since 1997, a team of builders has been constructing a 13th century castle using period techniques and materials, deep in Puisaye forest. Stone cutters, carpenters, blacksmiths and tile makers work before your eyes. The site welcomes almost 300,000 visitors per year and the visit lasts about 4 hours.
Plan 19 to 21 euros per adult and 13 euros for children aged 5 to 17. Guédelon is open April to November. It’s an outing in Burgundy ideal for families.
Claire’s tip: “Guédelon is my absolute favorite for families. Children are captivated by artisans at work and leave with memories far more memorable than a typical museum visit.” – Claire
Solutré Rock rises to 495 meters in the heart of Mâconnais vineyards. The climb, accessible to all, represents 4 km of walking with about 100 meters elevation gain, taking 45 minutes on average. At the summit, the panorama of Pouilly-Fuissé vineyards and Saône valley is magnificent.
A must for those wondering what to do in Burgundy outdoors!
The Morvan regional nature park spans 239,000 hectares and shelters 6 large lakes: Pannecière, Crescent, Settons, Saint-Agnan, Chaumeçon and Chamboux. Settons Lake is ideal for families, with supervised swimming, pedal boats and play structures. For thrill-seekers, Saint-Agnan Lake offers a beautiful setting for kayaking with cliffs and forest.
Plan about 15 to 25 euros per person for a 2-hour kayak outing. It’s one of the finest nature activities in Burgundy.
Claire’s tip: favor Chaumeçon lake if you seek calm. Less crowded than Settons, it guarantees a wild and preserved atmosphere, perfect for a canoe outing at sunset.
The Owl Route is a 3 km walking route marked by 22 stops through Dijon’s historic center. Bronze plaques on the ground guide your steps from the tourist office to the city’s treasures: the Palace of Dukes, Notre-Dame Church and its Jacquemart, the 15th century Millière House and covered halls. The route is free and takes 1 to 2 hours depending on your pace.
Take the opportunity to taste Dijon mustard directly at Fallot or Edmond Fallot Mustard Factory. Discovering Burgundy often begins with this walk.
The Chablis vineyard produces world-renowned dry whites, exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. Several estates open their cellars to visitors for commented tastings, generally starting at 26 euros per person. 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 journey.
The 46 UNESCO-classified climates make this wine region a unique heritage worldwide.
Perched on its hilltop, the village of Vézelay houses Sainte-Marie-Madeleine Basilica, a masterpiece of Romanesque art inscribed in UNESCO world heritage. The nave bathed in light and 12th century sculpted capitals alone justify the detour. Entry is free and the basilica is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Guided tours are offered on Saturdays, Easter to All Saints’ Day. Vézelay is also the starting point of one of the Santiago de Compostela roads, making it a major Burgundy tourism site.
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 found your base already? Discover our campsites with water parks in Burgundy and book your stay in the heart of the region.
There are many free activities to do in Burgundy: the Owl's Trail in Dijon, climbing the Roche de Solutré, visiting the Vézelay basilica and the hiking trails of the Morvan park. Swimming in the lifeguarded lakes of the Morvan is also free all summer long.
As a family in Burgundy, you can visit the medieval building site at Guédelon where children watch craftsmen at work, enjoy the lakes of the Morvan for swimming and kayaking, follow the Owl's Trail in Dijon, or cycle along the Voie des Vignes, accessible even to the youngest.
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 Ducal Palace. The indoor pools at campsites with a water park also stay open!
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 catch the grape harvest and the autumn colours on the vineyards with milder crowds.
Yes, particularly in the Morvan Regional Nature Park (Lac des Settons, ponds) and in the Saône valley. 3- and 4-star campsites offer water areas with a pool and slides. Check out our selection of campsites with a water park in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
