NEED TO KNOW
LOCATION Burgundy is a region in eastern France. Its main towns are Dijon, Châlons- sur-Saone, and Auxerre
AREA 12,240 sq miles (31,700 sq km)
DAYTIME TEMPERATURES Jan: 36°F (2°C); Apr: 52°F (11°C); Jul: 70°F (21°C); Oct: 52°F (11°C)
The vineyards of Burgundy, nestled against the strong, straight ridge of the Côte d’Or, give the region its fame. But far from the traditional touring routes lie the most beguiling landscapes in France.
In the Middle Ages, the Court of Dijon was Europe’s wealthiest, and artists such as Roger van der Weyden traveled from the Low Countries to paint for the dukes. But Burgundy’s real soul lies in its monasteries – Cluny, Montigny, and Citeaux, and, towering above them, the Basilica of Vézelay, the last great survivor of western monasticism
Practical Information
Getting There and Around
Burgundy lies on the main autoroute and railway routes between Paris and Lyon. Dijon has a small international airport, but private transportation is required in much of the countryside.
When to Go
In spite of the long, cold winters, Burgundy is a pleasure to visit right through the year, summer’s warmth lasting until October.