Food in Burgundy In this veritable garden, with its rich earth and cooperative climate, excellent fresh produce dominates the gastronomy. Fresh vegetables, fruits such as cherries and blackcurrants, Charollais beef, chicken from Bourg-en-Bresse (the only DOC poultry in France), freshwater fish, wild mushrooms and game, and a variety of cheeses (Époisses, Cîteaux, chèvres) – And, at least once in a lifetime, snails and frogs’ legs smothered in garlic butter …
It is impossible to ignore the gastronomic heritage of the region. If you prefer to sample the work of the fine chefs of the region, you have the opportunity to dine with some of the best known in France. If you prefer a more rustic experience, riverside inns and a network of farm inns serve regional dishes for lunch or dinner made from home-grown produce. Most inns are open year round.
In all cases, you will enjoy a warm welcome, and personal cooking styles combined with a staunch loyalty to local ingredients and traditions.
If you decide to be more proactive, Burgundy is the ideal place. There are several culinary schools, covering gourmet secrets, sauces, marketing, desserts and chocolate. The Hostellerie Bourgignonne even offers a half-day culinary course for kids (plus a tea party!). | Burgundy Wineries Famous names adorn the landscape, prestigious appellations, all of them: Chablis, Côte-de-Nuits, Côte-de-Beaune, Hautes Côtes, Mâconnais, Meursault, Santenay, Chassagne and Puligny Montrachet, Mercurey, Givry, Nuits St. George and Vosne Romanee to name a few.
Almost 300 wine producers, traders and small cellars have signed the "From Vineyards to Cellars" Hospitality Charter. This pledge guarantees a warm welcome; at least one wine will be offered for free tasting, and you will not be obliged to purchase during your visit.
To get off the beaten path, purchase the Le Guide Hachette des Vins, or ask your wine waiter about good local winery, and call for an appointment.
You will usually be expected to purchase, but prices are likely to be modest and quality superior. And the experience is usually more rewarding, as you won’t be just one of the crowd.
Remember, if you decide on a formal wine-tasting foray, you may be expected to spit out your mouthful, and even pour the unused wine back into the barrel. That can be a real chore, as opposed to enjoying a few glasses of different wines with fragrant bouquets. So make sure you know what your tour will require. |
 Activities in BurgundySo you think Burgundy is only about food and wine? Think again! The region is a treasure chest of art and architecture, and if you are not a culture buff, there is a choice of activities as varied as the region's landscapes.
History buffs will thrill to the medieval city of Vézelay. The incredible Ste-Madeleine Basilica was finished in 878. In the center of Dijon is the Palais des Ducs, which today houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts, also known as "Le Petit Louvre" because of its extraordinary collections. And this is the tip of the region’s cultural iceberg. Don’t forget, Dijon is also home to the world’s most famous mustard.
Anglers have many options, with lakes, rivers and streams. Trout is a favorite, and catfish are found in the Saône.
Golf facilities in Burgundy are far less numerous than its vineyards but there are nevertheless some interesting courses. Four area courses offer open admittance, although members do enjoy preference, so be sure to call ahead.
Cycling, horseback riding and walking are the norm, while the more exotic potholing, rock climbing and hot air ballooning are available for the adventurous traveller. The Morvan (Celtic: ‘black mountain’) Nature Park has forests, crystal-clear streams and reservoirs. Popular pursuits here are rafting and hot dogging (a cross between a small raft and a kayak, the hot dog is ideal for hurtling down rivers – easy to handle, fast, sturdy and stable).
Canal and river cruises are available, some with lunch on board, or providing a stop at a waterside auberge. And there is always a nearby vineyard to visit and sample.
There are a number of locations specifically devoted to kids, particularly Touroparc, a special animal park, with 150 species in a carefully laid out parkland. Blue-eyed white tigers, meerkats, zebras, monkeys and gorillas attract most attention.
Enjoying the quaint landscape of verdant green meadows dotted with bright sunflowers only adds to Burgundy's charm. Abundant activities such as Burgundy wine tasting, cooking classes in Dijon, and boat rides in Vezelay can only enrich your holiday. IndependentOwners.com thanks you for enjoying the Burgundy Tourist Information Guide, and for discovering with us your accommodation in Burgundy. |
