France : Burgundy

Walking in Burgundy’s Vineyards

Trip code: W06BN 4.7 (6 reviews)

Self-guided walking

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

8.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

SUMMARY

  • Visit the gastronomic and wine capitals of Dijon and Beaune
  • Discover charming, medieval villages and majestic chateaux
  • Walk through the famous appellations of Burgundy: Gevrey Chambertin, Chambolle Musigny, Vougeot

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 6 nights accommodation
  • All breakfast and 3 evening meals
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers

TRIP DESCRIPTION

This tour will open up your appetite and invite you to sensory pleasures. The vines may provide a beautiful setting, but they also produce an excellent wine that can be enjoyed all along this trip.

From Dijon to Beaune the walks provide a wonderful balance of quiet country lanes, vineyard tracks and woodland trails taking in sleepy, unspoilt villages, and majestic vine-clad hills. Sample fine wines in 13th century cellars and enjoy lunch in a selection of medieval towns including world-renowned Nuits-St-Georges. Walk the historic streets of Dijon and Beaune, hunt for truffles, taste local cheese in a rural manufactory, learn about blackcurrant liquor and enjoy a wine tasting at the majestic wine estate Chateau Clos Vougeot.

In this region known for its epicurean finesse, you can really enjoy fine dining. There will be excellent local dishes such as Beef Bourguignon, Oeufs en Meurette, Poulet de Bresse a la Creme, Perche aux Noix and of course exquisite cheeses like the pungent Epoisses de Bourgogne, to pair with the region's incredible Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines.

This tour will stimulate all your senses.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

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.

hotel details



Hotel des Ducs, Dijon

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This hotel is located in historic centre of Dijon, listed as a World Heritage site by Unesco, 50 m from The Palace of the Dukes. It offers a bar and free Wi-Fi. Hotel Des Ducs serves a buffet breakfast each morning and guests can relax with a drink on the terrace. Rooms at Hotel Des Ducs are equipped with a telephone, flat-screen TV and private bathroom with bath or shower. The rooms are accessible by lift and some are air-conditioned. Hotel Des Ducs is less than 50 m from the Museum of Fine Arts, the city's opera house and the city's shopping area.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

Day 2: Dijon to Gevrey Chambertin via Marsannay (10km/6.2mi)

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!

On your way, possibility to visit a manufacturer of raw milk cheeses with an introduction to the Burgundian favours with various cheese tasting.

elevation

You stay at Hotel Arts et Terroirs.

hotel details



Hotel Arts et Terroirs, Gevrey Chambertin

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

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Visa
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Hairdryer
WiFi
TV


The hotel features elegantly styled rooms with beautiful old pewter and copper furniture. They are equipped with modern en suite facilities and free Wi-Fi internet access. Take time to relax in the spacious drawing room with its classy interior and warm and intimate wine bar.

Day 3 : Gevrey Chambertin to Nuits St Georges (14km/8.7mi)

Cross through the Grand Cru vineyards towards Morey Saint Denis. Pass by the village of Chambolle Musigny, and Romanee 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.

Then head to one of the most famous sites of Burgundy, the majestic Chateau de Clos Vougeot.This majestic castle crowned with a roof of glazed tiles, standing like an islet planted in the middle of the vineyards. You can see it from a distance, and approach the awe-inspiring portal of this mythical enclosure with a little thrill. This is the den of the knights of Tastevin, a venerable brotherhood of 12,000 ambassadors of Burgundy all over the world. The old grape presses, the wine cellar and the large cellar set the scene as it was in the 12th century, under the motto: 'Jamais en vain, toujours en vin' ('Never in vain, always in wine').

elevation

You stay at Hostellerie la Gentilhommiere.

hotel details



Hostellerie la Gentilhommiere, Nuits St Georges

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


this typical Burgundy hotel is housed in a 16th-century hunting lodge. La Gentilhomière offers comfortable rooms and suites with personalised decor and modern amenities including free Wi-Fi internet access, complimentary cakes and pastries, and a coffee machine. When the weather is fine you can enjoy access to the large outdoor swimming pool and open-air tennis courts. There is also a beautiful 13-hectare park crossed by the River Meuzin.

Day 4: At Nuits St Georges (20km/12.4mi or 13km/8.1mi)

Today's walk leads you to a farmhouse producing red fruits where a visit and tasting of the local blackcurrant liquor is possible. Burgundy is not just famous for its namesake wines; a small black and shiny berry also takes the spotlight on the Hautes Cotes of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Next to the vineyards, blackcurrant plantations are budding with fragrance in July, at the time of the harvest. Blackcurrant has been cultivated in Burgundy for over four centuries. Associated with an aligote white wine, the blackcurrant liquor produces the famous kir, a 100% Burgundian aperitif.

Today you have several options of visits : on the way back you can visit a winery in Vosne Romanee. Then discover the terroirs and hunt the Burgundy Truffle with the dogs in a local estate. To end perfectly this day why not to stop for a visit and tasting of 5 wines including Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru.

Do not miss the weekly market on Fridays for an introduction to the local products and gastronomy.

elevation

You stay at Hostellerie la Gentilhommiere.

hotel details



Hostellerie la Gentilhommiere, Nuits St Georges

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


this typical Burgundy hotel is housed in a 16th-century hunting lodge. La Gentilhomière offers comfortable rooms and suites with personalised decor and modern amenities including free Wi-Fi internet access, complimentary cakes and pastries, and a coffee machine. When the weather is fine you can enjoy access to the large outdoor swimming pool and open-air tennis courts. There is also a beautiful 13-hectare park crossed by the River Meuzin.

Day 5: Nuits St Georges to Beaune (18km/11.2mi)

After a transfer today's walk leads you to the Hautes Cotes de Nuits: the landscape is delightful, with beautiful views across the valley. Pass through charming villages and descend into the Cotes de Beaune where you reach other picturesque little villages such as, Aloxe-Corton, famous for white wines like Corton-Charlemagne, one of the best in Burgundy.

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.

elevation

You stay at Hostellerie de la Bretonniere.

hotel details



Hostellerie de la Bretonniere, Beaune

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


In Beaune, the Hostellerie de Bretonnière is a former coaching inn dating back to the 18th century. With its old stones and its flower-filled courtyard, this traditional building offers all the comfort, and is only 5 minutes walking distance from the historical centre of Beaune. Seat on the terrace and enjoy the calm of the inner courtyard.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 6: At Beaune (8km/5.0mi)

Today you could walk into the centre of Beaune and enjoy a visit to the 'Hotel Dieu' with its museum. 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.

Alternatively, follow our route to walk through the Premiers Crus vineyards, heading to the 300 year old winery in the storybook Chateau de Pommard. If you don't wish to visit the chateau, Pommard itself has plenty of other viticulteurs and domaines along with a chocolaterie, that could fill a day investigating. Loop back to Beaune for an afternoon of training your taste buds with even more possibilities including another artisanal chocolaterie followed by wine tasting in one of the many wineries.

elevation

You stay at Hostellerie de la Bretonniere.

hotel details



Hostellerie de la Bretonniere, Beaune

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


In Beaune, the Hostellerie de Bretonnière is a former coaching inn dating back to the 18th century. With its old stones and its flower-filled courtyard, this traditional building offers all the comfort, and is only 5 minutes walking distance from the historical centre of Beaune. Seat on the terrace and enjoy the calm of the inner courtyard.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.

Day 7: Leave Beaune

Extending your holiday

If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Hostellerie de la Bretonniere, Beaune; Hotel des Ducs, Dijon.

hotel details



Hostellerie de la Bretonniere, Beaune

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Aircon
Safe


In Beaune, the Hostellerie de Bretonnière is a former coaching inn dating back to the 18th century. With its old stones and its flower-filled courtyard, this traditional building offers all the comfort, and is only 5 minutes walking distance from the historical centre of Beaune. Seat on the terrace and enjoy the calm of the inner courtyard.

Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.



Hotel des Ducs, Dijon

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Minibar
Aircon
Safe
Tea/coffee


This hotel is located in historic centre of Dijon, listed as a World Heritage site by Unesco, 50 m from The Palace of the Dukes. It offers a bar and free Wi-Fi. Hotel Des Ducs serves a buffet breakfast each morning and guests can relax with a drink on the terrace. Rooms at Hotel Des Ducs are equipped with a telephone, flat-screen TV and private bathroom with bath or shower. The rooms are accessible by lift and some are air-conditioned. Hotel Des Ducs is less than 50 m from the Museum of Fine Arts, the city's opera house and the city's shopping area.

Extra nights: Please contact us for details.

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £391.

We can book your flights, protected by ATOL and ABTA. Please ask at time of enquiry.

TRAVEL DETAILS

If you choose a flight inclusive package with us, you will fly into Paris airport, with onward rail included. We can also provide transfers from the station to your hotel, please contact us for details and prices.

We hold an ATOL License and are fully ABTA bonded, so you can book your flights with us in confidence. We can book most airlines and will advise you of your most convenient airport and flight options.

Flight prices vary massively and change quickly. At Headwater we will sell you your flights at the same price you can buy them yourself. We simply add £35 per person to cover your flight protection, to learn more please click here.

OPTIONAL UPGRADES
  • Flights from London or any available regional airport*
  • Airport parking and airport hotels
  • Priority at Security and Fast Track
  • Airport lounge access
  • Priority boarding and extra leg-room seats
  • Business/club/first class fares
  • Possibility to book 2 wine tastings (in Nuits St George and Beaune)
  • Possibility to book 3 extra evening meal (in Dijon and Beaune)

Subject to availability and dependent on service provider, please ask at time of enquiry and book early to avoid disappointment. *Unfortunately, due to the airline themselves we are unable to book Ryanair.

REVIEWS

We had a great holiday. It was relaxing and inspiring to walk among the Burgundy vineyards and amazing landscape of the Cote D'Or. The walking routes were well organised and varied. Navigation was easy with the GPS app. We walked 40 miles over 5 days and climbed 1100m, higher than Mt Snowdon!

Diana Lee, 23 Jul 2023

 

Very well organised. Good routes. Mainly good hotels. Maps etc very good.

FRENCH, 15 May 2023

 

Great location and wonderful walking. Just need to upgrade hotels.

Mrs BRUSH, 11 May 2023

 

Good walking through beautiful countryside



Mr SHARMA, 10 Oct 2022

 

The holiday was excellent. We had a great time. On balance we would have preferred slightly more upscale accommodation. We especially thought that the Arts et Terroirs hotel in Gevrey Chambertin was extremely dated, and generally disappointing. The staff however were absolutely charming.

We found the printed walk instructions and maps very poor, and had we not downloaded and followed the app we would have got lost countless times. The instructions were too perfunctory and just didn’t do the job. Using the ‘Ride GPX’ app made the walk way easier.

Overall we loved our holiday and hope you will take any criticism in a positive way.

Mr Howells, 20 Sep 2022

 

Very well organised holiday and run very efficiently

Mr Craig, 14 Sep 2022

 


Self-guided walking

6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 1+
Leisurely plus

Flights
available

8.0Kg CO2e

Headwater
Navigation App

6 nights from £1089

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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