Bourgogne-Franche-Comté Travel Guide

Discover the beautiful region of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté with our comprehensive travel guide. Find the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay.


Introduction to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Located in Eastern France, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is a region known for its wine, charming villages, and natural beauty. The region is made up of eight departments, including the famous wine regions of Burgundy and the Jura Mountains, offering a diverse range of landscapes and activities for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is home to many historically significant attractions and museums. Visit the Hospices de Beaune, a former 15th-century hospital that has been converted into a museum showcasing Burgundy’s rich history. Check out the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Royal Saltworks of Arc-et-Senans, which was once a major salt production site. For a more interactive experience, head to the Maison Nicéphore Niépce in Chalon-Sur-Saône, where the inventor of photography once lived and worked.

Natural Attractions of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For outdoor enthusiasts, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté offers endless opportunities for adventure. Explore the Jura Mountains, which offer hiking and skiing activities, or take a scenic drive through the Morvan Regional Natural Park, which is known for its beautiful lakes and forests. Visit the Grottes d’Arcy-sur-Cure, a limestone cave system that features ancient rock art dating back to the Paleolithic era.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is a paradise for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. One of the most famous routes is the Burgundy Canal, a picturesque waterway that stretches over 150 miles with bike-friendly paths and stunning scenery along the way. The bike route through the Jura Mountains is ideal for more experienced cyclists, offering challenging climbs and beautiful views.

Best Things to Do in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: Activities and Tours

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté offers a variety of activities and tours for visitors to experience the region. Wine enthusiasts can explore the Burgundy wine region with tours and tastings available at many wineries. For a more unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the vineyards and villages of the Côte d’Or. Visit the town of Besançon, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and explore the ancient citadel. For a more relaxing experience, head to one of the many thermal spas throughout the region, such as Luxeuil-les-Bains thermal baths.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Day 1: Explore the historic city of Dijon and its museums, such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne.

Day 2: Head to the Côte d’Or wine region for a day of vineyard tours and tastings.

Day 3: Take a scenic drive through the Morvan Regional Natural Park and enjoy the beautiful views and lakes.

Day 4: Spend the day in Besançon and explore the ancient citadel.

Day 5: Visit the Hospices de Beaune, a former hospital turned museum showcasing the region’s rich history and art.

Day 6: Explore the Grottes d’Arcy-sur-Cure, a limestone cave system with ancient rock art from the Paleolithic era.

Day 7: Relax at one of the many thermal spas throughout the region, such as the Luxeuil-les-Bains thermal baths.

Food and Drink Scene of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Must-Try Dishes

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté’s regional cuisine is a delicious blend of hearty dishes and delicate flavors. Must-try dishes include coq au vin, a hearty chicken stew cooked with wine, and beef bourguignon, a classic French dish made with red wine, beef, and vegetables. For dessert, try tarte Tatin, an upside-down apple tart.

Local Beverages

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté’s wine regions produce some of the most famous wines in the world, including Burgundian pinot noirs and chardonnays. Other popular local drinks include the anise-flavored aperitif, pastis, and the rye-based spirit, absinthe.

Where to Stay in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté offers a variety of accommodation options for travelers, including luxurious hotels, charming guesthouses, and budget-friendly hostels. Popular areas to stay include Dijon, Beaune, and Besançon.

What to Buy in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, be sure to bring home some of the region’s famous culinary and wine products. These include Dijon mustard, Comté cheese, and Burgundy wines. Other popular souvenirs include handcrafted pottery from the town of La Bresse.

Local Culture and Customs of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté’s culture is characterized by its rich history, from the Roman ruins to medieval castles. The region’s cuisine is also an important part of its cultural identity, and locals take pride in the quality of their products. It is customary to greet others with a handshake or three kisses on the cheeks.

Best Time to Visit Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

The best time to visit Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is between April and October when the weather is mild and there are many outdoor activities available. The region is also known for its fall foliage and spring flowers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Do:

  • Try the local wines and cuisine
  • Take advantage of the many outdoor activities available
  • Learn about the region’s history and culture

Don’t:

  • Overlook the smaller villages and towns in the region
  • Skip the chance to visit one of the thermal spas
  • Forget to pack comfortable shoes for hiking and biking activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is a safe region, but like any destination, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take standard safety precautions.

Health in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

France has a high standard of healthcare, and Bourgogne-Franche-Comté has many excellent hospitals and clinics. Make sure to have adequate travel insurance before visiting.

Getting to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

The nearest international airport is in Lyon, which is well-connected to destinations across Europe. There are also smaller regional airports in Dole and Troyes.

Bus Stations Near Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is well-connected to many French cities by bus, with regular services running to Dijon and Besançon.

Other Options

The region is well-connected by train, with high-speed TGV services running between Paris and Dijon.

How to Get Around in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté

Driving is the easiest way to explore the region, with numerous car rental agencies available at major train stations and airports.

Where to Go Next from Bourgogne-Franche-Comté: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After discovering Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, head to nearby regions such as the Alsace wine region or the historic town of Strasbourg. The city of Lyon is also a popular destination, with excellent dining and cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is a beautiful region in Eastern France, offering a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions. With its rich history, delicious cuisine, and famous wines, it’s no surprise that it’s a popular destination for travelers. Whether you’re exploring the vineyards, hiking in the Jura Mountains, or relaxing in a thermal spa, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté has something to offer everyone.

The Hotel-Dieu of Beaune The Hotel-Dieu of Beaune Haut-Jura regional park Haut-Jura regional park View of part of Auxerre, featuring the Abbey of Saint-Germain View of part of Auxerre, featuring the Abbey of Saint-Germain Boat on the Doubs River in Besançon Boat on the Doubs River in Besançon The salt works of Salins-les-Bains The salt works of Salins-les-Bains Bief de la Ruine, Jura Bief de la Ruine, Jura L'échappée jurassienne from CDT Jura L'échappée jurassienne from CDT Jura Coq au vin Coq au vin Escargots de Bourgogne Escargots de Bourgogne A slab of Comté A slab of Comté Typical vineyard landscape in Côte d'Or Typical vineyard landscape in Côte d'Or


    Auxerre
    Avallon
    Beaune
    Besançon
    Chablis
    Dole
    Forêts National Park
    Morvan Regional Natural Park
    Nans-sous-Sainte-Anne
    Paray-le-Monial
    Saint-Claude
    Saulieu
    Semur-en-Auxois
    Sens
    Vesoul
    Époisses