12 of the best things to do in the Côte-d’Or!

The heir to the history of France, the Côte-d’Or is full of extraordinary places. Medieval cities, castles, monasteries… Many visits are inevitable in this region. The richness of the episode also comes from its incredible nature. forests as far as the eye can see, millennial vines, rivers and canals. On foot, by bike or on the water, there is so much to explore in this gorgeous part of Burgundy.

Delicate exercise to evoke the Côte-d’Or without evoking its side land of gastronomy. The artisans who trade in food here continue the millennial traditions. Grands crus, cattle breeding, sweets and treats, there’s something for everyone! To help you organize your stay, Here are 12 essential things to see or do in the Côte-d’Or !

Wander through the historic center of Dijon

Take time to explore the historic center of Dijon, It is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a gateway to classified climates.. The capital of Burgundy has many historical sites: Good Philip Tower (46 m height) to enjoy a panoramic view. And if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, Owl’s Course Allows you to pass basic historical nuggets. Unmissable visit, fine arts museum Dijon does not leave anyone indifferent. Located in the former duke’s palace, this is one of the oldest museums in France that deserves a stop.

A new indispensable awaits visitors since 2022: Gastronomy and Wine City. A place where you can celebrate Burgundian cuisine, closely linked to French culture.

center of Dijon
center of Dijon © jasckal

???? READ ALSO : Must-see sights in or around Dijon.

Visit Alésia Museopark

Open from February to November Alesia Museum Park Definitely a must do in the Côte-d’Or. It offers an immersive, interactive and fun dive into prehistory. Traveler at the time of visit Reconstructing the great history of Alésia, From Vercingetorix to the present. Don’t miss the Gallo-Roman ruins of the city, steps away from the museum. A site to see and experience, which will undoubtedly amaze young and old alike!

statue of Vercingetorix
Statue of Vercingetorix © LianeM

Indulge in a wine tasting on the Route des Grands Crus

Much more than a simple drink, Burgundy wine is a true emblem. What to do in the Côte-d’Or? Between Dijon and Santenay, the Route des Grands Crus guarantees an overview of this culinary and heritage wealth! Route des Grands Crus, considered the first winemaking route in France, welcomes its visitors. 60 amazing km dotted with names known worldwide: Aloxe-Corton, Gevrey-Chambertin, Meursault, Vosne-Romanée…

The route winds through various terrains, relief, fields and cabots. The many unique elements that make up what are called climates, On the UNESCO World Heritage list. This Beaune Climats House It awaits you to uncover the secrets and 2000 years of history of the Burgundy Climats.

Clos de Vougeot castle to be built on the Côte-d'Or
Clos de Vougeot castle © Jeremie LORAND

Explore the Château de Bussy-Rabutin

An essential place to be in the Côte-d’Or, the Château de Bussy-Rabutin deserves a stop. 60 km northwest of Dijon, immerse yourself in the history of the castle’s most famous ownerCount Roger de Bussy-Rabutin.

Three things affect Castlestarting with architectural mixes. Medieval architecture stands shoulder to shoulder with the Renaissance and the 17th centuryto century. then this interior decoration defiant, emphasizing the originality and eventful life of the number. Take time to explore too French garden and 34 hectares of land.

Bussy-Rabutin castle to be built on the Cote-d'Or
Bussy-Rabutin castle @Alain DOIRE – BFC_Tourisme

Go behind the scenes of how gingerbread is made

Labeled Living Heritage Company Mulot et Petitjean house in Burgundy is the ancestral address to taste Burgundy gingerbread. Established more than two centuries ago, the house offers fun and sensory visits for children. Discover the rich history of gingerbread. At Mulot et Petitjean, we discover with the traditional method, quality ingredients, knowledge, heart and taste…

Mulot and Petitjean House
Mulot and Petitjean House @ Alain DOIRE – BFC Tourisme

Explore the medieval streets of Beaune

Considered to be Beaune capital of Burgundy wines. Ideally located on the Route des Grands Crus, the hotel is an unmissable stopover in the Côte-d’Or. A Beaune’s visit an escape placed under the sign tasting and medieval architecture. Here, masters’ tables and good addresses stand shoulder to shoulder with buildings with uniquely preserved architecture. Hôtel Dieu and Beaune nursing homes One of the important steps you need to plan while discovering Beaune, a city that will seduce you with the richness of its heritage!

Hospices de Beaune in Burgundy
Beaune Nursing Homes © atherrom

Admire Fontenay Abbey

If you still don’t know what to do in Côte-d’Or, it’s always a good idea to visit Fontenay Abbey! He has been enthroned at the bottom of his own secret valley for more than eight centuries. the wonder of its former inhabitants and current visitors. monastery a Gem classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don’t miss a walk through the monastery’s park to gauge all its wealth!

Fontenay abbey to be built on the Côte-d'Or
Fontenay Abbey @ Anne-Gaelle LABORDE-CEYRAC – Heritage stories – BFC Tourisme

Discover the secrets of Blackcurrant and Kir® with Cassissium

Grapes are not the only symbolic fruit of the Côte-d’Or! As a matter of fact, blackcurrant and other pink peppers are also grown in the region. The Cassissium museum is also dedicated to this small fruit. By visiting, you can discover these little sheep secrets In terms of cultivation, collection and use. For an artisanal exploration from farm to plate, head to the Hautes Côtes. Fruirouge family farm.

Cassissium on the Cote-d'Or
Cassissium @ INNOVEO – BFC Tourisme

Take a walk in the village of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

What to do in the Côte-d’Or “The Most Beautiful Villages of FranceLike Semur-en-Auxois, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain or Châteauneuf-en-Auxois? As you walk through the latter, you will see that it deserves its name with its small streets and old houses. in the center, fortified castle it is a must visit place. In the heart of Pays Auxois, which is an important place, it welcomes its visitors with unique and enjoyable activities. tourism in Burgundy.

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and its castle
Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and its castle © Massimo Santi

Take advantage of natural areas such as Val Suzon

Beyond the stones and vineyards, the Côte-d’Or, lush greenery. Val Suzon is a great place to realize that. It is a nature reserve. a preserved foreststretches over 2,100 hectares. This forest, also known as Little Swiss BurgundyA place you must explore. Hikers craving beautiful scenery can follow the GR® 2 or another of multiple PR routes (Walk and Walk) that cross the park.

Val Suzon will be held at the Cote-d'Or
Val Suzon © R.KREBEL/Côte-d’Or Charm

Explore the museum of the country of Châtillonnais in Châtillon-sur-Seine

The town of Châtillon-sur-Seine is a town unto itself. historical treasure Not to be missed. And for good reason, it Home to the famous treasure of the Princess of Vix tumulus. This bronze vase is dated to around 530 BC. JC is well protected Châtillonnais country museum. Immerse yourself in the magic of over 1000 years of history through the historical peoples of the region.

Good to know this: Châtillon-sur-Seine is the destination city of GR® 2 is a key ending point of the route and is a stone’s throw from the National Forest Park. Take advantage of this door that opens to the forest to observe these environments that have been protected since eternity…

Chatillon-sur-Seine
Châtillon-sur-Seine @ Alain DOIRE – BFC Tourism

Get beautiful at the Nuits-Saint-Georges Imaginarium

The Nuits-Saint-Georges Imaginarium is an unmissable last stop in the Côte-d’Or that leaves no one indifferent. Ultramodern wine tourism site, Imagination It is an interactive museum dedicated to the region’s wine and crémants world. In the program, fun track and sound and light show around the winesended with pleasant moments. Take the opportunity to taste, admire and discover some of the treasures of the Côte-d’Or.

Imaginarium to be held on the Cote-d'Or
Imaginarium @ Graines De Baroudeurs

Historical, natural, cultural or culinary heritage, Côte-d’Or is the destination of choice for all enthusiasts!

That ends our list of essential things to do in the Côte-d’Or. With TGV 1h 40 from Paris and 2 hours from Lyon, this department is quickly accessible. guaranteed change of scenery. Beyond the Côte-d’Or, all of Burgundy is full of surprises to discover during hikes or bike trips. For an unforgettable stay, for example, a river getaway on one of the canals of the region is an outstanding vacation idea.

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