Burgundy Wine Road

Rolling vine-covered hills, ancient stone villages, and cellar doors that open onto centuries of winemaking tradition – the Burgundy Wine Road (Route des Grands Crus) is one of France’s most captivating drives. Stretching roughly 60 km from Dijon to Santenay, this iconic route threads through the heart of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, past legendary appellations like Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, and Meursault. While you can easily spend a week exploring the side roads, even a two-day self-drive itinerary offers a glorious immersion in the region’s food, culture, and landscape.

Highlights & What to See

• Route des Grands Crus – The main D974 road (and quieter parallel D122) passes through picture-perfect wine villages. Stop at Gevrey-Chambertin for its imposing castle and grand crus, and Vosne-Romanée for the hallowed Romanée-Conti vineyard.
• Beaune – The wine capital of Burgundy. Don’t miss the Hôtel-Dieu (Hospices de Beaune) with its glazed-tile roof, the Marché aux Vins tasting cellar, and the Saturday market that’s a feast for the senses.
• Clos de Vougeot – A walled vineyard and château that has been the heart of Burgundy’s winemaking for centuries. The 12th-century winery and its giant wine presses are a must-see.
• Château du Clos de Vougeot – The historic headquarters of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin; tour the grand halls and learn about the region’s wine culture.
• Nuits-Saint-Georges – A lively town with a medieval centre and the Cassissium, where you can discover Burgundy’s famous blackcurrant liqueur.
• Puligny-Montrachet & Chassagne-Montrachet – The twin villages that produce the world’s greatest white wines; stop for a tasting of grand cru Montrachet.

Suggested Time to Spend

A minimum of two days is recommended to drive the full route from Dijon to Santenay, with an overnight stay in Beaune or a village. This allows time for two or three cellar visits, a leisurely lunch in a vineyard town, and a wander through Beaune. For wine lovers, three to four days lets you explore the side roads, hike through the vines, and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants like Loiseau des Vignes in Beaune.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Dijon – The gateway to the Burgundy Wine Road, with its mustard shops, half-timbered houses, and the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy.
• Château de Pommard – A grand estate just south of Beaune offering tours, tastings, and a contemporary art gallery.
• Santenay – The southern end of the Route des Grands Crus, with a casino and thermal baths for a relaxing break.
• Arbois & the Jura Wines – A scenic drive east into the Jura region, known for its unique vin jaune and Comté cheese.
• Chalon-sur-Saône & the Côte Chalonnaise – Continue south for lesser-known but excellent Burgundy wines and the charming town of Chalon.
• Vézelay – A hilltop village with a stunning Romanesque basilica, about an hour’s drive west of the wine road.

Please check official sources for current details.