Burgundy

Drive through the picturesque golden stone villages and world famous Cote d’Or vineyards. Dine in the region’s fantastic restaurants, explore the beautiful Renaissance chateaux and landmarks such as the medieval Cistercian abbey at Fontenay, visit the famous Hospices de Beaune market, the basilica of Vezelay, the abbey of Cluny – these are all just a handful of the must-see sights. There is much more in this fascinating area. At Burgundy’s rural heart lies the Morvan National Park, 1,000 square miles of unspoiled wildness. It’s dotted with lakes and picturesque villages, many of which have family-run brasseries in their tree-shaded squares. You go to the Morvan to get away from the world. What better way to while away the heat of the day than with a slab of homemade pate and a glass of chilled Puligny-Montrachet? Not forgetting that the gastronomic cuisine would be reason enough to vacation here. Boeuf bourguignon is the region’s signature dish but there are scores of other local specialties. One of France’s most celebrated cheeses, Epoisses, comes from a lovely little village of the same name (complete with rambling medieval castle). Burgundy’s towns and rivers – Chablis, Macon, Beaune, Pouilly, the Loire and the Saone – are but a few landmarks of this rich and varied region. You may think of speeding south to Provence and the Dordogne, but think to stop a while and enjoy one of France’s most beguiling areas.