BURGUNDY FAQ`S
To reach Burgundy, many travelers fly into Paris' Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), Paris Orly Airport (ORY) or Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS), and either take trains to the Burgundy region or rent a car and drive. Burgundy sits about 200 miles southeast of Paris and about 120 miles north of Lyon. If you're hoping to take the train into the region, you'll find a high frequency of trains running from Paris to Dijon, the region's capital. Trains from Paris to Dijon take approximately 90 minutes, with tickets starting at around $18. From Dijon, you can take a local train to other popular areas within the region, including Mâcon, Beaune and Montbard, among others.
How do I get around Burgundy?
The best way to get around Burgundy is by car and train. Both are efficient and will allow you to enjoy the region at your own pace. There are also networks of buses throughout Burgundy, as well as taxis, however they are very expensive. Cycling is another means of transportation that has become extremely popular, a picturesque way to travel between villages or wineries.
For further information refer to Getting Around - Burgundy.
Burgundy is famous for its beautiful landscape of rolling hills dotted with vineyards that open into charming villages, wonderfully preserved of their medieval charms. There is glorious architecture dating back to the Renaissance, and in some cases the Middle Ages, and with rural views shaped by viticulture which is just as old.
Situated in central-east France, Burgundy is crowned by the regal capital city of Dijon, a city that offers many remembrances of the days when the Dukes of Bourgogne used to reside here. Beaune, a walled village surrounded by vineyards, is another lovely city in the Burgundy region, especially since wine tasting is the village’s predominant pastime. The region is also famous for the numerous chateaux and abbeys, the fabulous Morvan Regional Natural Park and the gastronomic delights of the region.
Burgundy has given its name to the region’s most spectacular product, the local wines. But it has much more to offer than fine vintages. At its heart is Dijon, one-time capital of the mighty dukes of Bourgogne.
Many sights are within an hour’s drive from here: fortified medieval villages, Renaissance castles, the ruins of Cluny Abbey and the tranquil Canal de Nivernais. There’s also the unspoiled Morvan National Park, great for hiking, cycling and boating.
Most visitors come in the summer months when it’s generally hot and dry. However the sunshine of southern France is not always guaranteed. It can rain, even in July. The weather begins to cool in late-August. By early September, you begin to smell autumn in the air.
Many say the best time to visit Burgundy is between September and November when the weather cools and the vineyards display beautiful autumn colors. Winters in Burgundy are cold and dark (average lows hover in the 30’s F). The winter months of December, January and February can be the best time to visit to find discounted flights and accommodations. Spring is another beautiful season, when the weather begins to warm and the landscape starts to bloom. However, the temperatures vary greatly during springtime. June to August are considered the peak season because of the warm, dry weather.
The official language in Burgundy is French, and though you'll find that many in the tourist industry speak English, it's best to learn a few phrases and pick up a good English-French guidebook or app on your phone to help you get around. And familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
What is the currency in France? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?In France, the currency is the euro, and travelers can exchange their dollars for euros at the airport exchange booths or kiosks throughout Burgundy. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. When it comes to tipping, visitors should note that service charges are usually included on restaurant bills, though it is common to round out the bill with a small tip. Tipping hotel staff a euro or two for their services is also customary.
What is the food/drink like in the region of Burgundy?
Burgundy is known for a number of culinary specialties, including its famous Dijon mustard, which mustard-maker Jean Naigeon first created back in the 1750s. Boeuf bourguignon, a traditional Burgundy-style beef stew later popularized by famous chef Julia Child, is another major dish of the region. Époisses, one of the most pungent cheeses of France, comes from a Burgundy city by the same name.
All throughout the region, visitors will find excellent gastronomic experiences thanks to the region’s rich ingredients and Michelin-starred chefs.
And being that Burgundy is known best for winemaking, you’ll find acres upon acres devoted to vineyards growing chardonnay and pinot noir grapes across Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Chablis, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais regions. Take a drive through the 37-mile Route des Grand Crus to tour some of the most popular vineyards. For any wine connoisseurs, make sure to visit the Musée du Vin in Beaune, a fantastic way to educate yourself about the region’s wine-making tools, tradition and art.
In an emergency dial 112 is the general emergency services number or 114 for hearing assistance.