When thinking of France, the first images that may come to mind are those of the city of Paris. As beautiful and romantic the city truly is, to me the true romance can be found outside of Paris. Anyone who has spent time outside of Paris will tell you the same.
I recently spent 5 days exploring the breathtakingly beautiful region of Burgundy. You don’t have to only be a wine lover to appreciate Burgundy, as there is so much more to this area to fall in love with. Here are some of the reasons I fell in love with this region:
The Food
Okay, okay, okay…I need to go fill my stomach before telling you about the food in France. Why? Well, me telling about the food in France on an empty stomach is like going to the grocery store on an empty stomach. You just shouldn’t do it.
Okay, I’m back and full. Let’s do this!
The food in France is to die for…period. I’ve eaten my way through Nice, Marseille, Aix au Provence, Paris and now Burgundy and must say that Burgundy wins for some of my most memorable meals…ever! The presentation of each dish is an artistic masterpiece. The smell WILL have you salivating like a rabid dog before the food even touches your tongue. The tastes will transcend you to another world. Basically, what I’m trying to tell you is prepare to indulge in the food in Burgundy because there is no way around it.
The Castles
Ever wanted to feel like a real princess or prince? Move over Disney World because in Burgundy, you will discover real castles that belonged to royalty dating back to the 10th century. There are many castles to discover in the many villages that make up this region. Some of them you can go in and explore and other you can even spend the night or have a meal.
The Hidden Gems
The best part about travel is stumbling upon something you never planned to seek out. This will happen often in Burgundy. The best way to experience this region is by renting a car and driving around. Another way to explore the area is by bike. I did both and found myself in places I never could have anticipated. From a goat farm where I got to taste some delicious cheese to a windmill overlooking vineyards upon vineyards, you will never ceased to be amazed by the culture and beauty of this place.
The Wine, Kir & Crémant
You can’t go to Burgundy and not drink the wine. Even if your not a wine connoisseur, wine is very much part of the culture here so of course as I always say, do as the locals do. There are countless vineyards to get lost in while sipping on some of the world’s greatest Pinot Noirs or Chardoneys. If wine isn’t your thing, perhaps you’d like to try Kir or Crémant?
Kir is a popular French cocktail made with white wine and crème de cassis and is pretty famous in this part of France. Blackcurrants (cassis) grow abundantly in Burgundy, thriving in the same soil and temperatures conditions as the region’s famous wines. This cocktail is usually taken as an apéritif before a meal.
Then there is Crémant that can be mistaken as Champagne. Just don’t say that in front of a Burgundian! Crémant is a word that describes a certain type of French sparkling wine made from grapes other than the traditional Champagne variety. Crémant wines are not made all over France but only made in certain officially designated areas such as Burgundy. I find Crémant to be much more sweeter and delicious!
The People & Pace
Like any major city, Paris can be a bit hectic and fast paced. In the villages of Burgundy, time moves a bit slower and tranquil and this calmness is reflected in the people. Sometimes, it’s nice to just stop and smell the roses, and people do that in Burgundy. I found the people to be externally relaxed and friendly. Each person that passed me said Bonjour or Bonsoir with a big smile across their face making me feel very welcomed.
The Landscapes
The pictures explain it all.
The Architecture
The houses, churches and castles you will find in Burgundy make you feel like you’ve stepped way back in time to a fairytale land. Every building is full of character and hides many stories and you can sense that while looking or running your hand across them.
The Outdoor Activities
Whether you prefer a stroll in the park, a bike ride through the vineyards or a Segway ride by the lake, Burgundy offers adventure and outdoor activities for all.
If you are planning a trip to France, I highly recommend spending some time in the villages of Burgundy for a true romantic and french experience.
19 Comments
Lovely region, lovely post. For castle lovers, food lovers and wine lovers, you can also visit the Loire Valley. Well, I’m a bit biased, that’s where I live 🙂
Lovely post, thank you for sharing this!
France is awesome country to visit no doubt and one of the trademark destination is Eiffel Tower.
This was really enjoyable to read. Having read this there seem to be some wonderful places to visit.Had a quick look at your blog and love it already. Have subscribed. Looks like you’ve spent time in many of the places listed in this post.
I’ve been to Paris around last year, and did some of the things you’ve mentioned, it was a magical city during this time of year ?
Paris is great. Did you get to any of the incredible pastry and dessert shops? The city has the best.
Hi,
Convincing article to make a stop over at burgundy, during our road trip from Paris to Geneva.
Can you mention which Castle is that you visited in Burgundy?
Sure! Here you are: http://www.chateaudige.com/uk/index.php You can watch my entire trip on YouTube and get more ideas for your trip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFNimjJ8m8s&list=PLjw5DndRYXluVLwrlMqX52ziXHCh-Hqia
This looks awesome! Segways are so much fun, and France is absolutely beautiful! Very cool trip! Thanks so much for sharing this adventure! Glad to see you enjoyed yourself!
Great, we will traveling through Paris, Dijon, Lyon, Aix-en-Provence, and Nice soon. Any specific recommendations in Dijon or Nice? Love your site. We love to travel as well – http://bigandsmalltravel.com/
Go to the tourism office located right beside the train station in Dijon and get yourself one of the city cards. It’s something like 12 euros and you will get a couple of guided walking tours, plus access to lots of cool places and an adventure tour (like the segway tours). http://www.visitdijon.com/en/dijon-visite-city_card.htm
Thank you for visiting our beautiful region and for the fantastic pictures!
Taking photos here was easy! Burgundy is stunning!
I guess I will have to go back 🙂 Have so much fun.
Of course you can! You can link Hopscotch the Globe. Thanks so much!
You missed out the fantastic baroque opera Festival at Beaune, weather (reliably 30 deg +, well apart from last summer), not a tourist trap (apart from Beaune) but that does have the Hospice which really ought to be visited, more specifically on the food front the affiné cheeses, the best white wine in the world (worth every euro) and we will be there again in 9 days' time. Just one dog haircut to go.
Hi there, great article ! Can we use some of your photos on our Facebook page – with your credits of course ! You can follow us on Instagram @mybourgogne #bourgogne #burgundy #bourgogne
Fantastic Blog, such an interesting place. "Oh My" the landscape impeccable. I would certainly love to visit this glorious part of our world.
You would love it. It’s stunning. It was so nice to visit the smaller villages and really get a feel for the French culture.
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