This is a short overview of Burgundy based on many of the questions we are asked by our guests. For up to date information on Burgundy visit www.burgundyeye.com and www.burgundytoday.com.

Where exactly is Burgundy?

Burgundy is an administrative region of France situated to the east of central France. Beaune, the wine “capital” of Burgundy, is about 330km (about 200 miles) south-east from Paris. Geneva (Switzerland) and Lyon are about 225km (about 140 miles) and 150km (about 100 miles) respectively from Beaune.

Distances and travel times in Burgundy (and France generally) can be deceptively large and long. For example, Chablis is 150km (nearly 100 miles) from Beaune and more than a 90 minute drive. Macon is about a one-hour drive. Travel times can be particularly long away from the main autoroutes.

What are the travel options?

Burgundy is well served by the fast TGV train network and is also at the centre of many autoroutes serving much of Europe. Regular TGV trains to and from Dijon serve many French, Italian, Swiss and Belgium cities with connections to many other European cities including London via Eurostar. Other TGV stations in Burgundy include Beaune, Chalon-sur-Saone and Le Creusot. TGV train reservations can be made via the English-language web sites www.sncf.com and www.tgv.com. There is an early morning train from Paris most days direct to Beaune if you plan to take our tour as a day trip.

The A6 autoroute serves Beaune directly and is a fast connection with the south of France, Paris, northern France and Belgium, Switzerland and Germany. Beaune is about 625km (390 miles) 5 ½ hour drive from Calais. The driving time from Paris is about 3 ½ hours.
The nearest international airports to Beaune are Paris Charles de Gaulle, Lyon and Geneva.

What is the weather like?
Burgundy has a continental climate with summer temperatures rising to the mid-30s centigrade and in winter falling to –10/-15 centigrade. The area has four distinct seasons with spring and autumn usually providing warm weather. In winter it can snow anytime from December to March and it can rain at anytime of year.

Is driving in France straightforward?

Yes. The autoroutes offer fast and direct, well-signposted access to Burgundy and all of Europe.
Autoroutes are toll roads and they have numerous “Aires” or stopping places to rest and the quality of food and value for money is high. Lorries are banned from travelling on Autoroutes on Sundays and French public holidays. Be careful that petrol stations in France (even on autoroutes) are rarely open 24 hours and although there is always an automatic pump in operation these do require a credit/debit card PIN number and not all will accept non-French credit cards. The Michelin series of maps are excellent – visit www.ViaMichelin.com. Speed limits on autoroutes are 130kmh (approx. 80mph) and 110kmh (approx. 70mph) in bad weather. Speed and drink driving laws are rigorously enforced on all roads in France. Please do not drink and drive!

Where should I stay?

Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy and a beautiful medieval and very walkable small town. It is an ideal base for a stay of a few days and the world-famous Hospice de Beaune is a “must-see”. Dijon is a larger city and the historic capital of Burgundy. However, Burgundy offers so much more than just wine! We have links to many hotels, B&B's and self catering accommodation on the links page of our site or visit www.burgundyeye.com and www.burgundytoday.com for full information on what to do, where to stay and where to eat.