Burgundy is a peaceful rural region situated in east part of France which has a rich and unique history but is mostly famous for its wines. The most popular activity when visiting the region is the wine testing and many vineyards and wineries can be visited by tour or appointment.
Burgundy is famous as the land of great art and good living and today people visit the area to try some of France's finest wines such as Nuits-Saint-Georges, Meursault and Beaune. Most of the vineyards are found in the attractive area called the Cote d'Or, which is divided into the Cotes de Nuits and Cotes de Beaune, once run by the religious orders. Away from the prestigious vineyards there are less glamorous areas where the cattle outnumber people. Charolles is the heart of the cattle breeding area and is also known for its famous pottery. Franche-Comte to the east combines gentle farmland with lofty alpine forests. In the centre of the region is the Parc de Morvan, a wooded hilly area, with a number of nature trails, animal reserves and craft shops.Many visitors come to Burgundy to enjoy canal boat holidays on its inland waterways.
Places to visit are: Chateaux at Ancy-le-Franc and Tanlay; the Canals de Bourgogne and Nivernais; the Cistercian abbey at Fontenay; Parc du Marvon; the abbeys of Vezelay and Cluny; the Gallic capital of Bibracte. Beaune, the capital of the region and a location of a famous wine region in November. The Three Days of Glory in November are just as popular as the wine market of the city and the Wine Museum.
Dijon is not any less famous than the capital. The Dijon-based duchy ran Burgundy for 600 years until 1477, when the region was jealously snatched by the kingdom of France. There is evidence of the duchy's wealth and power everywhere, such as the many beautiful chateaux and lovely towns and villages. A collection of great paintings and sculptures is housed in the Musee des Beaux Arts.