📍 France

BURGUNDY VILLAGES: MEDIEVAL STONES AND GOLDEN WINE

Medieval lanes winding between golden stone houses, cellars nestled on hillsides, evenings tasting of grand crus. Burgundy rewards the slow pace.

≈ 16
Days
597
Km
15
Stops
📖 9 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander through Burgundy between vineyards and medieval heritage. Explore Chablis and its cellars, climb to Vézelay, visit Semur-en-Auxois, stroll through Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, then let the rhythm of vine and stone shape the entire journey.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Chablis

crisp white wines limestone cellars

🔍

Discover

1
Historic center of Chablis: alleyways, winemakers' houses and old washhouses along the Serein.
2
Saint-Martin Collegiate Church and its Romanesque portal, entry point to the old town.
3
Obedientiary and monastic traces linked to the first vineyards.
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Activities

Walking loop to the Grands Crus belvedere for a panorama over the hillsides.
Path along the Serein between footbridges and small bridges.
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Next stop
Distance: 24 km
Travel time: 30min
2
Day

Noyers Sur Serein

timber-framed houses water reflected

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Discover

1
Cobbled streets and half-timbered houses around the old commercial squares.
2
Fortified gates and remains of medieval walls overlooking the Serein.
3
Banks of the Serein and small bridge allowing an overall view of the village.
🎯

Activities

Heritage route within the walls (circuit of signs and private mansions).
Riverside walk along the Serein to the old mills.
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Next stop
Distance: 28 km
Travel time: 30min
3
Day

Ancy Le Franc

renaissance architecture stone elegance

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Discover

1
Château d'Ancy-le-Franc (Renaissance facades and courtyards) seen from the park.
2
Flowerbeds, canal and classical perspectives around the estate.
3
Lock and reaches of the Burgundy Canal in the heart of the town.
🎯

Activities

Burgundy Canal bike route: flat section towards Argentenay or Tonnerre.
Heritage loop between town, château park and canal banks.
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Next stop
Distance: 45 km
Travel time: 50min
4
Day

Vezelay

hilltop basilica pilgrims aspired

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Discover

1
Basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine and summit esplanade.
2
Ramparts and ancient gates with views over the hill and valleys.
3
Grand'rue and stone houses of the upper town.
🎯

Activities

Walk down to Saint-Père and its wash houses then return via the marked trail.
Belvedere path: short loop around the hill inspired by pilgrimage routes.
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Next stop
Distance: 65 km
Travel time: 1h15
5
Day

Chateau Chinon

historic ramparts verdant valleys

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Discover

1
Upper town and Calvary belvedere over the Morvan forests.
2
Old streets and Morvan houses around Place Notre-Dame.
3
Banks of the Yonne and old hydraulic works below.
🎯

Activities

Nature loop towards Lake Pannecière (marked trail section).
Short urban hike between upper town and suburbs.
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Next stop
Distance: 30 km
Travel time: 35min
6
Day

Chatillon En Bazois

bell tower presides village heart

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Discover

1
Canal du Nivernais: locks, bridges and view of the village.
2
Village center and silhouettes of the former seigneurial residence.
3
Nautical stopover and tree-lined towpath.
🎯

Activities

Leisurely cycling on the towpath (family round trip).
Wildlife/flora observation along the reaches and wetland meadows.
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Next stop
Distance: 85 km
Travel time: 1h15
7
Day

Semur En Auxois

moated ramparts guard burgundy secrets

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Discover

1
Ramparts and towers overlooking the Armançon valley.
2
Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame and Place du Terreau.
3
Bridges and views from the Pont Joly district.
🎯

Activities

Tour of the ramparts and descent to the banks of the Armançon (marked trail).
Ascent to the keep of the Orle d'Or and urban panorama.
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Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 25min
8
Day

Flavigny Sur Ozerain

lavender anise medieval stone streets

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Discover

1
Ramparts, fortified gates and sloping streets of the perched town.
2
Saint-Pierre Abbey and monastic layouts visible in the village.
3
Stone houses and shaded squares around the market hall.
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Activities

Circuit of the ramparts and viewpoints over the Ozerain valleys.
Rural path to the plateau and return through the orchards.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 60 km
Travel time: 55min
9
Day

Beze

quiet riverside limestone cottages

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Discover

1
Spring and resurgence of the Bèze in the center of the village.
2
Caves and navigable gallery (access by boat depending on opening times).
3
Washhouses, abbey and lanes bordered by gardens.
🎯

Activities

Riverside walk along the Bèze river to the wet meadows.
Discovery route of hydraulic works and old bridges.
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Next stop
Distance: 85 km
Travel time: 1h20
10
Day

Chateauneuf En Auxois

fortress crowns agricultural terraces

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Discover

1
Medieval castle and castle complex overlooking the Burgundy canal.
2
Cobbled streets and Burgundian facades of the hilltop village.
3
Viewpoint over the Auxois valley and the line of hills.
🎯

Activities

Descent to the Burgundy canal: walk along the reach and locks.
Hamlet loop on agricultural paths (short hike).
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Next stop
Distance: 22 km
Travel time: 25min
11
Day

La Rochepot

dramatic hilltop castle overlooks

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Discover

1
Village of La Rochepot and silhouettes of the castle on its spur.
2
Ancient polychrome tiles visible from public observation points.
3
Path to Evelle and views of the wine coast.
🎯

Activities

Walking loop on wine paths at the edge of the plateau.
Landscape reading: stone walls, enclosed vineyards and strip parcels.
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Next stop
Distance: 8 km
Travel time: 15min
12
Day

Meursault

burgundy premier cru wine heart

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Discover

1
Town Hall square and Saint-Nicolas church at the heart of the village.
2
Wine-growing quarters and historic enclosed vineyards in the immediate surroundings.
3
Climats of the Côte de Beaune visible from the vineyard paths.
🎯

Activities

Wine trail to Volnay or Auxey-Duresses (round trip).
Twilight walk among low walls, stone huts and rows of vines.
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Next stop
Distance: 50 km
Travel time: 55min
13
Day

Brancion

ruined castle forgotten village magic

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Discover

1
Medieval village of Brancion: market hall, narrow streets and stone houses.
2
Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre and perched cemetery.
3
Castle and panorama over the Grosne valley.
🎯

Activities

Loop to the chapel of Lancharre through bocage paths.
Ridge route and viewpoints over the Mâconnais hills.
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Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 25min
14
Day

Cluny

monastery grandeur medieval power

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Discover

1
Remains of Cluny abbey and large forecourt.
2
Medieval town: Romanesque houses and private mansions.
3
National stud farm and renovated monastic quarters.
🎯

Activities

Circuit of the towers and former layouts of the great abbey church.
Cluny–Mâcon greenway: cycling section from the old station.
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 55 km
Travel time: 1h
15
Day

Semur En Brionnais

steep stone lanes ancient charm

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Discover

1
Château Saint-Hugues (exterior) and commanding views over the Brionnais.
2
Saint-Hilaire collegiate church and Romanesque ensembles.
3
Old quarter and panorama over bocage and valleys.
🎯

Activities

Romanesque churches circuit of Brionnais (short selection around the village).
Bocage path between hedgerows, meadows and small ridge roads.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 13 and 19 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.