Walking in Burgundy's Vineyards

An emblematic city of gastronomy and lifestyle, Dijon is also the gateway to some of the most prestigious vineyards in France. Stroll in the narrow streets of the old city and feel free to follow the smell of mustard and gingerbread and stop for a tasting.Dijon is called 'The town of 100 bells', because of its beautifully preserved architectural heritage, dating back to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Transfer to Marsannay, a city reputed for its rose wines (unique in the Burgundian region). This village opens the Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne and offers a landscape of soft curves, where vineyards run in close rows from villages to villages. This is a land where the plots surrounded by old dry stone walls are called clos (enclosures), and where beautiful castles like to leapfrog up the hills. With its double vaulted cellars, Marsannay's cellar is a good place to start on the route.Continue towards Fixey and Gevrey-Chambertin. Known worldwide, the small town didn't let fame change it-it's still peacefully wrapped around its Romanesque church and medieval castle. To get a look at the town's panorama, you have to take the high path, just behind the vineyards. It is worth a look!On your way, possibility to visit a manufacturer of raw milk cheeses with an introduction to the Burgundian favours with various cheese tasting.

Cross through the Grand Cru vineyards towards Morey Saint Denis. Pass by the village of Chambolle Musigny, and Romanee Conti. You could almost miss this vineyard (and what a shame if you did)! A simple sign in the shape of a crucifix by the side of the road indicates one of the most treasured grape plots in the world, that of the domain Romanee-Conti. It is there, on 1.8 hectares (4.5 acres), that the most expensive and most famous red wines on the planet are born. The secret of this nectar with aromas of rosehips and rose petals? Its climate, its land which enjoys perfect exposure and the work of the winemakers that has improved the wine over the centuries. Then head to one of the most famous sites of Burgundy, the majestic Chateau de Clos Vougeot.This majestic castle crowned with a roof of glazed tiles, standing like an islet planted in the middle of the vineyards. You can see it from a distance, and approach the awe-inspiring portal of this mythical enclosure with a little thrill. This is the den of the knights of Tastevin, a venerable brotherhood of 12,000 ambassadors of Burgundy all over the world. The old grape presses, the wine cellar and the large cellar set the scene as it was in the 12th century, under the motto: 'Jamais en vain, toujours en vin' ('Never in vain, always in wine').

Today's walk leads you to a farmhouse producing red fruits where a visit and tasting of the local blackcurrant liquor is possible. Burgundy is not just famous for its namesake wines; a small black and shiny berry also takes the spotlight on the Hautes Cotes of Nuits-Saint-Georges. Next to the vineyards, blackcurrant plantations are budding with fragrance in July, at the time of the harvest. Blackcurrant has been cultivated in Burgundy for over four centuries. Associated with an aligote white wine, the blackcurrant liquor produces the famous kir, a 100% Burgundian aperitif. Today you have several options of visits : on the way back you can visit a winery in Vosne Romanee. Then discover the terroirs and hunt the Burgundy Truffle with the dogs in a local estate. To end perfectly this day why not to stop for a visit and tasting of 5 wines including Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru.

After a transfer today’s walk leads you to the Hautes Côtes de Nuits: the landscape is delightful, with beautiful views across the valley. Pass through charming villages and descend into the Côtes de Beaune where you reach other picturesque little villages such as, Aloxe-Corton, famous for white wines like Corton-Charlemagne, one of the best in Burgundy.

Enjoy a visit at the 'Hotel Dieu' this flamboyant Gothic 15th century former hospital, crowned with polychrome slates, is known worldwide for its 60 hectare (150 acre) vineyard. The wines of Cotes de Nuit, Pouilly-Fuisse and Cotes de Beaune are sold at auction.Alternatively, walk through the first Premiers Crus vineyards, heading to 'la montagne de Beaune' and continue through the forest. Loop back to Beaune for an afternoon of training your taste buds with the possibility of visiting an artisanal chocolaterie followed by wine tasting in one of the wineries.

Depart Beaune after breakfast.