For centuries, French monks have been making wine in Burgundy, where pinot noir still reigns above all other grapes. Over the years, vignerons, French for winemakers, have perfected their craft, and to this day there are few other wine regions that produce a more impressive libation. When you first arrive in this stunning region, you may find it very difficult to leave, as rolling hills with rows upon rows of tantalize your senses and charming villages pop up over the horizon with each leg of your journey.
If you're not a wine lover before your tour of France in Burgundy, you may find yourself becoming a connoisseur in no time.
Driving along Route des Grands Crus
Beginning in the southern town of Dijon, your Burgundy wine tour will travel north for about 35 miles, passing through dozens of humble villages where winemakers only produce small batches of their sumptuous goods. You can rest assured that if you stop at any of these vineyards, you'll treat your taste buds to the best glass of wine you've ever had. Award-winning pinot noirs are characterized by their black cherry notes and subtle tannins, typically boasting a smooth finish rather than the usual bite you get out of a merlot or syrah.
After having a few flights of pinot noir, your journey will continue to Santenay, where you'll have the chance to visit historic churches and centuries-old villages. Fall is the perfect time to visit, as the grape leaves change from their typical green hue to a more autumnal shade, making the gently sloping hills look like they're on fire - especially at sunset.
Wake up your legs on a hike
As any road tripper can attest, driving for prolonged periods of time can put a lot of stress on your legs. Thankfully, there are numerous places to hike during a France tour in Burgundy, including the Sentier des Roches trail. This half-day trek will take you up to the tip of the Baubigny cliffs, which traces its way along the Saone River. Once you reach the top, you'll be about 1,000 feet above the river, and will have endless views of vineyards - the perfect way to end a tour through the region.
