Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is France's great dual-heritage region — the grand cru vineyards and Romanesque abbeys of Burgundy in the west, and the forested Jura mountains, Comté dairies, and UNESCO-listed Vauban citadel of Franche-Comté in the east. From the medieval ramparts of Beaune and the ducal palace of Dijon to the cascading waterfalls and ski resorts of the Jura plateau, the region delivers extraordinary depth for travellers willing to look beyond the Eiffel Tower.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
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1
Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu)
A 15th-century Gothic masterpiece — the most iconic building in Burgundy. The polychrome glazed-tile roof, the Grand'Salle des Malades, and the altarpiece by Rogier van der Weyden are unmissable. Site of the world's most famous wine charity auction each November.
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2
Abbaye de Cluny
Once the largest church in Christendom and the spiritual centre of medieval Europe. The scale of the surviving south transept and the Farinier museum's capitals reveal the ambition of the Cluniac reform movement.
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3
Citadelle de Besançon
Vauban's masterwork of military engineering perches above a bend in the Doubs river. UNESCO-listed. Contains a zoo, insectarium, aquarium, and the Musée de la Résistance — a full day of exploration.
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4
Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Vézelay
A Romanesque pilgrimage basilica crowning a hilltop village — one of the great monuments of medieval Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The tympanum's Last Judgement is the finest Romanesque sculpture in France.
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5
Route des Grands Crus
A 60km wine route through the most valuable vineyards on Earth — Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, Romanée-Conti, Montrachet. Best experienced by bicycle through the golden stone villages of Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune, and Meursault.
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6
Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne
The seat of the Dukes of Burgundy — once more powerful than the French kings — now houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, one of France's finest fine art collections. The Tour Philippe le Bon offers the best view of Dijon's rooftops.
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Abbaye de Fontenay
The best-preserved Cistercian abbey in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1118 by St Bernard, the austere Romanesque church, cloisters, and medieval forge survive almost intact in a forested valley.
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8
Cascades du Hérisson
A 3km gorge trail past 31 waterfalls, the tallest being the 65m Grand Saut. Most dramatic in spring snowmelt (April–June). The most spectacular natural landscape in the Jura.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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- Most wine cave visits in Burgundy require advance appointment — contact domaines at least one week ahead, Abbaye de Cluny is closed on public holidays; arrive early in summer to avoid tour groups, Hospices de Beaune admission includes the altarpiece room and all courtyards — allow 1.5–2 hours, Besançon Citadel combo ticket includes zoo, insectarium, aquarium, and Musée de la Résistance — buy at the entrance gate, The Route des Grands Crus is best explored by bicycle — rental available in Beaune (Bourgogne Vélo, 7 Avenue du 8 Septembre, Beaune, Tel: +33 3 80 22 06 03) and Dijon
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Many of Burgundy's greatest attractions are outdoor
vineyard roads, abbey ruins, Roman roads
and free to explore independently. For wine cave visits, the major négociant houses in Beaune (Bouchard Père & Fils, Patriarche) offer tastings without appointment. The Jura's natural attractions (Cascades du Hérisson, Baume-les-Messieurs, Lac de Vouglans) are most spectacular from April through October
Frequently asked questions
What is the best base for exploring Bourgogne-Franche-Comté?
Dijon is the ideal base for first-time visitors — a TGV hub with easy access to Beaune (20min by train), the Route des Grands Crus, and the Morvan. Beaune itself works well for those focused on wine tourism. For the Jura, Besançon or the spa town of Lons-le-Saunier are logical bases.
Are the Burgundy vineyards worth visiting outside harvest season?
Yes. Spring (May–June) offers a striking landscape of green vines and blossom; summer is warm and accessible; even winter has a spare, golden beauty and uncrowded wine cave visits. The harvest (mid-September to mid-October) is the most atmospheric season.
Is a car necessary to explore the region?
A rental car is strongly recommended for wine villages, the Jura, and the Morvan. Dijon, Beaune, Besançon, and Auxerre are all accessible by TGV. Bicycle is excellent for the Route des Grands Crus between Dijon and Santenay.