Burgundy's Gold Coast

Introduction
Burgundy France
Embark on a slow-paced easy self-guided hiking tour through the noble part of Burgundy’s Gold Coast “La Côte d’Or”.

Walk on the Chemin du Grand Crus linking the towns of Dijon, Gevrey-Chambertin, Nuits Saint Georges, Beaune and Meursault. Spend a few relaxing days following gentle trails and tiny vineyard roads along the sunny slopes blanketed by prestigious hillside vineyards. Ramble through rolling hills dotted with mustard fields and oak and beech forests and from one wine village to another. There’s plenty of time to visit the glazed-roof towns, chateaux and to taste the world-famous fine wine & cuisine. Immerse yourself into this unique region of France and discover Burgundy’s “art de vivre”.


HIGHLIGHTS
▪ Sample the region’s fantastic wine and cheeses
▪ Stroll on the colourful Saturday morning market in Beaune
▪ Visit the capital of Burgundy’s wine industry Beaune
▪ Explore the varied architectural styles of Dijon

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive trip, so you will be staying in different establishments along the way. 

Description
We favour small local establishments, often family-run hotels or B&Bs, that employ local people. Selected by our track finders, our accommodations are chosen based on the friendliness of the owners, the quality of the service, the charm of the establishment and, quite often, the quirkyness (of both accommodation and owners!) that makes where you sleep an integral part of your adventure. 

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Le Petit Tertre B&B in Dijon
Night 2 & 3: Hotel St Vincent in St Georges
Night 4 & 5: La Bretonniere in Beaune
Night 6: Les Hauts de Meursault in Meursault

Le Petit Tertre B&B in Dijon
This lovely B&B offers 5 guestrooms furnished with antiques from the 18th century. Each room is equipped with private facilities, a TV, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.

Hotel St Vincent in St Georges
This small hotel is surrounded by vineyards. The rooms are spacious and feature a TV, free Wi-Fi and private bathroom.

La Bretonniere in Beaune
Stay in a beautiful country house with lots of charm. This former post house from the 18th century is set in a quiet and green environment. Each room includes an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi. 

Les Hauts de Meursault in Meursault
This charming hotel has 36 rooms. The rooms have a modern décor and come equipped with a TV, free Wi-Fi and an en-suite bathroom.

Meals
All breakfasts are included. Lunches and dinners need to be paid locally. 

Breakfast will be provided by the accommodations.

Riding

Itinerary



Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1: Arrival
Make your way to Dijon, the capital of the Ducs of Burgundy. Walk through the cobbled streets of the historic center, visit the Ducal Palace, the Museum of Fine Art and the Eglise Notre-Dame featuring a Black Madonna statue.
Meals included: none
Overnight in Dijon

Day 2: Chambolle-Musigny, Morey St. Denis &  Chateau Clos de Vougeot
After breakfast, you take a short 30 mins transfer to Gevrey-Chambertin, where you will start your walk through the heart of the Burgundy vineyards. Walk on quiet farming tracks and paths, and visit the charming towns of Chambolle-Musigny and Morey St. Denis before arriving at the prestigious 16th century Chateau Clos de Vougeot.
Your next stop is Vosne Romanée, producing the region's most celebrated wines, all made entirely from the Pinot noir grape.
Distance 13 km / Elevation + 240m / - 280m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in St Georges

Day 3: Loop Walk or Relax
Today, you can choose to go on a lopp walk or just relax.
The moderate loop leaves the Côte de Nuits and its vineyards to explore the wooded hills to the west of Nuits Saint Georges. You'll pass through forests and meadows overlooking the valley of the river Le Meuzin.
Alternatively, spend the day at leisure, visit Le Cassisium to learn more about blackcurrant the primary ingredient for Crème de Cassis an alcohol liqueur produced in the region or simple unwind and relaxy by the pool or watch the world go by whilst sipping a glass of wine in a terrasse café.
Distance 15 km / Elevation + 600m / - 600m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in St Georges

Day 4: Fussey to Beaune 
This morning, take a taxi for a 15mins transfer to Fussey. You are quickly in the countryside, walking through oak forests on peaceful paths leading to an authentic winegrowing village: Savigny-les-Beaune. This village produces Crémant de Bourgogne, a festive wine. From the church of Saint-Cassien and its splendid listed Romanesque bell tower, to the formal garden of the Chandon de Briailles Manor House, the village has some wonderful discoveries in store for you. Then, continue to Beaune, the capital of Burgundy’s wine industry. Within the ramparts, Beaune will show you its charms: mansions, beautiful wood-frame homes, flower-laden squares... You can also visit a Mustard-manufacture such as La Maison Fallot and taste new creations (mustard flavoured with blackcurrant, tarragon, honey, gingerbread and you can even make it yourself!).
Distance 13.5 km / Elevation + 135m / - 385m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Beaune

Day 5: Free day or loop walk around Beaune
Today you have several options. You can head into the countryside to explore the Montagne de Baune, a hill west of Beaune partly occupied by beautiful houses overlooking the Cotes de Beaune. Or stroll on the Saturday morning market to taste local produce. Don’t miss a visit to the imposing mansion of the Dukes of Burgundy, the basilica of Notre Dame and the most famous of all the sights in Beaune: the steep pitched patterned roofs of the Hotel Dieu an ancient hospital now featuring a fine arts museum.
Distance 10 km / Elevation + 200m / - 200m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Beaune

Day 6: Beaune to Meursault
Just steps from the centre of Beaune, above the plains of the Saône, and heading up the slope, are the Clos de Beaune Premier Cru wines. You will stroll through the parcels of vines, separated by ancient stone walls and sprinkled with “cabiottes” (winemakers cabins), before reaching the village of Pommard. The wines are a deep red in colour, with the flavours of ripe berries, which you can taste at Domaine Le Jeune.
Next is the town of Volnay, on the slopes of the hills, offering fine reds. Through boxwood and pine forests at the top of the slopes you reach the village of Mothélie, with its Romanesque church, chateau, old homes, and great cellars, before arriving before arriving in Meursault. You can visit the renowned Château de Meursault, a delight for the eyes and the taste buds.
Distance 13.5 km / Elevation + 350m / - 320m
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in Meursault

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast you are transferred back to Beaune (20 mins) from where you can easily catch a train to Paris for your onward travel. Or book a private transfer to another place for an extra fee (please inquire).
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Burgundy's Gold Coast

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Dijon
Airport: Lyon
Transfer:

Climate:
                                        Dijon area