Walking Tours in france

Burgundy Vineyard Trails

*  Hiking from Historic Beaune Through the Villages of Burgundy

*  Chateaux and Ancient Churches

*  A Walking Itinerary That Reads More Like a Wine List

The noble grape may rule in this prosperous region and the wine may be truly magnificent, but there is much more to enjoy on this walking holiday through Burgundy. The local cuisine offers memorable gastronomic experiences and the charming timeless villages are rich in tradition. From the historic winding streets of medieval settlements, set out to wander at a relaxed pace across rolling hills with forests of beech and oak through some of the best of rural France.

Beaune is the hub of Burgundy’s wine industry, at the heart of a cluster of prestigious vineyards such as the Cote d’Or, Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits and is the obvious place to start our trip. The first walking day is just 3 hours on foot to Meursault; a gentle start allowing time to visit the sights in Beaune and sample some wine in the village of Pommard on route. Don’t miss 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. A circular walk to Saint Romain includes a ruined chateau and a 12th century church as well as some beautiful scenery and a great restaurant for lunch. A steady climb from Meursault, to join the ‘Grande Randonnee’ paths, takes in mature oak forests before descending to the village and stunning chateau of La Rochepot. A visit to the chateau is a must before walking on to Nolay, a village of fine Burgundy mediaeval buildings, narrow streets and half-timbered houses.

The second half of the week is a little more taxing and involves walking an average of just over 18km per day and ascents of about 500m climbing onto the escarpment and hilltops for glorious views as far as the Alps. There is still time however to enjoy the delights of Rully, the ancient Chateau of Montaigu, the produce of the Cotes Chalonnaise and many more sleepy hamlets and villages.

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