6-Nights France: The Burgundy Wine Region & Dijon

Dijon

Dijon, a city in Romantic France, has numerous sights. Tour Philippe le Bon offers outstanding views. The Palace of Dukes of Burgundy now houses the Town Hall and Fine Arts Museum. Charming squares and streets lead past half-timbered houses and elegant mansions beneath church spires. Notre-Dame, the Gothic church dating from the 13th century, is a stone work of art with a unique facade of gargoyles and slender columns topped by the Jacquemart Clock which has struck each hour for townspeople since 1383. The Cathedral of Saint-Benigne has a crypt containing fascinating sculptures from around the year 1000. Near the cathedral are old churches of Saint Philibert and Saint Jean. The Archaeological Museum houses fascinating treasures. The Perrin de Puycousin Museum of Burgundian Life reconstructs the life of past Dijonnais and Burgundians, while the Museum of Sacred Art is housed in the former chapel. Dijon boasts parks and gardens, as well as the Port on Burgundy Canal where boats leave for cruises to the countryside.

Beaune

During its 2000 year existance Beaune was for a short period the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, then a busy commercial center for the cloth and wine industries. The town took on a defensive character through the continous fortification of its ramparts and castle whose functions were to protect its interests and inhabitants. In the 18th century Beaune became the center of commerce for Burgundy's fine wines. Today, the visitor finds a charming blend of medieval half timbered houses, the gentle curves of romanesque architecture, rooftops ornamented by weathervanes, fascinating townhouses and the multicolored tiles and lead "lacework " of the Hôtel Dieu within the city walls. Bastions and towers offer a peaceful protection to the region's most prestigous products, and the moat has been transformed into public or private gardens sheltering century old plant collections.

Tournus

The beauty of Burgundy with romantic castles, churches and royal palaces comes to life in this lovely city. See the cloister of St. Philibert and the medieval city of Beaune. Visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu, which houses Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment. Taste wine at a château in the vineyards.