The name of this area in France conjures luxury, and indeed Côte d’Or has plenty of treasures especially in food and drink. This is where you can visit the heart of Burgundy’s wine-growing region and sample mustard from Dijon. The area is also known for its cassis and gingerbread.
In downtown Dijon, set off on the Owl’s Trail, a self-guided tour of the city’s most famous sites and the best views of distinctive half-timbered houses. Rest in the enormous Jardin de l’Arquebuse, with an arboretum, rose garden, science museum and planetarium. Visit the former palace of the Dukes of Burgundy at the Dijon Museum of Fine Arts, which contains over 130,000 works of art and is considered one of France’s best art museums.
Take the train to Beaune, the center of the Burgundy wine trade. The town is also a gem of Burgundian medieval architecture with homes roofed with colorful patterned tile. Explore Beaune to find the famous Hôtel-Dieu, which hosts a famous wine auction every November. Nearby, travel to the Château de Pommard and its tiny village, where you can learn about wine and sample excellent pinot noirs.
Head to the countryside to visit Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is one of the earliest Cistercian monasteries. At the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais, see the famous Vix Krater, which traces the Celtic history of Burgundy and the surrounding area.
The Côte d’Or stretches over the northeastern corner of Burgundy, with its center in Dijon. Drive or take the train from the closest international airport in Dijon in 2 hours or from Paris in 3 hours. Dijon has its own airport, which mainly operates flights to and from Bordeaux and Toulouse. The region is served by local trains rent a car or bicycles for exploring outside the cities.
Burgundy is best known for its red wines. Follow Côte d’Or’s Route du Crémant to visit wineries producing the less appreciated varietal, sparkling white wine.