Rich with an exceptional cultural and natural heritage, the Côte d'Or department has many treasures. Its vineyards, its gastronomy, but also its castles, abbeys, lakes and canals make it a destination of choice for holidays under the sign of discovery, to meet its towns of character.
From small charming towns to large cities of Art and History, the Côte d'Or is home to many jewels, each more impressive than the next. Dijon and its magnificent roofs are among the Gold Coast's must-see! You can visit it on foot, by bike or electronic skate for a fun ride. Pass through the Puits de Moïse, and follow the path of the Chouette (indicated by 22 small golden witnesses on the ground) which will guide you through the old streets of Dijon scattered with its most beautiful buildings, up to its famous Chouette : when you meet it, remember to respect tradition by caressing it with your left hand before making a wish ! Emblematic monument of the city, the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy of Dijon is located in the heart of its old town. Today it houses the town hall and the fine arts museum as well as the municipal archives. Don't miss its ducal kitchens, the guard room, the former reception room of the dukes and the chapel of the Chosen Ones.
Capital of Burgundy wines and city of Art and History, Beaune is 40 kilometres south of Dijon. Surrounded by ramparts, this city considered as the main trading place of Burgundy wine prices has one of the most beautiful buildings in the department : the Hospices de Beaune (Hôtel-Dieu), famous for their glazed roofs. Visit its Poeves room, its large room and its caverns hidden under the Hospices. Stroll through the streets of Dijon and discover its Renaissance hotels, half-timbered houses and colourful roofs. The Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne, the collegiate church Notre-Dame, and the numerous cellars of the commune are also to be added to your to-do-list.
Built around the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre dating from the 8th century, the town of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain proudly boasts its "Most Beautiful Village in France" label. Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, with its fortified gates, ramparts, charming houses and cobbled alleys with the sweet scent of aniseed, is a delight to stroll through in the freshness of its stones. Jewel of the undeniably romantic department, this village is also known by the greedy thanks to its small sweet candies : the anise of Flavigny. Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, also voted "Most beautiful village in France", is not to be missed : its imposing fortress, its stone houses decorated with turrets, staircases and 15th century pediments, its panoramic views of the Morvan mountains and its churches give it an incredible charm.
Green lung of Burgundy, the Regional Natural Park of Morvan is the ideal place for nature walks. Its preserved territory, hilly and wild landscapes are the favourite playground for lovers of outdoor activities. You can go hiking, golfing, climbing, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, whitewater sports, diving and donkey rides. In all, 2600 kilometres of hiking trails criss-cross the Côte d'Or from the banks of the Saône to the Burgundy Canal, through the valleys, vineyards and cliffs. Cycling enthusiasts ? 350 kilometres of cycle paths criss-cross the department, for your greatest pleasure. From relaxing walks to sports outings, with family or friends, you will certainly find the route that suits you : and to do so, the department has even set up a mobile application called "Walks in Burgundy" that we advise you to download in order to find the quiet loop or the intensive route that will please you.
If the Côte d'Or can be visited, it can also be enjoyed in a thousand and one ways. Since the time of the Dukes of Burgundy, the art of living and the pleasures of mouth are among the traditions which are perpetuated from generation to generation. Taste the eggs in meurette, the snails of Burgundy accompanied with a glass of Kir, gougères and a slice of ham. Enjoy a nice piece of Charolais meat with a little Dijon mustard, a good piece of Epoisse and a glass of local Grand Cru !
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, the Côte d'Or vineyards are among the most sought-after. Let yourself be tempted by tastings in one of the many cellars located along the "Route des grands crus de Bourgogne", or during a wine festival! Carried by wine tourism, the Côte d'Or has the oldest wine route in France. The "Route des grands crus de Bourgogne", 60 kilometres long, criss-crosses the department through 37 towns, from Dijon, the regional capital, to the superb Santenay, passing through Vougeot and its magnificent château amidst the vineyards, Pommard, Beaune and its Hospices, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Saint-Romain and Meursault, the village where the film La Grande Vadrouille was shot. Another route not to be missed is the "Route du crémant", which covers more than 1120 kilometres through the vineyards of the Pays Châtillonnais and the Auxois vineyards. Even if you are not a wine or crémant lover, these itineraries are still a must : they will allow you to discover the main sites that make the reputation of the Côte d'Or.
Finally, some other ideas of visits to make during your passage in Côte d'Or : Fontenay and its Abbey, true Cistercian jewel, the Buffon Museum in Montbard (former castle of the Dukes of Burgundy), Alésia (to relive the battle of Vercingétorix and César), the Castle of Bussy-Rabutin, the Abbey Notre Dame de Cîteaux, Saulieu, the Castle of Rochepot...
