Burgundy Things To Do

As Roman influence declined, Monastic orders increased in power and wealth, led by the order at Cluny. See superb examples at Paray-le-Monial (tourist office 33-3-8581-1092); the Abbeye de Fontenay (www.abbayedefontenay.com); and Vezelay (www.vezelaytourisme.com).

Though hilly, Burgundy is very popular for cycling. Bike shops in Beaune and Chablis rent bikes for touring and supply maps and itineraries.

Traveling the extensive canal network by private barge is a relaxing and elegant way to tour Burgundy; book well in advance.

Complex, peppery Pinot Noirs and rich, buttery Chardonnays abound in Burgundy. For an entry fee of $13, the friendly Marche aux Vins in the center of Beaune offers daily tastings of 15 grand vins de Bourgogne along with a mental blueprint for navigating the confusing patchwork of names.

Brisk, flinty, refreshing Chardonnays from the very north of Burgundy are quite different from their southern neighbors and worthy of an afternoon of exploration. La Chablisienne, a cooperative of small producers, offers a warm welcome and daily tastings without reservations.

The easy-drinking, buttery, young Gamay reds of Beaujolais go with almost any food. Most villages have a cave offering tastings. Villié-Morgon stands out with tastings in the cellar of the 18th-century chateau.

The gothic Cathedral of Saint-Étienne can be spotted a mile away thanks to its colossal tower. The 13th-century cathedral owes its fame, however, to its medieval stained glass – some of the best in all of France.

Nestled in the quiet town of Ancy-le-Franc, this mid-16th-century château is a paragon of symmetry, with its immaculately conceived four wings and inner courtyard. Inside, its wall paintings and frescoes are worth admiring as well.