Burgundy: Things To Do

Ancy-le-Franc Château 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. 18 place Clermont Tonnerre, Ancy-le-Franc; 011-33-3-86-75-00-25; www.chateau-ancy.com
architecture | historic | views

Barge tours Traveling the extensive canal network by private barge is a relaxing and elegant way to tour Burgundy; book well in advance. Abercrombie & Kent; 800-554-7016; www.akbarging.com
cruise | tour | smart splurge

Beaujolais 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. Route des Crus du Beaujolais, Villié-Morgan; 011-33-4-7404-2099; www.vins-du-beaujolais.com/morgon
wine tasting

Cathedral of Saint-Étienne 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. Auxerres
architecture | historic | religion

Cluniac Monasteries 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).
architecture | culture | history

Cycling Though hilly, Burgundy is very popular for cycling. Bike shops in Beaune and Chablis rent bikes for touring and supply maps and itineraries. 7, avenue du 8 Septembre, Beaune; 011-33-3-8022-0603; www.detours-in-france.com
tour | biking | outdoors | adventure

La Chablisienne 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. 8, Boulevard Pasteur, Chablis; 011-33-3-8642-8989; www.chablisienne.com
wine tasting

Marche aux Vins 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. 2, rue Nicolas-Rolin, Beaune; 011-33-3-8025-0820; www.marcheauxvins.com
wine tasting