You could start this excursion in either Dijon or Beaune. Since we went from Beaune, we'll describe it that way.

You will leave Beaune (map) via the Porte St-Nicolas, on the north side of town, and take the D974, also known as the Route des Grands Crus. The road meanders through acres and acres of vineyards, with the occasional picturesque village or château. These aren't the large magnificent châteaux as in the Loire or in the Bordeaux area, but rather working châteaux devoted to the production of wine grapes. What's most important in Burgundy is the terroir, or the soil that supports the production of the finest grapes.

Your first stop along the way might be the village of Nuits-St-Georges (map), the center of wine production in the area. The town redid its center and made it more pedestrian-friendly; it's a great place for lunch. More...

Just north of Nuits-St-Georges is the famous Clos de Vougeot. Surrounded by vineyards, this historic building is a fascinating museum and home of the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin. More...

Just 8 kilometers (5 miles) to the north of the Clos de Vougeot is the tiny village of Gevrey-Chambertin. Its claim to fame is having more grands crus wines than any other town. More...

There are plenty of other small villages to see along the way as well as the occasional château. If you go during the vendanges, or grape harvest, you'll find the villages quiet and the fields full of workers and machines picking the grapes. It's all about the wine!

You can make this a loop and return to Beaune, or continue to Dijon, just 14 kilometers (9 miles) to the north. It's an easy and fun day trip.

If you want to try another excursion, consider visiting the Côte de Beaune, just to the south of Beaune; or the Mâconnais and Cluny area, somewhat farther south.

---

Excursions in Burgundy Dijon Beaune About Burgundy Nuits-St-Georges Burgundy Food & Drink Burgundy Wines