Good reasons to explore Burgundy in autumn
Take your holidays after the summer rush, treat yourself to a short getaway after the hectic pace of getting back to school and work in September, and enjoy the Indian summer. There are countless reasons to come to Burgundy in autumn. And if that's not enough to convince you, we're going to tell you why this is the best season to come here, no matter what you're looking for. Golden scenery and a rich programme of festivities, can you feel the temptation?
Admire the landscapes and the incredible colours
You'll be taken aback by the colours, guaranteed the best photos for Instagram, the ultimate "wow" factor…
In autumn, the landscapes of Burgundy take on the most beautiful colours of the year. Just as the grape harvest comes to a close, the vineyards along the Route des Grands Crus (Route of the Great Wines) come to life with blazing colours, creating a superb mosaic. In the Morvan, the valleys are covered in shades of orange. And don't forget to admire Burgundy Canal in the pink light of dawn, lined with rows of golden trees. A must see!
Yet another good reason to come and taste the specialities of Burgundy
With 28 Michelin-starred chefs, Burgundy remains at the forefront of the French gourmet food industry all year round. In autumn, the seasonal specialities are particularly exceptional and are perfectly paired. The truffles and mushrooms are just as delicious as the freshly harvested grapes. Fill your baskets at the local markets or book a table at a restaurant and taste the very best that Burgundy has to offer.
The vineyards are literally buzzing with life
As soon as the summer season comes to a close, the winegrowing estates of the Burgundy vineyards spring to life: Côte de Beaune, Côte de Nuits, Côte Chalonnaise, Pouilly-Fumé, Coteaux du Giennois, Sancerre, etc.
Behind these prestigious appellations are the winegrowers working tirelessly during the grape harvest.
The days begin as the mist is just starting to dissipate, the harvest baskets can be seen along the rows of vines and are filled to the brim with grapes. The sunrise over Pommard is magical. Another unforgettable experience is to come to one of the estates for a day during the grape harvest.
Enjoy the last festivities, before going into hibernation!
In the autumn events' calendar in Burgundy, the grape harvest begins around the end of August, beginning of September. Then the iconic Wine Auction at the Hospices de Beaune takes place the third weekend in November.
Meanwhile, enjoy the rest of the festivities on offer, such as the music festivals Musique au Chambertin and the Djazz Nevers Festival, sports events or more original experiences such as the Livres en Vignes event at the Château du Clos de Vougeot.
So which event will you book your weekend getaway for? If it's hard to choose, you can always stay longer!
A weekend in Beaune for the Wine Auction
Visit the heritage sites in the autumn light
And what a light it is... pink early morning, low-lying at the end of the day, and soft and comforting throughout the day. The light streams in through the stained-glass windows of religious monuments, creating a wonderful effect inside. It floods into the cloister of Fontenay Abbey and lights up the towers of the Château d’Ancy-le-Franc, creating new atmospheres and inviting visitors to just stop and enjoy these moments, when time seemingly stands still.
