Interpretive centre
La Maison des Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne - Patrimoine mondial
BEAUNE
A hiking itinerary between vineyards and villages
The Burgundy Grands Crus long-distance hiking trail
Departure
Chenôve
Arrival
Santenay
Put on your hiking shoes and go exploring at your own pace to see the famous vineyard-covered hillsides of Burgundy from a brand new angle! The Grands Crus trail will take you through vineyards of course, but also some lovely villages where every street corner features vestiges of the past. Here, everything seems to showcase the local terroir, from wells to "cadole" drystone cabins and from wine presses to communal bread ovens. This long-distance trail through the heart of some of the finest vineyards should be consumed without moderation!
The Grands Crus GR® hiking trail in a few figures
4 stages
87 km Red-and-yellow waymarkers
29 winegrowing villages along the way
2 282 m Elevation gain
Walking through prestigious vineyards
A hike in the heart of the Burgundy vineyard
Corton, Chambolle-Musigny, Gevrey-Chambertin, Montrachet, Vosne-Romanée… If the very mention of these great wine appellations makes your mouth water, then you're sure to enjoy hiking along the Grands Crus trail! You'll walk amid the typical colours and scents of the Côte de Nuits, Hautes Côtes and Côte de Beaune vineyards, all famous for their Grand Cru wines.
Besides the vine-covered landscapes that feature throughout your walk, the multiple winegrowing villages encountered along the way are also well worth a visit. The ancient and well-preserved winegrowing heritage will transport you to another era.
Take the time to make a little detour via the narrow streets to see the stone houses, cellars, wine presses and other remains which in some cases date back to the Middle Ages.
Find out more about this world-unique winegrowing heritage
Here you're right in the heart of the Climats of Burgundy, a local term for this wine terroir whose remarkable landscapes, towns and villages with amazing architecture, and exceptional expertise joined the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2015.
A few places to take a break, sample the wine and maybe even chat with the winemakers
wine-tasting cellar, merchants, Wine-growers
Château de Pommard
POMMARD 
Wine & Accessories
Prosper Maufoux au Château de Saint-Aubin - Dégustation & Vente au caveau
SAINT-AUBIN 
merchants, Wine-growers
Dufouleur Frères
NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES 
merchants, Wine-growers
Heitz Armand
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET 
Le Clos de Vougeot
Although they don't make wine here any more, the Château du Clos de Vougeot is still a must-see on the Grands Crus trail! This exceptional monument, a masterpiece built by the Cistercian monks and the Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, retraces 900 years of the history of wine.
Key places to stop along the way: Dijon and Beaune
The Grands Crus trail starts near the ancient capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Before heading off along the vineyard paths, take the time to stroll around the historic heart of Dijon, a UNESCO site. If you fancy a trip back in time, follow the owl trail, a one-hour walking tour that reveals the town's history and fascinating heritage (half-timbered houses, Romanesque and Gothic churches, etc.). The highlight of this walk is the famous owl statue which is said to make wishes come true!
A little further along the Grands Crus trail, you'll go past the Hospices de Beaune, a famous venue where an annual wine auction is held. Its Gothic architecture, multicoloured roofing and wine estate all add to the prestige of this site! Built as a hospital for the poor at the end of the 100 Years' War, this museum remains even today one of the must-see treasures of Burgundy.
Vue sur Dijon depuis la tour Philippe Le Bon Office de Tourisme de Dijon
Château de Meursault
If you decide to stop at the Château de Meursault wine estate, you'll be able to visit its agroecology park, its 8-hectare enclosed grounds and its cellars dating from the 12th to 18th century. Sign up for a guided tour with wine tasting to complete your introduction to the heritage and wines of Burgundy.
Visit the Château de Meursault
Places to stay on the Grands Crus GR® hiking trail
Here are a few suggestions of places to eat and places to stay during your walk along the Grands Crus trail:
Hotel
Hôtel des Halles
DIJON 
Hotel
Hôtel Wilson - Les Collectionneurs
DIJON 
Appartments and Gîtes
Le Clos Amiot
MOREY-SAINT-DENIS 
Hotels - restaurant
Hôtel Authentic by Balladins
MARSANNAY-LA-COTE 
Hotels - restaurant
Hôtel La Gentilhommière
NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES 
Hotels - restaurant
Ermitage de Corton
CHOREY-LES-BEAUNE 
Hotels - restaurant
Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa • Beaune
BEAUNE 
Hotel
Hôtel Le Cep
BEAUNE 
Graded campsite
Camping Huttopia Meursault
MEURSAULT 
Hotel
Hostellerie de Bretonnière
BEAUNE 
Graded campsite
Camping de Santenay
SANTENAY
On the map
The Grands Crus GR® itinerary
Interpretive centre
La Maison des Climats du vignoble de Bourgogne - Patrimoine mondial
BEAUNE 
Museum
Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne - Beaune
BEAUNE 
wine-tasting cellar, merchants, Wine-growers
Château de Pommard
POMMARD 
Industrial Site
Balade Gourmande à Nuits-Saint-Georges
NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES
merchants, Wine-growers
Heitz Armand
CHASSAGNE-MONTRACHET
merchants, Wine-growers
Dufouleur Frères
NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES 
Castles and Defense Sites
Château du Clos de Vougeot
VOUGEOT 
wine-tasting cellar, Wine-growers
Château de Meursault
MEURSAULT Tools to help you prepare for your hike
To help you organise your exploration along the Grands Crus hiking trail, take advantage of the free tools at your disposal:
- Balades en Bourgogne app
This app provided with the support of tourism partners and the local hiking committee helps you find all the information you need on the best walks to do in the region.
Download the Grands Crus trail on your smartphone to see full details of the itinerary. And once you start walking, your "hiking companion" can even guide you the rest of the way!
- the hiking guidebook
You can also download the Grands Crus GR® itinerary on the website of the French hiking federation of Côte d'Or:
- how to reach the starting point?
- by train to Dijon Station (Dijon Ville)
- start at Esplanade des Marcs d'Or (car park or bus route 13)
Alongside the Grands Crus hiking trail
Other routes to try
Cycling enthusiasts also have plenty of options in the Burgundy vineyards! The Voie des Vignes cycle path stretches for 72 km between vineyards and villages. Ideal for fans of wine tourism, heritage or cycle touring!
But if it's hiking you enjoy most, then you've picked the right region. Burgundy boasts no less than 6,000 km of short and long-distance waymarked hiking trails. All you have to do is choose!
