5 reasons to come to Burgundy in autumn
The locals of Burgundy will tell you this is the perfect time to break your routine and come and get the full Burgundy experience. The forests and vines take on golden shades, and it is often sunny, almost as if the summer wasn't over yet. It is also the season of celebrations. There are countless events on the theme of wine during the autumn, to carry on the age-old traditions and have some fun at the same time.
The colours
In autumn, the vine plots are a patchwork of colours and hikers love to stop and admire them. With their backpacks on, they explore the countless footpaths through the vines. They walk into the woods and then up onto the hillsides to get the best panoramic views.
Our suggestion
Take to the skies and explore the scenery of Burgundy in a hot-air balloon, it's a magical experience!
The great food
Autumn brings with it some key ingredients used by our local chefs, including mushrooms, chestnuts, grapes, freshwater fish, and so many more.
Some chefs let their imaginations run wild to prepare original dishes, while others will add their own special touch to traditional dishes that are an important part of the history of our local terroir.
Whether you are a fan of fine foods or looking for something new, you're bound to be surprised by the bold creations from the local chefs of Burgundy.
Our suggestion
Book a table at one of the great Michelin-starred restaurants along the Route des Grands Crus (Route of the Great Wines)... The products used are guaranteed to be fresh and seasonal!
The vineyards
Autumn is the highlight of the year for Burgundy's number one symbol: the vines!
The whole region lives and breathes for the vines... Grape harvest, filling the barrels, maceration, pruning, etc. Every day at dawn, the first grape harvesters arrive with their baskets on their backs and work tirelessly in the morning mist and humidity.
Our suggestion
Get a behind-the-scene experience of the grape harvest... A unique opportunity that should be done at least once in a lifetime!
The festivities
Autumn is the season of festivities in Burgundy, a last chance to blow off some steam before the winter.
There are sports festivities with the wine auction semi-marathon, and the week-long D'Jazz Nevers Festival for fans of swing music.
And of course, the highlight of the autumn: the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction! This is more than just an event, it's a concentration of Burgundian terroir.
Our suggestion
Before going to the wine auction, go for a walk in the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune to really get a feel for the atmosphere.
The heritage
Whatever the season, a heritage site is still a heritage site! But in autumn, they take on a whole new dimension. With the sun slightly lower than the summer, this creates shadows, giving the monuments a certain depth that you won't see the rest of the year.
And then there's the natural heritage... Covered in flamboyant autumn colours, you'll feel as if you're in a real-life painting!
Our suggestion
Autumn is the perfect time of year to visit the religious monuments. Wait until late afternoon to take advantage of the low sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows!