Top 5 most beautiful villages in Burgundy
Oozing with charm, the villages of Burgundy reveal everything you expect of them, including narrow streets, church steeples and seats in the shade of plane trees. Welcome to our hidden-gem villages, some of which are listed. Vézelay, Semur-en-Auxois, Flavigny, Châteauneuf, Chablis... each offers a different experience as you tread their cobblestones from a past era. Here are our favourites.
Vézelay
In Vézelay the sun sets over the Sainte-Madeleine basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage feature, as hot-air balloons cast their shadows on the slopes of the Eternal Hill.
A stone's throw away, people sit on a sunny terrace, talking about art, organic wine and local hiking routes. Your journey continues here...
Noyers-sur-Serein
This superb village belongs to the highly select club of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of France'.
Stroll in the cobblestone streets to admire the medieval heritage of this winegrowing village, cross the little bridge on the aptly-named river 'Serein' and take the time to enjoy a glass of wine on the terrace. Simply irresistible!
Flavigny-sur-Ozerain
Visit Flavigny-sur-Ozerain to be plunged into the Middle Ages between its narrow, winding streets, rampart walls, fortified gates and beautifully maintained medieval houses.
A visit to the Flavigny sweet factory is an absolute must, to try all the new flavours of these tasty little treats!
Semur-en-Brionnais
Plunge with delight into 1,000 years of history as you explore the village of Semur-en-Brionnais.
The feudal castle, the Romanesque church, the keep and the ancient houses should keep heritage enthusiasts happy.
Châteauneuf
From below, it dominates the landscape and makes you feel small. This beautiful village stands proudly on its rocky spur, towering above the Dijon-to-Autun road and the Burgundy Canal.
Once up there, you'll get yourself lost in the narrow streets until you stumble, wide-eyed, on the impressive medieval castle.
Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye
The Puisaye region is where Colette enjoyed her childhood freedom in a beautiful bourgeois house in the village of St-Sauveur-en-Puisaye.
Follow in the writer's footsteps by visiting the house where she was born which has been restored and reconstituted down to the last detail (wallpaper included). You'll then wander aimlessly through the narrow streets and prolong your immersion in the life of Colette by visiting the museum devoted to her.
Bèze
Walk hand in hand along the 'promenade de la source' lined with ancient trees, then cross the lovely stone bridge to admire the gorgeous semi-circular washhouse.
Above all, don't forget to visit the underground caves for a dreamlike boat trip on the amazingly clear water. Magical!
Semur-en-Auxois
A keep, ramparts, and interesting details to look out for in Semur, a village with a strong medieval feel.
But that's not all! You can also just enjoy the tranquillity that oozes from the surrounding countryside and the calm waters of the river Armançon.
Chablis
Chablis is a name known across the world as a lively and elegant white wine. But Chablis is also the name of a pretty village with half-timbered houses, a great place to stroll along the river Serein and of course through the vineyards.
New in 2023: Opening of the Cité des Climats et vins de Bourgogne, a brand new visitor centre where enthusiasts can learn all about the wines of Burgundy.
Brancion
The main attraction of Brancion is the medieval castle. Its walls ooze with the history of the lords 'Gros' who established their domination through a succession of battles and pillagings. Even their motto reflects their agressivity: "au plus fort de la mêlée"!
Icing on the dukes' cake: from the top of the keep there's an unforgettable panoramic view over the pleasant Charollaise countryside.
Pesmes
Pesmes, whose name means 'high rock' is an open-air history book that you'll enjoy browsing through, between the castle, the richly-decorated Renaissance houses, the beautiful church and the private mansions…
Take a trip on the calm waters of the river Ognon to see the village from an alternative angle, by renting a canoe at the outdoor activity centre in the village.
