Explore Burgundy’s rich past through medieval towns, unique archaeological sites, and museums.

• The four UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Vézelay; La Charité-sur-Loire; Fontenay Abbey; and the vineyards from Beaune to Dijon. See the video below.

• Clamecy (3kms from Rix Mill): This town supplied Paris with firewood from the 16th century, sending 72-metre timber rafts down the Yonne and Seine rivers. Visit the Romain Rolland Museum to learn more.

• Guédelon Castle: A one-of-a-kind project in the world, reconstructing a 13th-century castle using only period tools and techniques, where visitors can fully immerse themselves in medieval life with unlimited interaction with the craftsmen.

• Bibracte: An archaeological site where Julius Caesar resided, with a museum showcasing Roman and ancient Gaulish history.

• Towns to explore: Semur-en-Auxois, Autun, Dijon, Beaune, Auxerre, Flavigny, Noyers-sur-Serein…

• Castles to visit: Saint-Fargeau, Bazoches, Chastellux, Château du Clos de Vougeot, Château de Bussy-Rabutin, Ancy-le-Franc…

• Prehistoric caves: Arcy-sur-Cure, with remarkable ancient wall paintings.

Embark on a journey through Burgundy’s finest wines, with tastings and vineyard strolls, ending with sparkling Crémant and the classic Kir Royal.

• Start with Les Caves de Clamecy (3 km from Rix) for expert advice and a fine selection of local wines.

• Take a wine-tasting course in Beaune: www.sensation-vin.com

• Follow La Route des Vins between Beaune and Dijon, stopping wherever you like at world-famous vineyards.

• Enjoy Crémant tasting at the Caves de Bailly-Lapierre near Auxerre.

• Wine tastings in Irancy and Chablis: www.domaine-heimbourger.com, www.brocard.fr

• Wine tastings in Sancerre and Pouilly: Domaine de Saint-Pierre (Verdigny-en-Sancerre), La Maison des Sancerres (Sancerre), Tour du Pouilly-Fumé (Pouilly-sur-Loire)…

• Three renowned liqueur producers supply the crème de cassis used to create a Kir Royal (with Champagne or Crémant de Bourgogne): Jejay-Lagoute, Briottet, Gabriel Boudier.

Why not start with a Kir Royal and gougères before moving on to Boeuf Bourguignon?

• Mustard maker: with workshop visits in Beaune: www.fallot.com

• The gougère: a Burgundy speciality from Auxerre: choux pastry with cheese, traditionally served with an aperitif.

• Local cheeses: Crottin de Chavignol, Époisses, Délices de Bourgogne, Brillat-Savarin, Cîteaux…

• For lunch and dinner: Le Cheval Blanc (Vézelay); Le Soufflot (Irancy); Le Quai (Auxerre); Au Fin Chavignol (Chavignol); Le Vézelien (Vézelay); Poivre et Sel (Auxerre); La Ferme du Mont (Le Mont-Châteauneuf, Val de Bargis), Délices du Terroir (Époisses)…

• Renowned gastronomic restaurants:
  L’Éternel at “l’Hôtel de la Poste et du Lion d’Or” (Vézelay); Le Coq Hardi (Pouilly-sur-Loire); Le Relais Bernard Loiseau (Saulieu); La Côte Saint-Jacques & Spa (Joigny); Auberge de l’Âtre (Quarré-les-Tombes)…

Enjoy Burgundy’s varied landscapes, ideal for relaxation, sports, or simply savouring nature.

• Morvan Regional Natural Park: visit the Maison du Parc in Saint-Brisson to discover everything this 3,000 km² park has to offer. A true haven for nature lovers, it features six large lakes, 3,300 km of rivers and 3,000 ponds — ideal for hiking, cycling, boating and wildlife watching.

• The Nivernais Canal: to be explored by boat or by bike. Must see: L’Échelle des 16 Écluses and its valley in Sardy-lès-Épiry, and the Voûtes de la Collancelle, accessible by boat from Baye Lake in Bazolles…

• Water and outdoor sports: local canoeing in Clamecy; sailing and paddle-boarding on Baye Lake; and the sports centre in Saint-Père (Rue du Gravier, 89450 Saint-Père, Tel. +33 (0)3 86 33 38 38), offering activities such as mountain biking, hot-air ballooning and canoeing…

• Horse riding: at La Ferme Équestre de Poifond www.ferme-equestre.com

• Climbing sites: at Surgy, Merry-sur-Yonne, Mailly-le-Château, Lormes and Dun-les-Places…

Discover Burgundy’s artistic heritage, from fine art to local craftsmanship.

• Musée des Beaux-Arts, Dijon: Recently renovated, this historic palace showcases masterpieces from all eras, including the Dukes of Burgundy tombs, Flemish Primitives, Rodin, Delacroix, and Egyptian artefacts. The visit itself is an experience and a gateway to discoveries in Dijon.

• Muse Zervos, Vézelay: A haven for modern art lovers, featuring works by Picasso, Giacometti, Miró, Calder, and more, thanks to the legacy of critic Christian Zervos.

• Faïencerie d’Art et Créations Colas, Clamecy: Master faience makers continue a tradition from the 18th century, producing both traditional earthenware and collectible ceramics, including the famous ceramic beans.

• Musée Auguste Grasset, Varzy: A cabinet of curiosities with Egyptian artefacts, South Pacific weapons, regional earthenware, Nièvre landscapes, and 17th–19th century musical instruments, presented with subtle light and sound effects.