Many of the dishes people consider ‘French’ actually emerged from Burgundy – escargot, beef bourguignon and even frog’s legs all originated in this rich and lustrous region. Couple that with its (well deserved) reputation of producing some of the best wines on the planet and you’re literally heading for a foodie’s dream destination. But it’s not all classics and country foods. If you’re thinking of booking one of our villas in Burgundy you’ll be able to sample some of the finest contemporary dishes and restaurants and a fantastic range of styles and tastes – but to get you going, we’ve found ten fantastic foodie experiences in Burgundy that are bound to whet your appetite.
For a real insight into the passions, preoccupations and palates of Burgundy residents, try a culinary tour of the region. Burgundy on a Plate serves up a series of great, one-day gastronomic experiences that include (but are far from limited to) local vineyard tours, private cooking courses, truffle hunting expeditions, wine and chocolate pairing and cheese tasting courses. Meanwhile, the pickiest visiting foodies can choose to arrange custom group tours with the company, wrapping leisure activities like golf and photography around the unique culinary tours. They really do serve up Burgundy on a plate.
Price Range: Exclusive private day tours from €245 per person (excellent three-course lunch included)
Location: 2 Rue du Port du Canal, 71150 Chagny, France
Run by renowned Michelin-star chef Frédéric Doucet (the clue’s in the name), this superb restaurant is a must for any groups visiting southern Burgundy. Perfect for families and friendship groups alike, the modern dining rooms and terrace provide gastronomic treats for all the senses. Tempting tastes including Charolais beef, foie gras, Breton lobster, pigeon breast, Morvan truffles and Grand Marnier soufflé, all washed down with an array of divine wines suggested by the knowledgeable sommelier.
Price Range: Set menu starting from €29
Location:2 Avenue de La Libération, 71120 Charolles, France
If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to take home from your holiday in France, how about some brand new expert cooking skills? That is what’s on offer at the Cook’s Atelier in the heart of Beaune. A destination for food and wine lovers from around the world, the Cook’s Atelier is a cooking school that uses the ingredients of local artisan food producers and winemakers, plus the expertise of their chef professors, to teach visiting groups the fundamentals to make them brilliant cooks. Bon appétit!
Price Range: Classes start from €250 (including Market Tour, Cooking Class, Wine & Cheese Tasting, and Long French Lunch)
Location: 43 Rue de Lorraine, 21200 Beaune, France
Set within a picture-perfect Burgundy maison of stone walls and wooden beams, Maison Lameloise in Chagny is the finest of the area’s fine dining restaurants. Open since 1921 and a long-time feature of the Michelin Guide – it currently has three Michelin stars under its belt, so top marks from the top reviewer – it serves delectable French fare. We suggest trying the degustation menu, with delicious dishes such as red cabbage tart with foie gras, and the roast tenderloin of venison with blackcurrant and quince. Don’t forget to pair wines – Lameloise has a particularly interesting and varied wine list.
If you’re a wine lover – and if you’re planning a holiday to Burgundy, we will assume you are – then a trip to the Joseph Drouhin Oenothèque will satisfy any cravings. As one of the largest estates in the region, with vineyards covering 182.5 acres, Joseph Drouhin produces some of Burgundy’s very best wines. And you can see where all the action happens with a tour of the Oenothèque. Delve into the dusty cellars of Beaune (once owned by dukes and kings) and taste six fine Joseph Drouhin vintages.
For fine dining without breaking the budget, Aux Terrasses in Tournus is the place to go. The friendly owners Amandine and Jean-Michel Carrette work hard all year long to offer a memorable, Michelin-starred dining experience without the typically premium prices. Diners can savour the subtle yet sumptuous cooking amid a warm, contemporary interior of oak and stone. Or, alternatively, in the peaceful little garden. The service throughout is exemplary too, and groups are always welcomed.
Price Range: Set menus starting from €25
Location: 18 Avenue du 23 Janvier, 71700 Tournus, France
What could you possibly desire from a wine tour of Burgundy? Access to renowned vineyards and wineries to learn the secret tricks of the trade? Absolutely. A taste of several vintages in each of the cellars you visit? No problem. An experienced sommelier and winemaker acting as your host? Tick. And how about some bonus sightseeing along the way, from Romanesque churches, abbeys and castles to spectacular scenery? Authentica Tours offer all this and more. Take a one-day group tour (limited to eight people) with transfers as required, or book a private tour at your own convenience.
Price Range: Half day tours start from €350 for 2 people ( expect tastings 5 to 11 wines including 1er Cru & Grand Cru)
Location: 21200, Beaune, France & 21 000, Dijon, France
Looking for high end cuisine with a low key setting? Head to Pause Gourmande. This lovely Auxerre eatery serves up some of the city’s best mains, from soups and salads to gourmet dishes – our pick of the bunch is the roasted fillet mignon pancake potatoes with foie gras cream and wild mushrooms – yet it is best known locally for its homemade pastries. With sweet treats ranging from macarons to chocolate bonbons and everything in between, each dessert is of the highest quality and beautifully presented. Pastries are best accompanied by one of Pause Gourmande’s 25 different types of tea.
Founded by Louis Henry Denis Jadot in 1859, Maison Louis Jadot is one of Burgundy’s best-known wineries. Its vineyards cover 670 acres, yet they only produce Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) wines; strictly local Burgundy vintages. Visitors to Beaune can take a trip down into Maison Louis Jadot’s cellars, where they can witness the winemaking and maturation process and taste some of the classic vintages, as well as lesser-known appellations and older vintages on request.
Price Range: ££
Location: 62 Route de Savigny, 21200 Beaune, France
Set within a former mill on the banks of the Serein river in Chablis, Au Fil du Zinc is one of the finest restaurants in town. Offering French cuisine, with a focus on fresh and seasonal products, chef Ryo Nagahama serves up a good value tasting menu, as well as a limited selection of a la carte options too. With a large list of affordable local wines, it’s a great place to eat, drink and laugh with friends.
Price Range: Set menus starting from €26pp
Location:18 Rue des Moulins, 89800 Chablis, France
Is your stomach rumbling yet? Get in touch with our concierge team if you’d like to talk about booking one of our Burgundy villas – they can even provide you with a list of suggested places to stay if you let them know what you’re looking for! But the helpfulness doesn’t end there. Our blog is full of inspiration when it comes to your Burgundy break, so make sure you check our travel guide and our pick of the best family activities in Burgundy. If that’s not good enough we have more foodie experiences that you can enjoy!
Looking for a full list of villas to rent this year? Check out our villa holidays page here.
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