Sometimes, a grown-ups-only holiday is just what you need. With either friends or family members, you can enjoy some much-needed R&R as a group or make the most of trying new things and getting stuck into activities that you might not try at home.
When it comes to stepping outside of your comfort zone and expanding your horizons on holiday, France is a fantastic destination to do so. Home to culturally enriching experiences, fascinating heritage and breathtaking landscapes, there’s a world of opportunity for groups of adults to fill up their holiday itineraries with new and exciting things to do.
Nestled in the heart of France is one of its most breathtaking regions – Burgundy. Home to some of the best wines in the world, delectable cuisine, and stunning scenery, there’s plenty to love about Burgundy as a holiday destination, and we’d highly recommend it for all groups of adults who are still debating where to venture to for a getaway in France.
So, if you’re willing to give the Burgundy region a try on your next French adventure, you’re in luck. Here at Oliver’s Travels, we’ve rounded up some of the best things to do in Burgundy for adults. Take a look to see what takes your fancy!
1. Tickle your tastebuds at Moutardes Fallot
It’s without question that France has developed a reputation for its exquisite foods and ingredients that have won over the hearts – and stomachs – of people all over the world. So, when it comes to things to do in Burgundy for adults with a penchant for savouring delectable cuisine on their travels, you can sample French mustard during a mustard-tasting session.
Dijon is the capital of Burgundy, whose mustard of the same name is recognised and acclaimed worldwide for its distinctive flavour. After all, you’re holidaying in the ancestral home of French mustard, and this group activity for adults really packs an enjoyable kick and opens the door for you to get to grips with this delicious and historic French food.
If you’re considering where to go to experience your unique mustard tasting, La Moutarderie Edmond Fallot is the last-standing independent mustard mill in the region, and it has been run by the same family since 1840. Visitors can come to discover how the fierce local mustard is made, from the simple ingredients (brassica seed, vinegar, salt, water, and a select mix of spices) to the more complex manufacturing process.
There are three distinct areas to discover: a tour revealing the secrets and tricks of the mustard trade; a tour exploring the different sensations elicited by this pungent condiment; and, most importantly of all, the tasting area. You can also top up your mustard supplies in the shop, should you want to take home a delicious memory of what would definitely be one of your Burgundy highlights!
Book: Call +33 3 80 22 10 02
Location: 31 Rue du Faubourg Bretonnière – 21200 Beaune, France
2. See the sights on two wheels with VéliBourgogne
Burgundy, France is loved by cyclists from far and wide. With 500 miles of signposted cycle routes, from rural tracks and canal towpaths to disused railway lines and vineyard trails, it appeals both to bikers looking for week-long cycling holidays and visiting tourists who fancy a day on two wheels.
The Burgundy region is also home to breathtaking landscapes, which can be admired from these cycling vantage points. From rolling green countryside to stretching vineyards and traditional French villages, no matter where you turn you’re bound to be in awe as you cycle through its scenery.
If you’re looking for more active, and scenic, things to do in Burgundy as an adult, then you should definitely consider collecting a trusty two-wheeled steed and embarking on any of the spectacular cycling routes on offer in the region. We’d recommend VéliBourgogne, an Auxerre company with quality rental options for would-be cyclists of all ages, sizes, and abilities, at very affordable prices.
Each bike comes equipped with a kickstand, fender, luggage rack, lights, and helmet. They are glad to give route suggestions and maps too, so you don’t have to be fearful of getting lost whilst you’re exploring the Burgundy region. For something fun and active, this is a fantastic way to see a little bit more of the region during your Burgundy holiday.
Book: Online at Velibourgogne
Location: Place Achille Ribain, 89000 Auxerre, France
3. Hunt for highly-desired truffles at L’Or des Valois
Foodies rejoice! Most people know that France is home to highly-prized truffles, and some may even be aware that the Burgundy region is renowned as one of the country’s best truffle-hunting destinations. These delectable fungi have become a mainstream delicacy over the past few decades, and travellers who can appreciate fresh, local produce ought to consider getting stuck into an immersive foodie experience – such as a truffle hunt in Burgundy.
And just your luck, did you know that there’s a place in Burgundy that allows you to join a real-life truffle hunt? L’Or des Valois sees tourists welcomed to the historic Château d’Entre-Deux-Monts, where knowledgeable truffle experts will tell you all about this golden mushroomy nugget and its environment, before sending you out on a forest hunt with a dog.
On your return, you can try a range of truffle products, from butter and oil to rice and terrines, and then get stuck into a tasty lunch menu in the château. Fancy taking home some of L’Or des Valois’ truffle products? There is a little shop here too.
Book: Call +33 380 33 38 21
Location: Château d Entre Deux Monts, Hameau de Concoeur et Corboin, 21700 Nuits-Saint-Georges, France
4. Tackle the white water rapids with AN Rafting
The Burgundy region is home to vast and varied landscapes that open the door for you and your friends or family to connect with nature adventurously. From its mountain regions to its glistening lakes and verdant forests, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to trying something daring!
If the thought of getting your heart racing during your Burgundy holiday piques your interest, then take the time to visit Morvan – a lush green, lake-filled, and mountainous region in the heart of Burgundy, and talk to the fantastic team at AN Rafting.
This long-established adventure company offers a wide variety of river-based activities that are great fun for adult groups, from white water rafting to intense hydrospeed, also known as riverboarding. There are expert guides on hand to show you the basics of the sport, and more in-depth lessons (from beginners to advanced) are also available on request.
Outside of the fast river rapids, the company can also arrange a selection of other activities, including paintballing, paragliding, and canyoning to name but a few! So, you can easily spend a day or more in these mountains and tick off multiple exciting things to do in Burgundy that will leave you with lasting memories of the region!
Book: Online at AN Rafting
Location: 1 Bis Les Hâtes, 58140 Saint-Martin-du-Puy, France
5. Feel the need for speed at Circuit Mangy Cours
When it comes to unique things to do in Burgundy, we like to think that we’ve already hit off quite a few in this article that you wouldn’t have necessarily thought of when planning your trip to the region. But, to take it up a notch, this unique activity adults can do during their Burgundy holiday will no doubt have hearts racing and adrenaline levels spiking.
Have you ever watched Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel racing around a Formula One track and thought: ‘I could easily do that’? While Formula One might be a little dangerous for first-timers, there’s a track in the Burgundy region that gives you the chance to experience the squealing engines and burnt rubber of a sport that’s almost as intense: Formula Three.
These single-seat racing cars can still reach speeds over 165 miles per hour – so a significant step up from go-karting! – and a race around the Magny-Cours track is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry. So whether you are a long-term racing enthusiast or a complete beginner, prepare for the drive of your life at Circuit Magny Cours – a one-of-a-kind activity during your Burgundy holiday that will even make your mates at home jealous!
Book: Online at Circuit Magny Cours
Location: Technopôle, 58470 Magny-Cours, France
6. Play a round of golf at Château de Chailly
Thanks to the Burgundy region’s verdant landscapes, you’ll find spectacular golf courses immersed in scenic beauty that creates a blissful playing experience. If you’re a golf enthusiast – or have never played before – we’d recommend that you pick up some clubs during a Burgundy holiday to make the most of the region’s golf scene.
If you’re looking for where to go, we’d recommend the 16th-century Château de Chailly; one of Burgundy’s most striking golf courses with a dramatic pink façade flanked by two giant turrets. If you choose to visit the manor house during your Burgundy holiday, it won’t be for the building itself, but for what surrounds it.
The grounds of Château de Chailly are home to the region’s finest golf course; a gently undulating, 18-hole, par 72 course dotted with sand and water hazards and designed by renowned golf architect Thierry Sprecher. Head out as a group to play a friendly round, sharpen up your skills with some in-house lessons, or spice up your holiday by entering one of the regular competitions.
Book: Online at Chailly
Location: Château de Chailly – Hôtel & Golf – BP10 – 21 320 Chailly sur Armançon, France
7. Kick back and unwind at CeltÔ spa
When it comes down to it, holidays are all about relaxing, refreshing, and reinvigorating yourself. We’re conscious that we’ve already highlighted some action-packed and adventure-oriented things to do in Burgundy, but now we’re recommending something at the other end of the spectrum so that you can rest and recuperate after your more hectic holiday activities.
A spa visit is the ultimate way to relax on a holiday. But, if you don’t know which spa is best, our recommendation would be CeltÔ in Bourbon Lancy, which is the Burgundy region’s premier spa. With excellent facilities and treatments to get you feeling your best again, you’ll be able to be at one with your own thoughts and let any stress melt away so you can enjoy your Burgundy holiday to its full potential.
The thermal area is the perfect place to start, with its large thermal pool, steam bath, jacuzzi, and sauna built for ultimate relaxation. You can choose treatments too, with options including all body massages, reflexology, skin scrubs, purifying facials, tanning, and make-up, to mention just a few.
Book: Call +33 3 85 89 06 66
Location: 12, Avenue de la Libération 71140 Bourbon Lancy, France
From cycling through pristine natural vistas to relaxing in a premium spa, no matter what you blend into your Burgundy holiday itinerary, you’re bound to make your trip a memorable one. We hope this article offers you the inspiration you need when you’re planning your next adults-only getaway to Burgundy, and we can’t wait for you to experience its true beauty – and wealth of activities – for yourself.
If you’re planning a group trip to Burgundy, we offer a range of luxury Burgundy villas to host adult groups of all sizes on your next trip to the region.
If you’re still in search of more inspiration for your trip, be sure to check out our local’s guide to Burgundy too, offering you all of the insider knowledge you need to have the most authentic trip possible.
And if you have any questions about booking a holiday to Burgundy with us, be sure to contact our friendly concierge team, who will be happy to help!
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