If you’re off on holiday with your friends, your time away is rarely just about R&R (though it’s always enjoyable when it is, of course). Half the fun of any holiday is getting out there, trying out new things and enjoying adventures and activities that you might not try at home. If you and your pals are heading to one of our villas in Burgundy you’re in luck – not only does the region offer beautiful landscapes and some of the finest wine tours in the world, you’ll also have a great choice of fantastic activities for everyone to enjoy. We’ve put together the best things to do for adults in Burgundy below – take a look and see what takes your fancy!
1. Tickle your tastebuds at Moutardes Fallot
If you’re looking for a group activity with a kick, try mustard tasting. After all, you’re holidaying in the ancestral home of French mustard: Burgundy. La Moutardes 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 ‘museographic’ tour revealing the secrets tricks of the mustard trade; a ‘sensational experience’ 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.
Book: Call +33 3 80 22 10 02
Location: 31 Rue du Faubourg Bretonnière – 21200 Beaune, France
Moutardes Fallot-Burgundy
2. See the sights on two wheels with VéliBourgogne
Burgundy is loved by cyclists. 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. If you fall into the second camp, speak to the friendly people at VéliBourgogne. This Auxerre company has 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, and they are glad to give route suggestions and maps too. It’s a wonderful way to see a little bit more of the region during your Burgundy break.
Book: Online at Velibourgogne
Location: Place Achille Ribain, 89000 Auxerre, France
Bike Tours-Oliver’s Travels
3. Hunt for mushroomy truffles at L’Or des Valois
Gourmands rejoice! Most people know that France is home to highly-prized truffles, and some may even be aware that Burgundy is renowned as one of the country’s best truffle-hunting destinations. But 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 by owner Thierry and his son Yann. They 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 butters and oils 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? Luckily, 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
Truffle hunting – Burgundy
4. Tackle the white water rapids with AN Rafting
Want to get wet and wild during your trip to Burgundy? Then take the time to visit Morvan – a lush green, lake-filled and mountainous region in the heart of Burgundy – and talk to the good people 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 like the ones at https://www.americanwhitewater.com/groups/corporate-group-rafting to intense hydrospeed, also known as riverboarding. There are expert guides on hand to show you the basics of the sports, 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, zip-lining, rock climbing, potholing and canoe rental, so you can easily spend a day or more in these mountains.
Book: Online at An-Rafting
Location: Plainefas 58140 Saint aint-martinI-du-puy, France
AN Rafting-Burgundy-France
5. Feel the need for speed at Circuit Mangy Cours
Have you ever watched Lewis Hamilton or Sebastian Vettel racing around a Formula One track and thought: ‘I could easily do that’. Well, while Formula One might be a little dangerous for first-timers, there’s a track in Burgundy 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 in excess of 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.
Book: Online at Circuit Magny Cours
Location: Technopôle, 58470 Magny-Cours, France
Circuit Mangy Cours-France
6. Play a round of golf at Château de Chailly
The 16th century Château de Chailly is one of Burgundy’s most striking, with a dramatic pink façade flanked by two giant turrets. But there are times for sightseeing, and times for action. If you choose to visit the manor house during your stay in Burgundy, 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 hols by entering one of the regular competitions here.
Book: Online at Chailly
Location: Château de Chailly – Hôtel & Golf – BP10 – 21 320 Chailly sur Armançon, France
Château de Chailly – Burgundy
7. Kick back and unwind at CeltÔ spa
When it comes down to it, holidays are all about relaxing, refreshing and reinvigorating yourself, and there is no better way to achieve that than with a visit to a spa. CeltÔ in Bourbon Lancy is Burgundy’s premier spa, with excellent facilities and treatments to get you feeling your best again. The thermal area is the perfect place to start, with its large thermal pool, steam bath, jacuzzi and sauna, but for ultimate relaxation, choose a treatment. Options include all body massages, reflexology, skin scrubs, purifying facials, wraps, 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
Spa – Burgundy – Oliver’s Travels
Looking for some more inspiration that’ll make your trip to Burgundy the most memorable holiday ever? Head to our fantastic blog, where you’ll find articles on a local’s guide to Burgundy, or if you’re in a romantic mood (or are planning a wedding yourself) you can read about Rick and Tarryn-Lee’s wedding at the beautiful Chateau D’aleny. Got any questions or enquiries about any of our lovely chateaux and villas in Burgundy? Get in touch with our helpful concierge team.
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