Welcome to the Route des Grands Crus: The spirit of Burgundy
The very first "wine route" established in France, Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus has been a beacon for wine tourism since the 1930s. Now a legendary itinerary, it continues to ignite the imagination of wine lovers worldwide.
Often whispered to be the "Champs-Élysées of Burgundy," this iconic trail invites you to discover world-renowned vineyards, historic cellars, and enchanting stops between the ducal city of Dijon and the refined town of Beaune. Whether you choose to explore by car, by bicycle, or on foot, prepare for a total immersion into a landscape of prestige.
A Mythic Journey from Dijon to Santenay
Dijon, Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune, Volnay, Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet, Santenay… Kilometre after kilometre, the most illustrious names in the wine world unfold before your eyes. These wines, coveted across the globe, are suddenly within reach.
This is the true magic of the Route des Grands Crus.
80Kilometres of sheer elegance
37Wine-growing villages
2Essential heritage cities
32Grand Cru appellations
The vineyards along the Route des Grands Crus of Burgundy
To the North: The Côte de Nuits
My Destination / BFCT
A sanctuary for Pinot Noir, the Côte de Nuits stretches from Chenôve, at the gates of Dijon, to Corgoloin.
It is home to some of the most prestigious red wines on earth: Musigny, Romanée-Conti, Charmes-Chambertin, and Richebourg.
While it boasts a stellar collection of Grands Crus, the region also delights the palate with the vibrant red fruits of the Hautes-Côtes, where blackcurrant and raspberry notes offer a more intimate tasting experience.
To the South: The Côte de Beaune
Alain DOIRE / BFC Tourisme
A delicate dance between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the Côte de Beaune wanders from Ladoix-Serrigny to the Marranges.
This exceptional terroir produces world-class whites and reds—think Aloxe-Corton or Puligny-Montrachet. Yet, it also conceals "hidden gems" like Saint-Romain, Saint-Aubin, and the promising, off-the-beaten-track terroirs of the Hautes-Côtes de Beaune.
Map of the Route des Grands Crus of Burgundy: driving routes and highlights
The gateway to the route and capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, where art and gastronomy collide. Don't miss the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin.
Strolling through the winding streets of this quintessential wine village feels like a journey through time, where Burgundy’s heritage meets its modern-day charm. This stop is a true epicurean delight, offering a wealth of prestigious wine cellars and exceptional fine dining.
After exploring the town centre, take to the trails on a bicycle accompanied by an expert oenologist for a guided wine tour through the heart of these historic, century-old plots.
Where the "Montagne de Corton" marks the transition between the two Côtes, offering a landscape gifted by Emperor Charlemagne himself.
Exploring at Your Own Pace
The Route des Grands Crus by bike or on foot
Côte-d'Or-Tourisme - R.Krebel
The Voie des Vignes: Cycling through the vines
With the "Voie des Vignes," you can cycle the Route des Grands Crus with ease, far from heavy traffic. This 72km route from Dijon to Santenay seamlessly blends cycle-tourism with heritage treasures.
Follow the yellow and red markers of this renowned hiking trail. Winding through the heart of the vineyards, it is the most authentic way to experience the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune on foot.
Cycle to the heart of the vineyards and their history!
Explore our curated cycling wine tours, where the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Led by an expert guide, enjoy a convivial afternoon of breathtaking views, guided tastings, and authentic encounters with local winemakers.
It has nothing to do with the weather! In Burgundy, a Climat (with a capital 'C') refers to a specific plot of vines, precisely delimited and named, often for centuries, which produces a singular wine.
Each wine is the result of a unique history, a specific natural environment, a grape variety, and a thousand years of expertise. Every Climat is harvested and vinified separately from a single grape variety, lending its unique name to the label on the bottle. There are 1,200 of them in total, and they have all been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2015!
Where to taste the wines of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune?
Domaine Rion: Enjoy an exclusive tour of the barrel cellar with a member of the Rion family, who will share the secrets behind the art of crafting truly GREAT wine. As a highlight, savour a tasting of 6 to 8 prestigious vintages.
Château de Pommard: Home to one of the world’s finest Pinot Noirs, this prestigious estate combines biodynamic viticulture with a history dating back to the Middle Ages. With bespoke tastings in an iconic setting, it simply doesn't get better than this.
Veuve Ambal: Take a guided or audio-guided tour of the house of Burgundy’s undisputed Crémant specialist—a sparkling must-see!
Domaine Olivier Leflaive: Two brothers, both epicureans and "epicu-curious," welcome you for a cellar visit that is as fascinating as it is full of humour.
Alternative ways to discover the Route des Grands Crus
Whether from the basket of a hot air balloon, at the handlebars of an electric scooter, or alongside a passionate guide, the Route des Grands Crus reveals a different side of its character and shares its best-kept secrets. Explore our curated selection of unique experiences.
"Set in the heart of the vineyards, these talented chefs rival one another in creativity to dazzle your palate—with several holding prestigious Michelin stars."
Because Burgundy's terroir is celebrated as much on the plate as in the glass, these traditional eateries pull out all the stops to offer a truly authentic dining experience.
For a relaxed atmosphere and a guaranteed stool at the bar, head to the wine bars, caves à manger, or traditional inns along Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus.
Sleeping in the heart of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune vineyards
Maison Prosper Maufoux: A charming guest house set within a historic château, seamlessly blending refined taste with an exclusive oenological experience—including a tasting of the estate’s wines with every booking—all in a premier vineyard setting.
Ermitage de Corton: Located just outside Beaune, this hotel is the perfect choice for families. Children can visit the goats and chickens in the garden while parents relax with a glass of (Burgundy, of course) wine on the terrace.
Gîte Les Sarments: Why not stay in a former winemaker’s house, now converted into a high-end holiday home? Offering bespoke experiences tailored to oenology, gastronomy, or well-being, the only difficult part is choosing.
Hostellerie de Levernois: This Relais & Châteaux property offers everything you need to truly reconnect: a lush seven-hectare park, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a serene swimming pool.
