EXPLORE BOURGOGNE-FRANCHE-COMTÉ
Wine, Heritage & Timeless Countryside
A region of vineyards, canals, and historic towns, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté offers a slower pace of travel rich in culture, gastronomy, and tradition.
A handpicked collection of French destinations, mixing the classic highlights with hidden gems, personally discovered by founder Sonia Jones through years of exploring France.
Besançon
Capital of Time & Cultural Heritage
Set in a bend of the Doubs River, Besançon blends historic charm with vibrant culture. Home to UNESCO-listed Vauban fortifications, lush parks, riverside promenades and renowned museums, the city is also celebrated for its watchmaking heritage as the Capital of Time—just two hours from Paris by TGV. Renowned museums like the Fine Arts Museum of Besançon. Sonia’s highlight – Visit the Courbet Museum in Besançon, tracing the life and work of Gustave Courbet, French painter and leader of the Realist movement, from Ornans to exile.
Burgundy by Water
Canals, Villages & Vineyard Landscapes
Burgundy Canal (Scenic & Charming):
Wander or cruise the Burgundy Canal through vineyards, medieval villages, and tranquil countryside.
Canal du Centre (Heritage & History):
Follow the Canal du Centre from the Loire to the Saône, tracing Burgundy’s industrial and historic heartland.
Nivernais Canal (Tradition & Timelessness):
Sail the Nivernais Canal from the Loire to the Seine, past timber-floating towns and centuries of canal heritage.
Roanne Canal in Digoin (Discovery & Countryside):
Navigate the Roanne Canal in Digoin, uncovering riverside villages and the peaceful heart of Burgundy
Vézelay
Sonia’s Beloved Village
Perched above the Avallonais countryside, Vézelay is a medieval gem brimming with history and charm. Stroll its narrow streets and flower-filled gardens, visit the Basilique Sainte-Madeleine with its art, relics, and panoramic terrace, and discover why Sonia spent her childhood holidays here. A must-visit for lovers of history, art, and timeless French village life.
Autun
A Journey Through Ancient & Medieval France
Nestled among woods and fields, Autun is a timeless town where history comes alive. Originally a Gallic settlement, home to the Celtic peoples of ancient Gaul. It later flourished under Roman rule as Augustodunum and saw a medieval spiritual and economic boom. The town still boasts remarkable remnants of its past: a 20,000-seat Roman amphitheatre, the Temple of Janus, and the Cathédrale Saint-Lazare, a 12th-century masterpiece of Romanesque art. In the 19th century, Viollet-le-Duc added his Gothic-inspired touches to the Saint-André gate, blending Roman and medieval architecture.
Beaune
The Soul of Burgundy Wine Country
The Pays Beaunois is a picturesque mosaic of vineyard landscapes and historic villages, capturing the true spirit of Burgundy. Les Hospices de Beaune stands as a 15th-century Gothic landmark, famed for its colourful tiled roofs and world-renowned annual wine auction each November. For an authentic stay, Château Tilly near Beaune offers elegant accommodation surrounded by vineyards. Along the Route des Grands Crus, discover charming wine villages, golden-stone streets, and centuries-old traditions brought to life through local festivals and craftsmanship.
Scenes from Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
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