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Côte-d'Or is one of eight departments that make up the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of which Dijon is the capital. Its history dates back several millennia and some famous figures have walked its lands. Vercingetorix and Julius Caesar are the best known of them, but there was also the courageous Charles the Bold, who fought for Burgundy's independence. As they came and went, an exceptional built heritage was constructed over the centuries. Examples of it can be seen in the churches, castles, abbeys and old medieval towns such as Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, Châteauneuf-en-Auxois and Semur-en-Auxois.
Côte-d'Or also boasts plenty of natural and scenic heritage to be enjoyed on foot, by bike or on the water. The woodlands of Morvan, the rivers and ponds, the peaceful Burgundy Canal and prestigious vineyards invite visitors to escape and explore.
This is an area renowned for its fine food, and any discussion of Côte-d'Or must include a mention of its gastronomic heritage. Dijon mustard, gingerbread, Flavigny aniseed sweets, Burgundy truffles and snails, cheese, blackcurrants: the pleasures of the table are limitless here! Not forgetting the internationally famous Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits grand cru wines!
Offering a variety of landscapes, including plains, plateaux, deep valleys, streams, waterfalls, lakes and wooded mountains, the Doubs also possesses a beautiful architectural heritage, as seen in the town of Besançon and its famous citadel, the Royal Saltworks at Arc-et-Senans, the imposing castle of Joux, Montbéliard (a designated City of Art and History), and the charming town of Ornans. The Doubs also boasts famous specialities, like Comté cheese and Morteau and Montbéliard sausages.
Located between the Vosges massif in the North and the Jura mountains in the South, the Haute-Saône one of France's foremost wooded regions. Its numerous rivers make it a paradise for fans of freshwater sports and its lakes nestling in green countryside are the perfect place for cooling down.
Unspoiled natural landscapes alternating between rivers, waterfalls, alpine pastures and spruce forests, magnificent lakes, cities and villages with a rich heritage, renowned vineyards offering great varieties of wine, delicious cheeses, diverse crafts... This wealth of attractions makes the Jura a popular destination with lovers of nature, exploring and fine food.
A land of history and traditions, Nièvre, formerly the province of Nivernais, is the ultimate nature destination, with its tranquil hedged farmland countryside, where Charolais cows roam peacefully, its mysterious forests, great lakes, waterways and many leisure activities for sports and outdoor activities fans. A land of water and greenery, Nièvre is rich in secular heritage, and also delights lovers of culture and architecture, offering them a wide range of things to see, ranging from the Town of Art and History of Nevers to the Clunisian priory of La Charité-sur-Loire, through the ecomuseums of the Morvan and Bazoches Castle!
Crossed by numerous waterways and made up of forests, hedged farmland, vineyards and mountains, the Saône-et-Loire is a popular destination for fishing and sailing enthusiasts. Cyclists and walkers are also catered for thanks to the presence of the Voie Verte car-free greenway and Morvan Regional Nature Park. It also boasts a rich built heritage with splendid Romanesque churches, magnificent châteaux, ancient remains, and Cities of Art and of History.
With a surface area of just 610 km², the Territoire de Belfort is the smallest département in France after the Paris region. But its small size is by no means a disadvantage because this département has a lot to offer, including its main city Belfort and countryside composed of forests, rivers, lakes and ponds.
At the heart of Burgundy, the department of Yonne boasts many attractions, offering a subtle blend of nature, culture and the good life just an hour from Paris. Its prefecture, Auxerre, is a listed City of Art and History and offers no fewer than 35 historic monuments to discover! Medieval and Renaissance castles, religious buildings, the most notable of which is Vézelay Basilica, characterful little towns and charming villages with old Burgundian houses will take you back in time.
South of Yonne stands the Morvan Regional Nature Park, the pride of the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region. Between mountain peaks and mysterious forests, lakes and streams, valleys and panoramas, this protected natural setting offers thriving animal and plant life as a bonus. As well as these attractions, there are other places of interest like the Saussois Rocks, Boutissaint Nature Park, or the Cousin and Cure Valleys, which can't fail to cast a spell on you!
There's also another option for nature-lovers: strolling along the Nivernais Canal or the Burgundy Canal. On foot, by bike or on the water, visitors can discover the charm of the rolling countryside and enjoy remarkable sites along the way.
Gourmets and epicureans will also feel at home on the Yonne Vineyards Tourist Route, with prestigious stops such as Chablis and Joigny, or by savouring one of the many specialities offered by the region's local producers and restaurateurs.