Burgundy is well suited for a road trip. Distances are short, the roads pass through vineyards and small communities, and the pace is clearly slower than in many other parts of France. Here, the driving itself becomes part of the experience, with opportunities to stop in villages, take detours and let the landscape shape the day.
This road trip follows a clear route from Paris south to Burgundy’s wine regions and back again. With few hotel changes and plenty of time in each place, there is room to travel without stress and to let each part of the journey have its own character.
Auxerre – start south of Paris
The trip begins in Auxerre, about two hours south of Paris. The town lies along the Yonne River and has a well-preserved historic center where the cathedral rises above narrow streets, squares and restaurants all within walking distance.
Auxerre is a natural place to start the journey. The drive from Paris is a good length after a flight, and the surroundings clearly signal that the big city is behind you. Already here the landscape begins to open up, with vineyards on the outskirts of town and a slower pace than in the capital.
Dijon
The next stop is Dijon, which has long been a center for both food and wine in Burgundy. The city center is compact and easy to get around, with historic buildings, markets and restaurants clustered close together.
Dijon gives a clear picture of the region’s food culture, where classic dishes and local ingredients have a natural place. It is a city that feels lively without being large, and that works well as a transition before the journey continues south towards the wine villages.
Beaune – base among wine villages and wine landscapes
With three nights in Beaune, there is time to use the town as a base for Burgundy’s most famous wine regions. Beaune lies in the middle of the region and is surrounded by wine villages and vineyards along both the Côte de Beaune and the Côte de Nuits.
The town itself is easy to grasp and vibrant, with restaurants, wine bars and small shops gathered within the city walls. It is easy to get around on foot and to let the evenings become a natural part of the experience.
From Beaune, driving distances are short to villages such as Meursault, Pommard and Volnay, where the vineyards often begin right outside the village. The Côte de Nuits is also within reach, with villages such as Gevrey-Chambertin and Nuits-Saint-Georges, accessible via small roads through vineyards and slopes.
Day trips from Beaune can focus on wine, landscape or both. The roads along the Route des Grands Crus pass vineyards, smaller producers and villages where it is easy to stop spontaneously. Three nights provide room to take the days as they come, with short excursions, long lunches and plenty of time to return to the same place.
Fontainebleau – ending close to Paris
The journey ends in Fontainebleau, south of Paris. Here the surroundings shift from wine landscapes to forest and open park areas, with the château and its surrounding parks as a clear focal point.
Fontainebleau is at a convenient distance from Paris and the airport and serves as the final stop before the journey home. After days among wine villages and small roads, the area offers a calm conclusion without feeling far from the next stage.
Practical information
Best time to travel
April to October is the best period for Burgundy. Spring and early summer offer green vineyards and a pleasant climate, while late summer and early autumn coincide with the harvest and more activity in the wine villages. September is particularly popular among travelers interested in wine and food.
How to get around
You get around by rental car, which makes it easy to move between wine villages, producers and smaller roads at your own pace. The roads are well maintained and the driving distances are short.
Rental car is not included in the trip price, and we recommend booking a rental car before departure.
Driving distances
Paris (CDG) → Auxerre: approx. 1 hr 45 min / 170 km
Auxerre → Dijon: approx. 1 hr 45 min / 150 km
Dijon → Beaune: approx. 45 min / 45 km
Beaune → Fontainebleau: approx. 3–3.5 hrs / 280 km
Fontainebleau → Paris (CDG): approx. 1 hr 15 min / 80 km
A package tour and a linked arrangement offer travellers different booking processes but provide the same protection under the Package Travel Act, ensuring customer rights and peace of mind during the trip.
