From Dijon: Burgundy Villages and Wine Tasting Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Dijon and want to get a real feel for Burgundy beyond the city streets, this Burgundy Villages and Wine Tasting Tour offers a solid introduction. We’ve checked out the details, and it seems like a charming way to spend a full day exploring some of France’s most picturesque villages and sipping on some of the region’s top wines.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its focus on authentic local spots—no big bus crowds or overly commercialized stops—and the fact that it comes with a knowledgeable guide who can really bring the area’s history and wine culture to life. Plus, the small-group setting (limited to 8 people) means it feels intimate and personalized.

On the flip side, you’ll want to consider that this tour is adult-only and involves some walking, so it’s best suited for those comfortable on their feet. Also, if you’re after a tour that includes meals or is family-friendly, this might not be the best fit. But for couples, solo travelers, or small groups interested in wine, history, and stunning scenery, it’s a pretty appealing package.

Key Points

• Authentic Villages: You’ll visit three carefully chosen villages with lots of charm and history.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable, with reviews highlighting their friendliness and insight.
• Scenic Views & History: The stops feature medieval architecture, ancient walls, and panoramic vistas.
• Wine Tasting: Experience Burgundy’s finest wines in a region famous for its vineyards.
• Small Group: The limited size creates a more relaxed, personal experience.
• Adult-only: Not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This guided tour from Dijon is designed to give you a taste of Burgundy’s highlights—its medieval villages, historical sites, and renowned vineyards—all packed into a 9-hour adventure. It’s a balance of sightseeing, cultural insights, and tasting, with transportation taken care of from a central meeting point.

Starting Out from Dijon

Your day kicks off at Place Darcy, a central and convenient meeting spot. From there, a comfortable van whisks you away into the countryside, which is much more relaxing than navigating on your own. The drive itself is pleasant, with scenic views of Burgundy’s gentle hills and patchwork fields, setting the perfect tone.

Visiting Flavigny-sur-Ozerain

First stop is Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, often called one of France’s most beautiful villages. It’s renowned for its ancient abbey and its famous Anis de Flavigny sweets, which you might find delightful. As you wander cobbled streets and admire well-preserved historic buildings, you’ll get a real sense of the village’s atmosphere. Reviewers mention that this stop feels like stepping into a postcard, and the guide’s insights make it even more special.

Exploring Semur-en-Auxois

Next, you’ll head to Semur-en-Auxois, a well-preserved medieval town with Gothic architecture and ancient ramparts. The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame is a highlight, and walking along the walls provides excellent views of the surrounding countryside. You’ll have some free time here—about 50 minutes—to explore at your own pace, browse shops, or simply soak up the atmosphere.

More Great Tours Nearby

Discovering Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

The journey continues to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, a fortified village perched on a hill. Its 12th-century château and medieval streets are perfect for wandering and photography. The panoramic views from the village are often praised, and many say they’re well worth the short drive from the previous stops.

The Wine Tasting Experience

The tour culminates in a visit to Côte de Nuits, one of Burgundy’s most prestigious wine regions. Here, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting session in a carefully selected estate, where experts guide you through a selection of wines. This is a chance to learn about Burgundy’s iconic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay varieties, and to compare different vintages from the same vineyards—a truly educational experience.

Returning to Dijon

After a full day of exploring, snacking, and tasting, the van returns you to Dijon, arriving back at Place Darcy in the early evening. The entire trip offers a great balance: enough time for immersive visits without feeling rushed.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Guides and Personal Touch: Multiple reviews highlight the guides as a major strength, often describing them as “superb,” “knowledgeable,” and “kind.” One reviewer even said their guide spoke Spanish, adding an extra layer of personalized service. Their insights really bring the villages and wines to life.

Scenic & Historic Spots: The stops are thoughtfully chosen to showcase the region’s medieval architecture, stunning vistas, and historical significance. For instance, Flavigny’s cobbled streets and chateau in Châteauneuf-en-Auxois are picture-perfect.

Wine Tasting: The focus on Burgundy’s signature wines is a high point. The tasting session is described as especially good, with the opportunity to compare multiple vintages—something wine lovers will appreciate.

How the Tour Is Valued

At $187 per person, this is a fair price considering the transportation, guided visits, and wine tasting included. It’s cheaper than many similar full-day tours in the region, and reviews suggest that the quality of the guide and stops make it good value.

What Could Be Better?

One consideration is that lunch isn’t included—you’ll need to plan for your own meal either before or after the tour, or at the local restaurants during the free time. Also, since it’s adult-only, families with children under 18 might want to look elsewhere.

The Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

The day is structured with a mix of guided tours, free time, and scenic drives. It begins at Place Darcy, where you meet your guide and hop into a van for the journey. The first stop, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, takes around 45 minutes of guided exploration, perfect for soaking in the village’s charm and history.

Then, a short 20-minute drive lands you in Semur-en-Auxois. Here, you’ll spend about 40 minutes walking around, admiring Gothic architecture, and exploring the city walls. This stop is a highlight for lovers of medieval towns, with plenty of photo opportunities and historical sights.

Next, you’ll move to Châteauneuf-en-Auxois—about 40 minutes away—where you’ll take a more leisurely walk through medieval streets and enjoy stunning panoramic views from the hilltop. The 12th-century château offers a tangible connection to the past, and many describe it as a “breathtaking” spot.

The afternoon is dedicated to the wine tasting in the Côte de Nuits region, lasting around 40 minutes, where you’ll be introduced to Burgundy’s classic wines. The guide will share insights into the winemaking process and regional specialties, making it a valuable experience even for those new to wine.

The return journey includes a few extra stops and the scenic drive back to Dijon, arriving back around early evening.

The Reviews Speak Volumes

Our impressions are backed up by the reviews. Carola from the United States praised the guide Adam, calling him “superb, thorough, and very knowledgeable,” and appreciated how he shared insights into the area’s history and archeological sites.

Another guest from Argentina mentioned that their guide exceeded expectations, providing valuable information about each stop in Spanish, which added a personal touch. She also enjoyed the wine tasting, noting that it allowed her to compare different vintages from the same vineyards.

A Swedish traveler simply called the trip “very nice,” highlighting the scenic views and knowledgeable commentary from Valentin, the guide.

And one reviewer summed it up as “excellent at every step,” emphasizing the full day of cultural and culinary discovery.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Burgundy villages and wine tasting tour offers a well-rounded experience for anyone interested in classic French scenery, medieval towns, and quality wines. The small-group setup and knowledgeable guide make it suitable for travelers who want a deeper, more personalized experience without the crowds.

It’s best suited for adults who enjoy walking, exploring historic sites, and sampling wines—not ideal for families with young children or those needing wheelchair access. If you’re after a straightforward sightseeing day with excellent wine insights, this tour hits the mark.

For those with a curiosity about Burgundy’s landscape, history, and wine culture, this trip provides a balanced, enjoyable way to taste and see a taste of France in just one day.

FAQ

Is transportation provided? Yes, your tour includes comfortable transportation from Place Darcy in Dijon, making it easy to relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts around 9 hours, giving you enough time to visit all three villages, enjoy the wine tasting, and travel comfortably between stops.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included in the price. You’ll need to plan for lunch or snacks during your free time, especially since wine tastings in France typically don’t include food.

What is the tour’s group size? The tour is limited to 8 participants, which helps keep the experience intimate and allows for more personalized attention from your guide.

Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility before your trip.

Is this tour suitable for children? No, it’s adult-only and not suitable for children under 18, mainly because of the wine tasting component and the walking involved.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes and a reusable water bottle are recommended, as there’s some walking involved and you’ll want to stay hydrated.

Will I get to taste different wines? Yes, the tasting offers a variety of Burgundy wines, allowing you to compare vintages and learn about regional styles.

Is this tour family-friendly or accessible for people with mobility issues? Not really—it’s designed for adults who are comfortable walking on cobbled streets and hills. Assistance for wheelchairs or those with mobility challenges isn’t specified.

All in all, this tour from Dijon offers a rewarding glimpse into Burgundy’s villages and wines, especially for those who appreciate history, scenic beauty, and some hands-on tasting experiences. It’s a good balance of guided insight and free exploration, tailored for small groups seeking an authentic taste of France’s wine country.

You can check availability for your dates here: