Trails of France: Walking the Vineyards of Burgundy

Fly overnight to Lyon and transfer to your hotel, an 11th-century château set amid vineyards in the heart of Beaujolais wine country. Take an orientation walk around the grounds—which include formal gardens planned by Louis XIV’s own landscape architect, André Le Nôtre, known best for designing the gardens of Versailles. Enjoy free time to relax or explore further before gathering in the evening for a welcome reception and dinner with local wine pairings. (D)

Venture into the rolling hills of southern Beaujolais, learning the history of local viticulture, from the ancient Romans who settled along the Sâone River to the Benedictine monks in the Middle Ages, to modern-day producers of the famous Beaujolais nouveau. Today’s walk passes through the Pierres Dorées, or “golden stones,” a region of hilltop villages built from ochre-hued local stone.  Start in Oingt, designated as one of France’s “Plus Beaux Villages,” (most beautiful villages), strolling along timeless cobbled streets to its 12th-century tower. Hike down into the surrounding vineyards, following a country lane to the Pierres Dorées village of Moiré. Here, you’ll have free time to explore and perhaps enjoy a coffee before driving back to Oingt for a leisurely lunch. Return to the château and enjoy the remainder of the day to enjoy its amenities and beautiful grounds. (B,L)

Hiking: 2-3 miles along village lanes and gravel trails with some elevation changes.

Travel to the Côte de Beaune region in the southern part of Burgundy's Côte d'Or, a limestone escarpment where the unique terroir yields award-winning pinot noirs and white wines. Begin the day’s walk in Puligny-Montrachet, a village and an appellation that is home to numerous grand cru and premier cru parcels where refined chardonnay grapes are cultivated. Hike west through the world-renowned vineyards of Montrachet before a steep climb to a ridge with sweeping views of the Côte de Beaune wine country.  Pass through the hamlet of Gamay, said to be the birthplace of Gamay grapes, before reaching picturesque Saint-Aubin. Enjoy a wine tasting over lunch, then journey by road to the historic town of Beaune and check into your hotel just outside the Old Town walls. Venture into the Old Town on a guided walk late in the afternoon and enjoy an evening at leisure to discover one of the renowned restaurants in this foodie haven. (B,L)

Hiking: 3-4 miles along village lanes, vineyard paths, and gravel trails with some elevation changes.

Walking: 1-2 miles on city streets and castle ramparts

Browse fresh produce and regional specialties at Beaune’s open-air morning market, then visit the Hospices de Beaune, a 15th-century hospital known for its colorful glazed-tile roof that has hosted one of the world's most famous annual wine auctions since 1851. During free time in the late morning, consider visiting the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Beaune or Musée du Vin de Bourgogne. Gather for lunch at a local restaurant before following the Voie des Vignes ("Way of the Vines") from Beaune to historic Pommard. Follow agricultural roads used by winemakers, hiking through plots where some of the world’s best pinot noirs are produced.  Arrive at Château de Pommard, an estate founded in 1726 known for outstanding pinot noirs and biodynamic wines. Learn about the estate’s wines during a tasting, before returning to Beaune for an evening on your own. (B,L)

Walking: 1 mile on city streets and cobbled lanes

Hiking: 3-4 miles along village lanes, vineyard paths, and gravel trails with mild elevation changes.

A morning drive brings you to the walled vineyards of Clos de Vougeot, one of the largest grand crus in Burgundy. From here, set off on a loop trail that weaves through sloping vineyards and charming hamlets of the Côtes de Nuit wine region.  Take in the rhythms of everyday life in Chambolle-Musigny, another prestigious appellation, and see its 15th-century Gothic church. Arrive at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, originally built in the 12th century by Cistercian monks and transformed into a Renaissance palace in the 16th century. Today, it is surrounded by more than a hundred acres of World Heritage-listed Les Climats de Bourgogne vineyards. Sit down to a table d'hôte (host's table) lunch of French classics, and then return to Beaune for an afternoon at leisure. (B,L)

Walking: 4 miles along village lanes and gravel or dirt trails with mild elevation changes

Travel across the northwest region of Burgundy to hilltop Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, another village that has been designated one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. Hike a loop trail past rolling vineyards, beautiful châteaux, and unique family-owned wineries, enjoying panoramic views of abbey farmlands and medieval fortifications along the way. Your walk will take you past locations where the movie Chocolat was filmed. Stop for a family-style lunch and wine tasting at a local winery, then visit the Anis de Flavigny factory, a workshop housed in a former Benedictine abbey where traditional candy has been made for 400 years.  Check in to your hotel in Avallon and head to a local bistro for dinner. (B,L,D)

Hiking: 5 miles on village lanes, vineyard paths, and gravel trails with 600-900 feet of elevation gain.

Journey to the World Heritage site of Vézelay, a medieval gem that marks the beginning of a pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Set off along the “pilgrim’s path,” descending through the surrounding fields and orchards toward the village of Asquins, where pilgrims would gather before climbing the “eternal hill” to Vézelay. Your destination is the Church of Saint-Jacques-le-Majeur, known for its 16th-century wooden reliquary of St. James. After free time for lunch, visit Vézelay’s Basilica of St. Mary Magdalene, a spectacular Romanesque church that is said to hold the relics of Mary Magdalene. Later, head to a family-owned winery with unparalleled views of the town and surrounding foothills, and savor a final tasting of Burgundy's elegant, expressive wines. Tonight, celebrate your adventures in Burgundy at a farewell dinner. (B,D)

Walking: 4 miles along village lanes, dirt road over varied terrain with mild elevation changes

After breakfast, transfer to Paris and depart on an afternoon flight home. (B)