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Welcome to Southern Burgundy: nature, gastronomy and discoveries

Southern Burgundy is a region that captivates all travelers: medieval heritage, picturesque villages, renowned vineyards, and unspoiled nature. Whether you come as a couple, a family, with friends, or even with your dog, this region offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delights.

On this page, discover our articles to help you plan your stay: weekend itineraries, walks and hikes, culinary specialties to try, and the authentic experience of a bed and breakfast. Each article will give you concrete ideas and tips to fully enjoy your getaway in Southern Burgundy.

Whether you're a foodie, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking for authentic and convivial moments, you'll find everything you need here for a successful… and memorable stay.

What to do in Southern Burgundy for a weekend?

Ideal 2-Day Itinerary: Heritage, Nature, and Gastronomy

Southern Burgundy is the perfect destination for a refreshing weekend getaway, with medieval villages, vineyards, delicious food, and peaceful landscapes.

Located between Cluny, Tournus, and the Côte Chalonnaise, the region offers a concentrated dose of authenticity without the tourist crowds.

Here's a simple and effective two-day itinerary, ideal for fully enjoying the region… before returning to your guesthouse to relax in the evening.

Day 1 – Villages and Heritage between Cormatin, Chapaize, and Brancion

  • Morning: Visit to Cormatin Castle

Begin your stay by Cormatin, just a few minutes from Messey-sur-Grosne.

The Château de Cormatin is one of the most beautiful in Burgundy:

  • richly decorated apartments,
  • French-style gardens,
  • moat and shaded park,
  • ideal outing for couples or families.

    • A visit is a great way to start the weekend in a calm and elegant atmosphere.

    • Lunch: Lunch in Cormatin or Chapaize

      • You can have lunch:

      • in a restaurant in Cormatin, convenient after the visit (La Table d'Ancelin, for example)
      • or continue to Chapaize for a meal in a rustic setting (La Table de Chapaize, for example)

        • The region offers simple and hearty cuisine: local produce, Charolais beef, regional wines, and Burgundian specialties.

        • Afternoon: the church of Chapaize and the village of Brancion

          • Just a few minutes away, Chapaize boasts a spectacular Romanesque church, nestled amidst the meadows.

          The place is peaceful and timeless.

          Then continue to Brancion, one of the most beautiful medieval villages in Burgundy:

          • cobbled streets,
          • castle overlooking the valley,
          • ancient market halls,
          • exceptional sunset views.
          • A perfect place to stroll and take beautiful photos.

          Day 2 – Gourmet Discovery and Vineyards of the Côte Chalonnaise

          For this second day, head to the Côte Chalonnaise, one of the most pleasant wine-growing areas to discover in Burgundy, just a few kilometers from your accommodation.

          • Morning: walk through the vineyards around Montagny and Buxy

          Start your day with a walk through the heart of the vineyards along the Montagny-les-Buxy trail.

          This accessible route allows you to:

          • walk among the vines,
          • enjoy magnificent views,
          • discover the work of the winemakers,
          • appreciate the Burgundy countryside in complete tranquility.

          The village of Buxy, with its ramparts and narrow streets, is also worth a short stop for a stroll.

          Lunch: Lunch and discovery of local wines

          The Côte Chalonnaise is renowned for its elegant and approachable wines.

          Several wineries offer friendly tastings. Take this opportunity to savor local specialties: Charolais beef, eggs poached in red wine sauce, Burgundy cheeses, traditional desserts accompanied by a glass of local wine. A truly simple and enjoyable experience, reflecting the spirit of the region. Afternoon: Relaxation or New Discoveries Depending on your mood: Continue exploring local wineries, take another stroll through the vineyards, or return to the tranquility of your accommodation. And for your evenings: Return to tranquility at Bed and Bourgogne

          After your days of exploration, return to Messey-sur-Grosne to enjoy a relaxing moment:

          ✔ On-site dining available

          ✔ Spa and sauna for relaxation

          ✔ Escape game for fun with family or friends

          ✔ Garden and outdoor spaces to end the day peacefully

          The tranquility of the Burgundy countryside truly allows you to disconnect.

Burgundian specialties that you absolutely must discover during your stay

Burgundy is a land of culinary traditions where gastronomy is an integral part of the journey. Here, the cuisine is generous, convivial, and deeply connected to local produce and the region's wines.

During a stay in Southern Burgundy, discovering these specialties is as much a part of the experience as visiting the villages or exploring the vineyards.

And good news for food-loving travelers: the set menu offered on Friday and Saturday evenings allows you to savor a fine selection of these specialties, accompanied by local wines from the Côte Chalonnaise.

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The Great Classics of Burgundian Cuisine

  • Beef Bourguignon

    • An iconic dish of the region, beef bourguignon is simmered for a long time in red wine with carrots, onions, and herbs.

    Slow cooking makes the meat tender and flavorful, perfect after a day of exploring. ________________________________________ Chicken Gaston Gérard Less well-known but just as delicious, this typical Burgundian dish combines chicken, cream, white wine, mustard, and melted cheese. A comforting dish that delights all food lovers. ________________________________________ Cheeses of Burgundy It's impossible to talk about the region without mentioning its cheeses: Époisses, Charolais, Brillat-Savarin, and other local cheeses. Ideal to enjoy at the end of a meal with a glass of regional wine. ________________________________________ Parsley Ham Served chilled, this classic dish combines tender ham with aspic flavored with parsley and white wine. A typical starter for Burgundian meals.

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    • Gougères

      • Small cheese puffs, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served as an appetizer.

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      • Pear in Wine

        • For dessert, a pear poached in spiced red wine offers an elegant and fragrant sweet touch, ideal for ending a Burgundian meal.

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        • Nonnettes

          • Small gingerbread loaves filled with orange or honey, perfect to accompany coffee or to extend the sweetness after the meal meal.

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          • Eggs in Red Wine Sauce

          A classic Burgundian starter: poached eggs served in a red wine sauce with bacon and onions. A true delight to begin the meal.

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          • Snails in Burgundy Sauce

          Snails cooked in butter, garlic, and parsley, a symbol of Burgundian cuisine.

          Ideal for those who want to experience traditional flavors. ________________________________________ Flavigny Anise Reimagined as Panna Cotta Flavigny Anise, the famous anise-flavored Burgundian candy, is reinterpreted here as a light and indulgent dessert: panna cotta. Its delicate sweetness and subtle aroma offer an original and elegant end to a meal, while also evoking the Burgundy region. It's a fun and refined way to discover this little local gem, particularly appreciated by visitors during your stay. ________________________________________ Discover at the Table d'Hôtes

          For those who wish to savor several of these dishes without searching everywhere, the table d'hôtes offered on Fridays and Saturdays allows you to discover some of these specialties, accompanied by wines from the Côte Chalonnaise, in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

          After your meal, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the house to relax.

What to do in Southern Burgundy with the family?

The best activities to share with children

Southern Burgundy is an ideal destination for a family holiday, away from the crowds and close to nature. Here, there's no need to travel miles to keep children and adults entertained: walks, discoveries, games, and adventures are just minutes away. Between medieval villages, bike rides, mysterious caves, and amusement parks, children will easily find something to enjoy, while parents can relax and take in the beautiful scenery. Here are a few ideas to help you plan a successful family holiday. ________________________________________ Bike Rides on the Green Way The Green Way, built on a former railway line, is perfect for a family outing. Advantages: • Safe, car-free route • Gentle terrain, ideal for children • Varied landscapes between vineyards and countryside, • numerous possible stops. You can drive just a few kilometers, stop for a picnic, then continue on your way at a leisurely pace. Even the youngest can participate.

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  • Discover a castle and its gardens: Cormatin

The Château de Cormatin is very popular with families.

While parents visit the richly decorated rooms, children especially enjoy:

• the gardens, including a superb maze

• the shaded paths,

• the lawns,

• the moat and outdoor spaces.

You can easily spend half a day there walking, playing, and relaxing.

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  • Explore the Caves of Azé

The The Azé Caves, located about thirty minutes away, offer an adventure that children love. On the program: • Underground galleries, • Underground river, • Geological discoveries, • Stories of prehistory and ancient animals. The guided tour makes the experience lively and captivating for the whole family. ________________________________________ Swimming and relaxing at the Laives Lakes When the weather is nice, the Laives Lakes become a must-see for families staying in the region. The leisure center offers: • A beach with facilities and lifeguards during the season, • Swimming and water games, • Shaded picnic areas, • Walks around the lakes, • Children's playgrounds. It's the perfect place to alternate between relaxation and activities, especially on hot summer days. Children love being able to play freely while parents enjoy a relaxing moment by the water. ________________________________________ Experience adventure at AcroGivry For a more active outing, head to AcroGivry, a treetop adventure park nestled in the heart of nature. The courses offer: • suspension bridges, • zip lines, • treetop adventure courses, • circuits suitable for all ages. Several levels allow children and adults to progress at their own pace in a safe environment. An ideal activity for sharing a dynamic moment as a family and creating wonderful holiday memories.

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And after the outings… time to relax

After a busy day, parents and children often appreciate returning to a peaceful retreat.

On-site, everyone can enjoy:

• the garden and outdoor spaces,

• a moment in the spa or sauna for parents,

• a game or family activity,

• or even an escape game to extend the adventure together.

Children often sleep very well after these active days!

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Southern Burgundy, an ideal destination for families

Here, there are no long queues or tourist stress.

Activities are close by, varied, and accessible, allowing for a mix of exploration, games, and relaxation. A simple, natural, and friendly stay… where young and old alike can find their own rhythm.

Why choose a bed and breakfast to discover Southern Burgundy?

Another way to travel, more human and more authentic

When planning a trip to Southern Burgundy, the choice of accommodation greatly influences the experience. Standard hotel or impersonal accommodation on one hand… friendly bed and breakfast deeply rooted in the region on the other.

More and more travelers are now choosing the second option, to enjoy a warmer stay and a better connection with the region.

Here's why a bed and breakfast is perfect for a weekend or holiday in Burgundy.

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A warm and personalized welcome

Unlike a traditional hotel, a bed and breakfast offers a simpler and more personal welcome.

You'll enjoy:

• a calm and relaxed setting,

• direct contact with your host,

• personalized advice about the region,

• great local spots often not found in guidebooks.

Visitors They thus discover places and experiences they wouldn't have found on their own. ________________________________________ Discover the region through the eyes of its residents Staying in a bed and breakfast often provides a deeper understanding of the region. Your host can advise you on: • villages to visit, • wineries and vineyards to explore, • local markets, • walks suited to the weather, • or even the best restaurants in the area. This is often what transforms a simple stay into a truly authentic local experience. ________________________________________ Enjoy convivial meals on-site Another appreciated advantage: the opportunity to share a meal place.

After a day of sightseeing, many travelers appreciate being able to:

• enjoy a leisurely dinner without having to drive again,

• sample local specialties,

• chat with other travelers,

• discover regional wines.

A bed and breakfast often offers the opportunity to discover Burgundian cuisine in a relaxed, home-like atmosphere.

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More space and tranquility than a hotel

Southern Burgundy is particularly well-suited to nature and relaxation getaways.

In a bed and breakfast, you often enjoy:

• a garden,

• outdoor spaces,

• a peaceful environment,

• a more relaxed pace of life slow.

After sightseeing, everyone can relax, enjoy the peace and quiet, or share a friendly moment.

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A stay that becomes a true relaxing break

More and more guesthouses also offer amenities that transform a stay into a real relaxing interlude:

• spa or sauna,

• large outdoor spaces,

• on-site activities,

• convivial moments with family or friends.

This makes it easy to alternate between exploring the region and moments of rest.

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Another way to discover Burgundy

Choosing a guesthouse often means choosing a simpler, warmer, and more authentic stay, in keeping with the spirit of the region.

Burgundian.

And often, it's these moments of conviviality and these encounters that remain among the best travel memories.