Fall Guide to France’s Burgundy Region
Fall in Burgundy means fewer people, cooler air, and hills covered in yellow and red vines. The harvest is in full swing, and it finally feels like real wine country. No tour buses, no gloss, just good wine and quiet towns that still feel lived in.
Beaune: The Heart of Burgundy Wine Country
If you’re heading to Burgundy for the wine, start with Beaune. It’s the center of the region’s wine trade, and in fall, everything revolves around the harvest. Wineries are busy turning grapes into some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the world.
If you’re there in November, check out the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction. It’s one of the oldest wine auctions anywhere. Serious collectors show up, but even if you’re just curious, it’s worth going. The weekend feels like a local celebration, and you can taste a lot without spending a fortune.
The Vineyards: Fall Colors on Full Display
The hills in Burgundy light up in fall. Gold, red, and orange vines stretch across the countryside, and the vineyard views are some of the best in France. Whether you’re driving through the Côte de Beaune or biking the Côte de Nuits, you’ll find postcard-worthy scenes around every turn.
This is the time to stop at the smaller, family-run wineries. You might end up having a conversation with the winemaker while sipping a glass of red made just a few feet away. This is how we discovered our love for Ruinart Champagne.
Dijon: More Than Just Mustard
Burgundy isn’t all wine towns. Dijon, the capital, is worth a stop in fall. The historic center is full of half-timbered buildings, open markets, and cozy spots to eat. And the food goes way beyond mustard, think boeuf bourguignon, escargots, and seasonal dishes that feel like fall on a plate.
Walk the old town, stop by Palais des Ducs, and find a café where you can sit outside with a glass of wine and a warm lunch. Dijon moves a little slower this time of year, and it’s a welcome change of pace.
Festivals and Harvest Celebrations
Fall is festival season across Burgundy. Beyond the wine auction in Beaune, there are smaller events all over the region that mark the end of harvest. These aren’t polished for tourists. They feel local, a little rough around the edges, and that’s what makes them good.
If you like mushrooms, fall is your season. Ceps and chanterelles show up in village markets and on restaurant menus. Foraging is big around here, but even if you’re not picking your own, you’ll find something worth ordering.
A Slower, More Authentic Pace
What sets Burgundy apart in fall is the pace. You can wander. Drive back roads. Hike through Morvan Forest. The crowds are gone, the hills are glowing, and the towns feel like themselves again.
It’s not putting on a show. It doesn’t need to. Burgundy in fall is real, and that’s why it sticks with you.
Know Before You Go
When to visit: Late September through early November, with peak colors in October
How to get there: Dijon and Beaune are both easy to reach by train from Paris or Lyon
Where to stay: Beaune for wine country, Dijon for more of a city base
What to pack: Layers, walking shoes, and a jacket for cool evenings
Planning More Fall Travel in Europe?
If you’re looking for other fall destinations, check out:
Fall in Champagne – Wine tastings, harvest season and quiet countryside towns
Fall in Zermatt – Cooler air, empty trails and Matterhorn views
Fall in Ljubljana – Cobblestone walks, riverside cafes and castle views
Fall in Budapest – Thermal baths, riverside walks and ruin pub nights
Fall in Copenhagen – Cozy weather, cinnamon buns and rollercoasters
Fall in Bavaria – Castles, forests and great beer
Fall in Tuscany – Harvest festivals and truffle markets
Fall in Amsterdam – Canals, stroopwafel and fall bike rides