Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus
Stone villages with famous names, from Dijon down the Côte d’Or to Beaune and Cluny Abbey.
- Distance
- 130 km (81 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 47 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 5
- Countries
- France
- Updated
- August 7, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 130 km (81 mi) with 5 stops, from Dijon to Cluny. About 1 h 47 min of driving in total.
More road trips in France
Route description
Start in Dijon, the old capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, with its ducal palace, glazed roof tiles and the stone owl you touch for luck. South of the city, leave the main road for the D122, the Route des Grands Crus, which runs through Gevrey-Chambertin and a string of villages whose names are those of famous wines.
At Vougeot, the Château du Clos de Vougeot stands among the vines at the heart of the Côte de Nuits; it was the monks’ wine estate, and giant medieval presses remain in its cellar. The D974 then continues through Nuits-Saint-Georges to Beaune, where the Hôtel-Dieu, a medieval hospital with a roof of coloured glazed tiles, is the main sight.
South of Beaune the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune give way to rolling farmland on the way to Cluny, whose abbey was once the largest church in Christendom. Only part of it survives, but its bell tower and ruins still show its scale.
The village lanes on the D122 are narrow, and parking is limited during the September harvest. Tastings are offered in many cellars, so agree on a driver. The Burgundy vineyards are a UNESCO World Heritage site, and spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Dijon
France - 215 km
Gevrey-Chambertin
France - 37 km
Château du Clos de Vougeot
FoodVougeot, FranceThe monks’ wine estate at the heart of the Côte de Nuits, with giant medieval presses in the cellar.
- 423 km
Beaune
France - 584 km
Cluny
France
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Dijon → Beaune · 46 km · 0 h 38 minOn the way: Gevrey-Chambertin, Château du Clos de Vougeot.Overnight nearby, for example: Les Cent Vignes (< 1 km); Parking Charles de Gaulle (< 1 km).
- Day 2: Beaune → Cluny · 84 km · 1 h 10 minOvernight nearby, for example: Saint-Vital (< 1 km); Camping Municipal De Mâcon (18 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in January–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- France: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autoroutes; the limit drops to 110 km/h in rain. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus?
2-day road trip of about 130 km (81 mi) with 5 stops, from Dijon to Cluny. About 1 h 47 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 47 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus start and end?
It starts in Dijon and ends in Cluny.
Which countries does Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus pass through?
France.
Where can you camp along Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus?
OpenStreetMap lists 70 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping du Lac Kir, Aire de camping-cars Camping du Lac Kir and Le relais des Hautes Côtes.
When is the best time for Burgundy’s Route des Grands Crus?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
