What are the fun things to do in Burgundy?

July 4th marks the 10th anniversary of Burgundy's "Climats" being inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list! Burgundy stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Bordeaux as one of France's most prestigious wine regions. About a quarter of France's 400+ AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) wine regions are concentrated in Burgundy, home to 562 Premier Cru vineyards and 33 Grand Cru vineyards. Yet, Burgundy AOC wines account for only about 6.5% of France's total wine production. Known for its small-batch, distinctive wines, Burgundy's unique terroir gives its premium Pinot Noir and select Chardonnay a rich, region-specific flavor. The "Climats de Bourgogne" was recognized by UNESCO a decade ago for its exceptional natural and cultural diversity. What are the highlights of Burgundy's wine-themed tourism? 2025 also marks the 15th anniversary of "The Gastronomic Meal of the French" being added to UNESCO's list. The specially curated "La Vallée de la Gastronomie - France®" route starts in Burgundy, heading south through Lyon all the way to Marseille in Provence on the Mediterranean coast. Spanning 620 km and covering 75,591 km², the route features 393 local delicacies, 165 AOC/AOP-certified ingredients, and 32 unique gastronomic experiences—a true "slow-cooked" journey of flavors! The 40 km stretch from Dijon to Beaune is the highlight of Burgundy's "La Route des Grands Crus" (Route of the Grand Crus), passing through the Côte d'Or. This area produces some of the world's most luxurious and expensive wines, with picturesque countryside views perfect for exploring by bike! The Côte de Nuits' largest Grand Cru vineyard, Clos de Vougeot, has been a top French wine region since ancient times, reserved for royalty and nobility, reaching peak fame during Napoleon's era. The Château du Clos de Vougeot still preserves the historic cellars of the Cistercian monks, who famously tasted the soil to understand the terroir. The Hospices de Beaune, built in the 15th century during the Hundred Years' War, is a Gothic-style former hospital with a stunning glazed tile roof. It was featured in the beloved 20th-century French film *La Grande Vadrouille*. The Hospices owns 67 hectares of vineyards, 85% of which are Premier or Grand Cru. Since 1895, its wines have been auctioned every third Sunday of November at the Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction—the world's largest wine auction, often attended by celebrities, athletes, and dignitaries. Proceeds fund medical research and charity, adding a layer of social responsibility to wine culture. What recent initiatives has France taken to promote wine tourism? Wine tourism is one of France's most dynamic travel sectors, attracting around 10 million visitors annually, including 4.2 million international tourists. Atout France (the French Tourism Development Agency) prioritizes wine tourism, establishing a dedicated "Pôle Œnotourisme" to drive innovation in wine-themed travel. Since 2004, the biennial "Destination Vignobles" trade fair has grown into France's premier international wine tourism event, last held in Angers in the Loire Valley. Additionally, the "Vignobles & Découvertes" certification (launched in 2009) and the French Wine Tourism Awards (created in 2018) recognize industry innovators. Anne-Laure Tuncer, Director of Atout France's China office, noted: "Wine-themed journeys offer a deep dive into local terroir and culture, providing an authentic taste of French lifestyle. This aligns perfectly with the growing Chinese market's appetite for unique, niche travel experiences."