Burgundy: The Heart of France's Wine Country

<a title="Framce" href="http://www.travelchannel.com/topics/france/index.html" target="_blank">France</a>’s most famous wines are produced here – those commonly referred to as “Burgundies” – are dry red wines from Pinot Noir grapes and white wines made from Chardonnay grapes (pictured).

Macon, a southern city in Burgundy region, is best known as a source of good white wines made from the Chardonnay grape. Wine connoisseurs love white wine particularly from the Pouilly-Fuissé. While you’re in Macon, we recommend taking a stroll by the Saône River while you enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir, Beaujolais or Chardonnay -- native to this small town and local wine region.

Burgundy is home to some of the most expensive wines in the world, including those of those of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Domaine Leroy, Henri Jayer, Emmanuel Rouget, Domaine Dugat-Py, Domaine Leflaive and Domaine Armand Rousseau.

Clos de Vougeot -- a wall-enclosed vineyard and the largest, single vineyard in the Côte de Nuits wine region -- is named for the River Vouge. The river is actually a stream that separates the village Vougeot from Chambolle-Musigny. If you like red wine, then this is a destination to you should add to your to-do list.

Travel to the quaint town of Dijon, known for its gastronomic specialties like snails, mustard and cassis -- a liqueur often mixed with white wine to make Kir, a popular aperitif. The town is also known for its medieval art, half-timber houses and hotels, and its charming streets lined with chic shops.

Not only is it known as popular wine region, Burgundy is also a popular food destination. Travel here to taste authentic beef bourguignon aka beef Burgundy. The stew is prepared with beef braised in red wine, beef broth, garlic, onions and mushrooms.

Heribert, bishop of Auxerre and son of Hugh the Great, built the Castle of Saint Fargeau as a hunting meeting place in 980. Located in Yonne, the castle hosts a history show with 600 actors and 60 men on horseback. The show represents 10 centuries of history, including the Joan of Arc epic, the Great Mademoiselle arrival and the French Revolution.

Époisses de Bourgogne is a popular but pungent unpasteurized cows-milk cheese in Burgundy. It’s an acquired taste. This soft cheese is best served with a good red Burgundy wine.

The Burgundy Canal (Canal de Bourgogne), located in central eastern France, connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea via the Seine and Yonne rivers to the Saône and Rhône rivers.

Les Hospices de Beaune, better known to some as the Hôtel-Dieu, was founded in 1443 as a hospital to that provided free care for men who fought in the Hundred Years’ War. The architecture and medieval art is awe-inspiring. Don’t miss seeing Rogier Van de Weyden’s 15th-century masterpiece, “The Last Judgment”; and enjoy the sound and light show held every evening between April and October.

While you’re visiting Burgundy, we suggest you taste coq au vin -- a French braise of chicken cooked with wine (usually local), salt pork, mushrooms and garlic. American chef Julia Child made the dish popular in the US after preparing it on the PBS cooking show, <i>The French Chef</i>.

Nestled in a wooded valley in Burgundy, Fontenay Abbey is a well-restored 12th-century Cistercian monastery founded by St. Benard of Clairvaux. It’s just one of several places tourists should see when visiting Burgundy. Other popular tourist spots include Museum of Modern Art, Morvan Regional National Park and Palais des Ducs.

Every autumn, the famous Burgundy Truffle Market is held at Noyers-sur-Serein. Vendors sell pottery and local produce in the town center. While you’re here, we suggest taking a day trip along the Serein valley to Poilly-sur-Serein, the heart of the Chablis vineyards. Other popular festivals in Burgundy include the Chablis Wine Festival and the Jazz a Beaune.