3-day itinerary in and around Dijon

If you're travelling to Burgundy and staying in the city of Dijon, your first day should focus on the city, which is well worth a visit.

Dijon's historic centre is one of the favourite destinations for Burgundy enthusiasts, who flock to these narrow streets every year to admire the buildings in their various architectural styles. Whether medieval, Gothic or Renaissance, there's something for everyone. You can start by taking the owl trail, which in just one hour will take you through 22 areas of rich heritage.

These include the Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, the church of Notre-Dame de Dijon and the Maison Millière. Each of these buildings is a real treasure trove of heritage and well worth a visit. If you're interested in discovering some of Dijon's history, the Chouette tour is sure to meet your expectations.

In the afternoon, you can take advantage of the many shops in Dijon city centre. Some sell clothes, others hats, while you can treat yourself or a loved one to a present from the various wine cellars, biscuit shops and others that litter Dijon's alleyways. Don't forget, however, that Dijon's flagship delicacy is mustard. Here again, many shops offer a wide choice of mustard, which you can even taste if you wish.

If you want to get away from Dijon for a while, you can visit Beaune. This small fortified town is renowned for its annual wine auction. Countless wine lovers, beginners and professionals alike, flock here to take advantage of this extraordinary event.

Like Dijon, the town of Beaune is full of architectural treasures. Your itinerary begins with the Remparts walk. From here, you can walk around Beaune from the heights, admiring the town's old-world charm. This walk can be taken with children, who will be delighted to explore the ramparts.

You'll also need to visit the Hospices, which is none other than Beaune's most famous monument. Built in the 15th century, its purpose was to care for the poor and sick. Its Gothic architecture sets it apart from the surrounding area, while its colourful and unique roofs can be admired. If you're travelling by car, you can also take advantage of the wine route, which starts in Beaune. The route is well signposted, and along the way you can admire the various villages that dot the horizon. Many vineyards also take their place in this landscape, and are the pride of Burgundy. If you choose this route and are keen to do the whole thing, you'll pass through a total of 37 villages. Some are better known than others, so you can stop off to visit their centres.

Vézelay is a small town perched on a hill, whose houses date mainly from medieval times. Located at the gateway to the Morvan nature park, Vézelay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Every street here is cobbled, which will take you back to the old days, when horses' hooves and cartwheels trod these grounds. It's a peaceful place, although visitors are particularly fond of this village, which is one of the most beautiful in France. From the heights, you can enjoy the view from the hill on which Vézelay perches.

In terms of heritage, be sure to visit the Basilica of Saint Mary Magdalene, a former abbey church dating back to the 12th century. Even today, Vézelay remains a place of pilgrimage, as it lies on the route to Santiago de Compostela. However, you can still enjoy the architecture of this site, which is open to the public. Both the exterior and interior are well worth a visit.