What to see in France

Camping to discover the treasures of the Côte d'Or

Vue sur le fort de Chateauneuf-en-Auxois en Côte d'Or
Vue sur le fort de Chateauneuf-en-Auxois en Côte d'Or

Formerly the province of Burgundy, the Côte d'Or is now part of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté region. The region has a rich historical and artistic heritage, with cities such as Dijon and Beaune, an authentic nature and preserved landscapes, world-famous wines and gastronomic specialities such as gougères, snails, coq au vin... Camping holidays in the Côte d'Or are sure to be a good experience!

 

Where are the best campsites in Côte d'Or?

A 4-star campsite with direct access to the beach in Côte d'Or (21)

Camping Lac de Panthier **** located in Vandenesse-en-Auxois in Côte-d'Or, is set in a privileged natural environment on the shores of Lake Panthier. Ideal for a stay with family or friends, it has a beautiful aquatic area with indoor and outdoor pools, a paddling pool and slides, as well as direct access to the lake beach. During the season, entertainment and activities fill the days, while the many on-site services ensure comfort and conviviality. The pitches and rental accommodation blend harmoniously into the landscape and are an excellent starting point for exploring the Côte d'Or and its natural and cultural riches. The campsite is open from April to September.

Camping Lac de Panthier in Vandenesse-en-Auxois (21)
Camping Lac de Panthier in Vandenesse-en-Auxois (21) © CampingFrance

Campsite with swimming pool in the heart of the Burgundy countryside

Camping Huttopia Étang de Fouché ****, located in Arnay-le-Duc in Côte-d'Or, invites you to immerse yourself in the peaceful heart of Burgundy's countryside, between the Morvan forest and the region's famous vineyards. Set on the banks of the Étang de Fouché lake, it offers a variety of comfortable accommodation and green pitches, as well as a large heated swimming pool, play areas and a friendly communal area with catering and services for the whole family. There is no shortage of activities on site: swimming, fishing or cycling around the lake, discovering the local heritage, hiking in the countryside or simply relaxing on the terrace of the café. A great starting point for exploring the riches of Burgundy, this campsite combines friendliness, nature and comfort for an unforgettable stay. It is open from April to September.

Campsite near the vineyards of Burgundy

Camping Huttopia Meursault ***, located in the heart of the wine-growing village of Meursault, offers a real stay in the middle of the Burgundy vineyards on a 5-hectare wooded site, just a few minutes from Beaune. There are shaded pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as a variety of comfortable accommodation options (canvas and wood tents, chalets and gypsy caravans), all with panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards. For relaxation, the campsite has two swimming pools, a friendly social centre with a café and restaurant, as well as practical services (service areas, equipment hire, children's play areas). It is also an ideal base for exploring the hiking trails, cycling along the vineyard route or discovering the Burgundy region, its villages and its prestigious wines. It is open from April to November.

 

Camping Huttopia Meursault *** in Meursault in Côte-d'Or
Camping Huttopia Meursault *** in Meursault in Côte-d'Or © CampingFrance

Stroll through the vineyards of the Côte d'Or between Beaune and Chalon-sur-Saône

The Santenay *** campsite, part of the Terracamps network, is nestled in the heart of the prestigious vineyards of Burgundy, halfway between Beaune and Chalon-sur-Saône, offering a green and peaceful setting ideal for recharging your batteries. Set on several hectares of spacious, shaded grounds, it offers a variety of accommodation options: traditional pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, comfortable mobile homes and nature huts for shorter stays or cycle tourists. With its "Accueil vélo" label, the campsite is also a perfect base for exploring the region's cycle paths and the famous Route des Grands Crus, as well as enjoying the many walks and bike rides through the vineyards. On site, you will find practical services (grocery store, bread delivery, motorhome services, Wi-Fi) and activities for young and old, such as a playground, mini golf and seasonal entertainment. It is open from March to November.

Campsite in the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park

The Saulieu *** campsite in the heart of the Morvan Regional Natural Park in Côte-d'Or offers a nature break on several hectares of wooded land near the village of Saulieu. It offers a wide range of accommodation and pitches: traditional tents, chalets, mobile homes and cabins for a stay in the heart of nature, as well as an outdoor swimming pool with paddling pool, snack bar and practical services for the whole family. On site or on foot, numerous hiking trails and mountain bike circuits allow you to discover the wooded landscapes, lakes and tranquillity of the Morvan, while activities and entertainment are offered in season for young and old alike. Its location also allows you to enjoy the attractions of the gastronomic village of Saulieu and its region rich in natural and cultural heritage. It is open from March to October.

 

Discovering the Côte d'Or makes you want to find out more... For those who would like to extend their visit, here are all the campsites in the Côte d'Or.

What are the treasures of the Côte d'Or?

Dijon, the historic and gastronomic capital of Burgundy

Nicknamed the city of a hundred bell towers in the Middle Ages due to its profusion of religious buildings, Dijon is now a city with a remarkable heritage, elegant, lively and gourmet. The capital of Burgundy, it is world-famous for its mustard and crème de cassis, but above all it charms visitors with its exceptional historic centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling through its streets, you will discover superb half-timbered houses, mansions and numerous monuments inherited from its prestigious ducal past.

The symbolic heart of the city, the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy houses the Museum of Fine Arts, one of the richest in France, with over 130,000 works ranging from antiquity to contemporary art. In the palace's flamboyant Gothic wing, the tomb room preserves the impressive funerary monuments of the Dukes of Burgundy, true masterpieces of medieval sculpture.

Another must-see is the Halles de Dijon, designed in the 19th century, a mecca for local gastronomy where producers and artisans bring Burgundy's flavours to life.

Finally, Dijon's churches bear witness to the city's spiritual and architectural wealth: Notre-Dame with its unique Gothic façade, Saint-Bénigne Cathedral with its Romanesque crypt, and Saint-Michel with its blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, all give Dijon a strong identity and timeless charm.

 

The historic centre and typical old houses of Dijon
The historic centre and typical old houses of Dijon © iStock

Beaune, heritage gem and capital of Burgundy wines

Beaune has always been the beating heart of the Burgundy wine trade and appeals to lovers of fine wines as well as history and architecture enthusiasts. Classified as a City of Art and History, the town reveals its exceptional heritage through its cobbled streets and lively squares. The unmissable Hôtel-Dieu de Beaune fascinates visitors with its famous glazed tile roofs with colourful patterns. A former hospital founded in the 15th century, it now houses a museum dedicated to the history of medicine and remains the emblem of the city.

Another major monument, the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne, listed as a Historic Monument, bears witness to Beaune's prestigious ducal past. This former palace now houses the Burgundy Wine Museum, an essential stop for understanding the region's wine-growing history and the secrets of how its exceptional wines are made.

A few steps away, the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame stands out for the sobriety and elegance of its Romanesque architecture. Considered one of the last great Romanesque churches in Burgundy, it is well worth a visit for its rich capitals and tapestries.

Finally, Beaune can also be discovered after dark thanks to the "Lumières à Beaune" (Lights in Beaune) event. Throughout the summer, monumental projections transform the city's iconic facades into veritable works of light art, offering visitors a poetic and spectacular experience. It's an original and magical way to rediscover this jewel of the Côte-d'Or.

The magnificent colourful roofs of the Hospices de Beaune façade
The magnificent colourful roofs of the Hospices de Beaune façade © iStock

The Morvan Regional Nature Park, a natural setting in the heart of Burgundy

Wild, hilly and deeply preserved, the Morvan Regional Natural Park stretches across four Burgundy departments, offering a vast territory conducive to escape and rejuvenation. A true green lung for the region, it appeals to lovers of wide open spaces, sport and nature with its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. Wooded hills, hedgerows, rivers and valleys make up an authentic setting, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The Morvan is also renowned for its many lakes nestled in the heart of the countryside, such as Les Settons and La Pannecière, which in summer become popular spots for swimming, sailing, paddleboarding and canoeing. The vast forests that cover a large part of the park are criss-crossed by marked trails, offering an ideal playground for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners. Each season, the park reveals a different atmosphere, from the flamboyant colours of autumn to the snow-covered landscapes of winter and the freshness of the undergrowth in spring.

The ultimate nature destination, the Morvan Regional Natural Park invites you to slow down, reconnect with the essentials and discover a more secret side of Burgundy, where rural traditions and wide open spaces come together in harmony.

View of the Morvan Regional Natural Park
View of the Morvan Regional Natural Park © iStock

The vineyards of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, the excellence of Burgundy's grands crus

A must-see for wine lovers and lovers of vineyard landscapes, the vineyards of the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune embody the prestige of Burgundy's wine industry. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and charming villages, these two iconic regions stretch along the famous Route des Grands Crus and offer a unique immersion into the world of exceptional wines.

To the north, the Côte de Nuits is recognised worldwide as the kingdom of Pinot Noir. From Gevrey-Chambertin to Nuits-Saint-Georges, via Vosne-Romanée and Chambolle-Musigny, legendary appellations follow one another, producing red wines of great finesse, renowned for their complexity and ageing potential. The vineyards and plots, patiently cultivated for centuries, bear witness to ancestral know-how and a deep connection between man and his terroir.

Further south, the Côte de Beaune stands out for the diversity and elegance of its wines. It is the birthplace of great Chardonnay whites, particularly in Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet, but also produces remarkable reds, such as those from Pommard and Volnay. With its perfectly aligned rows of vines, traditional cellars and lively wine-growing villages, the Côte de Beaune invites you to taste and contemplate.

Discovering the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune means exploring a living heritage where landscapes, culture and art de vivre combine to offer one of the finest expressions of French wine-growing.

Savigny-lès-Beaune vineyard
Savigny-lès-Beaune vineyard © iStock

Fontenay Abbey, a haven of peace steeped in history in the heart of nature

Nestled in a green and isolated valley in the north of the Côte-d'Or, Fontenay Abbey offers an exceptional natural setting, conducive to calm and contemplation. Surrounded by forests, meadows and streams, it seems timeless and is an ideal getaway for a family day out, far from the hustle and bustle. This remarkable site captivates visitors with the beauty of its surroundings and the serenity that envelops them upon arrival.

Founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, it is one of the oldest preserved Cistercian abbeys in the world. It bears witness to the rise of the Cistercian order in the Middle Ages and its spiritual, economic and cultural influence. Over the centuries, the monastery has had many different lives, from a place of prayer to an industrial site, before being carefully restored and preserved. This rich and accessible history allows visitors of all ages to better understand the daily life of the monks and the organisation of a medieval abbey.

Architecturally, Fontenay is a masterpiece of sobriety and harmony. Faithful to Cistercian principles, the complex is distinguished by the purity of its lines, the absence of superfluous decoration and the perfect balance of its volumes. The abbey church, cloister, monks' dormitory, refectory and old forge form a remarkably well-preserved complex that is easy to explore and understand, even for the youngest visitors. The vast outdoor spaces are ideal for walking and allow families to enjoy the site to the full, combining cultural discovery with a stroll in the countryside.

Accessible, peaceful and fascinating, Fontenay Abbey is a must-see for anyone who wants to combine history, architecture and the great outdoors, while sharing an enriching and enjoyable moment with their family.

Fontenay Abbey in Côte d'Or
Fontenay Abbey in Côte d'Or © iStock

The Château de Bussy-Rabutin: elegance and satirical spirit in Côte-d'Or

Located in the heart of the Côte-d'Or countryside, near the village of Bussy-le-Grand, the Château de Bussy-Rabutin is set in a peaceful, green setting typical of northern Burgundy. Easily accessible, it is an ideal cultural stopover when exploring the region, combining heritage, walks and historical curiosities.

A former medieval fortress converted in the 17th century, the château is closely linked to the figure of Roger de Rabutin, Comte de Bussy, a writer and courtier famous for his sharp wit. Exiled by Louis XIV, he made this place a space that reflected his personality, combining refinement, provocation and humour. The interior of the château is distinguished by its richly decorated salons and its remarkable portrait gallery, a true testimony to court life and the prominent figures of the time.

Surrounded by French gardens perfect for strolling, the Château de Bussy-Rabutin offers an informative and accessible visit that will appeal to adults and families alike. An original place full of character, perfect for discovering another facet of the history of the Côte-d'Or.

The Montagne des Trois Croix, a natural viewpoint over the Côte-d'Or

Located in the Côte-d'Or, near Santenay and at the southern end of the Côte de Beaune, the Montagne des Trois Croix is an iconic site offering one of the most beautiful views in the region. Easily identifiable thanks to the three large crosses standing at its summit, it is a major landmark in the Burgundy wine-growing landscape.

Equipped to welcome visitors, the site features orientation tables that help visitors interpret the landscape and better understand the scope of the panoramic views. The main attraction of the site is its exceptional panorama: on a clear day, visitors can see the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune, the Jura mountains, the Morvan massif and the vast Saône valley.

Accessible by car to the summit, the Trois Croix mountain can also be reached on foot via a pleasant 11 km hike from Santenay, ideal for walkers wishing to combine physical effort with visual rewards. An unmissable spot for gaining height and admiring the diverse landscapes of the Côte-d'Or.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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