From shopping to typical products not to be missed, from music festivals to the Route des Vins, here's what to do in Burgundy for a low cost trip without surprises.
La Burgundy it is one of the most fascinating regions of all France, and perhaps more than any other it represents its true essence, whether it is for the picturesque views, for the gastronomic culture, or for the wine tradition.
Unfortunately, however, compared to many other areas of the Hexagon, it is certainly not the cheapest where to spend your holidays. However, with a few simple precautions, it is possible to organize a memorable trip for all tastes and above all for all budgets.
Route des Vins
The best way to fully enjoy a holiday in Burgundy is undoubtedly to organize a traveling trip. A winning idea could be to follow one of the famous Route des Vins, the beautiful wine routes. You can visit some of the most characteristic places of this beautiful region, and why not, stop for a good glass here and there (if you are not driving, of course!). On the Bourgogne-Tourisme website, you can choose the itinerary that suits you and decide whether to opt for the purchase of an “official” guided tour package, or for total low-cost, along those same roads in total autonomy.
Dijon
A trip to Burgundy absolutely cannot fail to take you to its capital, Dijon. Here you cannot miss what is considered one of the ten most beautiful squares in the country, Place de la Libération, which houses the ancient Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy and the Museum of Fine Arts, and which is lined with the inevitable terrasses of the cafés. I recommend you take advantage of the visit also to sip a Kir, the Burgundian aperitif par excellence, based on white wine and Cassis cream.
Another unmissable stop, especially for art and architecture lovers, is the church of NĂ´tre-Dame, recently officially designated a Unesco World Heritage Site. Built in the XNUMXth century, it is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, and is a very popular destination for tourists from all over the world. If you were to visit it, don't forget to pass by owl, the owl - among other animal symbol of the city of Dijon - carved in stone on one side of the church that should bring luck to all those who rub it with their left hand. I can't tell if the belief is true, but it's always worth a try, isn't it?
Kir Lake
Just outside Dijon, however, you will find the Kir lake, where you can spend a relaxing day in contact with nature. The lake, surrounded by greenery, is a real point of reference for all lovers of outdoor activities: you will find a nautical center for sailing boats, canoes and kayaks, volleyball, tennis, minigolf, and a go-kart track, as well as the so-called path of health, or a walk punctuated by numerous gymnastic exercises to be done with the help of tools and structures scattered along the way.
My low-cost advice to make the most of this place is to go to one of the first numerous boulangeries of the surroundings to buy one q or a pie with which to organize a small picnic. With a few euros you will taste the specialties of French pastry and you will enjoy them in a wonderful setting.
Anici of Flavigny
When it comes to Burgundy and Dijon, everyone's thoughts immediately go to mustard or Bourgogne Aligoté. However, few people know of another typical and traditional product of the area: the anice from Flavigny, small hard candies with an anise flavor, precisely, produced in an ancient abbey and packaged in typical metal boxes. But the most interesting part of it all is that it is possible to visit the abbey and the production workshop of these candies for free! You will also find a small boutique where you can buy these famous sugared almonds, and from personal experience I can tell you that they will be an excellent low-cost gift idea to take to friends back home!
Alésia and the Musée-Parc
A short distance from Flavigny there is also Alesia, a town in the Côte d'Or department famous for being the scene of the battle in which Julius Caesar defeated Vercingetorix. There you will find a Musée-Parc entirely dedicated to the Gallo-Roman civilization. Tickets for the complete visit are around 9 euros, but if you want an even cheaper alternative, with only 3 euros you can still visit the remains of the Roman settlement bypassing the standard tour.
Music Festival
If you are a music lover, know that in Burgundy (but also in France in general) the musical events they are numerous and above all often free or in any case at political prices! In Dijon, for example, the rock atelier was created Steam where groups of the underground music scene regularly perform and entry costs a few euros. If you prefer to listen to confirmed artists, before leaving take a look at the dates of the Music Festival, a very famous national musical event that offers free concerts by great artists in all French cities.
In general, take a look at the agenda section of the Burgundy Regional Council website to check the events planned during your stay; alternatively you can also search the site of the local newspaper Le Bien Public to update you on all scheduled events. Do not underestimate the university area of ​​the cities where you will stop either! In France, a bit like in the United States, student activities are numerous and well-kept: sports competitions, theatrical performances, culinary demonstrations ... at very low prices you can attend events of the highest quality!
Culinary experiences
A holiday in France, however, is not a real holiday in France without a proper gastronomic stop. Taste the local specialty (such as the boeuf bourguignon or the delicious but feared snails) is not as prohibitive as it might seem. First of all, always take a look at the blackboards of bistrots and cafés: the dishes of the day are always the best choice, both for the freshness of the ingredients and for the health of the wallet.
If, on the other hand, you want to take a whim and your forbidden dream would be to try a great restaurant, know that usually even the most chic restaurants offer menu at very affordable prices, even around 20 euros. Otherwise, leave the urban centers and go on an adventure in the neighboring villages. There you will find the equivalent of our trattorias, where you can enjoy local home cooking for very little.
Low cost shopping
After the cultural visits, the landscapes, and the contact with nature, maybe you will even want a little very healthy shopping. If only to be able to answer casually "I bought it in France" when they compliment you on your dress! The best shopping mall in the region is La Toison d'Or, with its 72000 m2, more than 160 shops and 20 bars and restaurants. For those who get along in French it is certainly convenient to get a loyalty card of the center: it will give you a 10% discount in most shops.
You can also get great deals in the dégriffés shops, a sort of outlet-shop that offers designer clothes with small (sometimes invisible) flaws. In Burgundy it is very easy to find them, but the best are those of Quétigny e Marsannay-la-côte. Finally, even if it is not in Burgundy, it is definitely worth a visit to Troyes, a city just 150 kilometers from Dijon where you will find plenty factory outlets, company outlets where you can buy clothes and accessories with discounts up to 70%.
