10th Anniversary adventure to Burgundy, France! Go Euro Adventures has created a trip where our loyal travelers will be treated like the royalty they are-- Featuring a week stay in a recently restored castle, wine tastings along Burgundy's famous Route des Grand Crus, and an amazing variety of day trips. Our adventure begins with two days in Paris, where we will visit the newly reopened Notre Dame Cathedral, enjoy a Secret Food Tour, and take an afternoon excursion to the Champagne region of France.
One of my favorite corners of France is bucolic Burgundy, a region overflowing with imbibable and scenic delights. Crisscrossed with lazy canals and dotted with quiet farming villages, it's easy to like — and its sunny hillsides produce the superior wines and fine cuisine that say "French." –Rick Steve, Travel Writer
Entirely renovated between February 2022 and June 2023, the Château overlooks the charming village of Burnand. The castle, spanning approximately 900m² and built over periods from the 14th to the 19th century, is set within a 32-acre park, including 22 acres of forest. Perched in a dominant position, it offers superb views of the village, the valley and the hills beyond.
Its atypical architecture will captivate lovers of historical buildings. The ground-floor living rooms and some bedrooms have beautiful painted ceilings, either of Renaissance origin or restored in the 19th century. During the renovation we were careful to preserve the traditional materials from the past, such as old parquet floors, French ceilings, fireplaces, and period doors and windows. The decoration and furniture throughout have been chosen with the utmost care, creating a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
The fully restored castle features 10 luxurious double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, On the ground floor you'll find the Château's expansive, fully-equipped kitchen, which offers a wonderful opportunity for those who wish to hone their culinary skills, along with the lounge, dining-room, billiard room and poker room.
The 'wellness' area on the 2nd floor has a well-equipped gym and cardio-training section as well as a massage room, sauna and steam-room.
Past GoEuro Adventures have featured many special luxury villas, but this chateau is next level!
To view a YouTube video about the restoration of the Chateau de Burnard click on the link below:
Tour of Chateau de Burnand - after Restoration - with its Owner.
Private minibus for our group
Boutique hotel (2 nights)
Luxury Castle (7 nights)
Private chef at chateau
From Washington Dulles
Top wineries along Route Du Vin
Food Tour, boat ride, etc.
Sites & Museums
Plus other beverages
Some will be included
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
Meet at Washington Dulles airport (IAD) for overnight flight to Lyon, France (Travelers are responsible for making their own arrangements to get to IAD). Flights are booked in economy class and all travelers are allowed one checked suitcase (Under 50lbs) and one carry on and a personal item.
FLIGHT INFORMATION: Our overnight flight will depart in the evening. Specific flight details will be provided as they become available.
SUGGESTED CHECK-IN TIME: We suggest arriving at the airport at least four hours prior to scheduled departure. You must first check your luggage at the counter in the main terminal and then proceed through security.
PRE-FLIGHT COMPLIMENTARY CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT VINO VOLO: Once you have cleared security, please proceed to Terminal B for a meet & greet of everyone in our travel group at Vino Volo (Near gate 63, just at the top of the escalator from the airport tram).
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
We arrive at Paris's Charles De Gaulle Airport in the morning ad once we have made it through customs and collected our luggage, our private mini-bus will take us directly to France's famous Champagne region.
Visit to Two Different Wineries for Champagne tastings & tours
The French Champagne region is, of course, the only place in the world where champagne can be produced. We will visit two different wineries in the region to sample their champagnes and enjoy a tour of their production area at one of our stops.
Lunch in Reims, See the Famous Cathedral
We will have lunch in the shadow of the famed Reims Cathedral-- one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture.
Evening Drive into Paris, Check in to our Hotel
From the Champagne region it is only a couple hours drive into Paris where we will head directly to our well appointed Parisian hotel.
WELCOME LUNCH AT AUTHENTIC RESTAURANT
Lyon is generally acknowledged by the French to be the gastronomic capital of France; there are more restaurants per head in this city than any other place in France and probably Europe. Food here is taken to another level and people see eating well, eating delicious dishes not just as a pleasure but a way of life. We will find this out first-hand as the entire group will enjoy lunch together at a downtown restaurant.
SHORT WALKING TOUR OF DOWNTOWN WITH LOCAL GUIDE
After lunch, a local guide will lead us on a walking tour of the downtown area providing us with an orientation of the city.
CHECK-IN AT CENTRALLY LOCATED UPSCALE HOTEL
Later in the afternoon, we will check-in for the first of two nights stay at our boutique city center hotel.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
The day begins with a complimentary breakfast at our hotel in the morning.
Tour the Newly Restored Cathedral of Notre Dame
The iconic Parisian cathedral that suffered a horrific fire just five years ago has recently reopened to the public with all the repairs completed. The entire structure was rebuilt to its original glory as every detail was painstakingly restored. To see the finished product will be a real highlight!
Three hour Secret Food Tour
Most GoEuro Adventures trips include a FOOD TOUR to whichever major city we happen to visit and they rarely disappoint! Their guides are usually just as much entertainers as they are historians. They will lead us on a three-hour walking tour of one of Paris's neighborhoods where we will enjoy dishes and drinks from many different establishments.
TIME ON YOUR OWN FOR SHOPPING, EXPLORING, ETC.
A few hours this day will be reserved for time on your own-- Some may wish to go shopping along the Champs-Elysees, visit the Louvre Museum, see the Eiffel Tower, or just hang out in one of the many wonderful cafes of the City of Lights.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8
DAY FOUR finds us on the move as we check out of our Paris hotel and head to our home away from home for the week, the luxurious Chateau du Burnand. Our four hour drive is broken up by a visit to one of France's most charming villages.
LUNCH IN VILLAGE OF VEZELAY
Vézelay is definitely worth visiting, especially if you are interested in French history and architecture, as it is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France, primarily due to its stunning hilltop location and the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage listed Basilica of Sainte-Madeleine, which has been a major pilgrimage site for centuries.
ARRIVAL AT CHATEAU DE BURNAND
A welcome reception awaits at the chateau ... Our home base for the week to come as we explore Burgundy.
VIDEO OF CHATEAU DE BURNAND
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
10THI ANNIVERSARY BRUNCH
Later in the morning, help GoEuro Adventures owner Joe McCall celebrate 10 years of leading small group trips to Europe. Everyone will be treated to a very special brunch at the chateau prepared by our private chef for the week.
AFTERNOON SPENT EXPLORING THE CHATEAU AND SURROUNDING VILLAGE
On the ground floor you'll find the Château's expansive, fully-equipped kitchen, which offers a wonderful opportunity for those who wish to hone their culinary skills, along with the lounge, dining-room, billiard room and poker room.
The 'wellness' area on the 2nd floor has a well-equipped gym and cardio-training section as well as a massage room, sauna and steam-room.
The beautiful park affords great privacy. The park immediately in front of the castle features a magnificent and ancient sycamore tree which provides perfect shade for the terraced outdoor dining area. The adjacent 5 x 11m heated swimming pool has beautiful views over the valley.
From the Château entrance, you can join hiking trails through the forests in Burnand and its surroundings. The area is also great for cycling.
SPECIAL EVENING PROGRAM BEFORE DINNER
Our evening program will include an icebreaker activity for the whole group, a guest speaker, and, of course, our second of seven dinners together at the chateau.
WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 10
Visit Selected Wineries along Burgundy's Route des Grands Crus
The Route des Grands Crus is the ultimate route to take if you want to get the full experience of the Burgundy vineyard and its most well-known appellations. You'll be discovering some great wines, great food, heritage sites, nature and the "Climats" of Burgundy's vineyard, for a rich and varied experience that is guaranteed to be unforgettable!
Enjoy Lunch in one of Burgundy's Most Picturesque Villages
Visit the town of Chalon-sur-Saône, with its lovely half-timbered buildings, sidewalk cafes, historic churches, shopping and a plethora of outdoor markets!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Dijon's setting and history are almost without equal: shop-filled streets and pleasant sunny plazas bristling with medieval and Renaissance buildings and private mansions, some of them full of art and past political intrigue. Even in celebration – for Dijon definitely celebrates – a high bar is set and always met.
Lunch at Les Halles de Dijon
This place has a touch of the Eiffel Tower to it. That’s because this ironwork framed building was designed by one Gustave Eiffel, born in Dijon and designer of this listed covered market. There are several cheese stalls, artisan bakers and cake makers. Stalls heave with every kind of meat, vegetables and pies. If you love food then you will adore this beautiful market
Time to Explore on your own
Whether you just want to get lost wandering the maze of Medieval streets or visit one of the famous museums or pick up some gifts for loved ones, you will have a couple hours on your own to explore Dijon.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Visit to Beaune, the Wine Capital of Burgundy
Beaune really could be the most beautiful town in all of Burgundy. This charming walled dwelling is a medieval vision, with its timber-framed buildings, and bright, patterned roofs. Wander along the cobbled streets and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this historic town.
The town of Beaune is surrounded by ancient ramparts, half of which have survived stretching around the centre. Walk beside the town walls, to see the entrance to the town, the Porte de Nicolas, and public gardens. Also in the town, visitors can see the clock tower, old market and the remains of the town moat. An assortment of shops and eateries are located around Beaune’s central square. If you’re feeling adventurous then explore the market to discover some regional delicacies, such as cheeses, spices, truffles and Bresse chickens.
Mustard Tasting at The Fallot Mustard Mill
A tour of the mill will be followed by, of course, a tasting of many varieties of mustard.
In the morning, we focus on a particular French treasure .... Cheese! We will witness cheesemaking and enjoy a tasting of many types at Fromagerie GAUGRY
Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Châteauneuf, locally called Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, towers high above the surrounding area offering splendid views of the land and canals below. It is a wonderfully preserved Medieval village to explore.
Wine tastings at vineyards along the Route des Grand Crus
Semur-en-Auxois is a very charming town and one of the prettiest in Burgundy.
Semur-en-Auxois has a wealth of cobbled streets lined with ancient houses, shops and cafes and unusual features to explore and enjoy. The architecture is a mixture of half-timbered properties and more 'recent' houses with characterful faded shutters and wrought iron balconies.
Passing through the clock-gate at the top of the town you find a small open square with several restaurants and shops to explore, and the historic centre of Semur-en-Auxois is all easy to reach from here..