Burgundy (“Bourgogne” in French) is home to world-famous vineyards, chateaux, abbeys, and many strong cheeses – the kinds of things that generally appeal to adults more than kids.
While the region is not usually at the top of a family travel hit list, it does offer numerous activities to entertain children. Adults considering a wine-tasting holiday can conveniently incorporate child-friendly adventures that will keep younger members of the family happy. Here’s what you need to know about visiting Burgundy with kids.
Is Burgundy a Good Region to Visit with Kids?
With beautiful landscapes to cycle through, a range of parks, and plenty of places for outdoor adventures, there are many activities to suit the whole family in Burgundy.
The dining experience is typically welcoming towards children. Restaurants often provide a typical children’s menu that includes options like steak haché et frites (minced steak and fries) or croque monsieur. In establishments without a specific menu for kids, staff are usually happy to accommodate requests for smaller portions (demi portion) of main dishes. A local favorite is Boeuf bourguignon, a delicious beef, mushroom, and bacon stew that is often enjoyed by children.
Where is Best in Burgundy for Families?
Burgundy is a large region, and your base should depend on the kinds of activities your family enjoys. Dijon, as a walkable city, serves as an excellent base for families with babies and very young children who can enjoy the historic carousel, city trails, and the fossil-filled museum in the Jardin de l’Arquebuse. Older kids may appreciate more outdoor adventures in the Jura near the Swiss border and the Morvan, both designated as parcs naturel régional (regional nature parks) offering active pursuits such as canoeing, biking, and climbing.
Best Things to Do with Toddlers
Follow the Owl Trail in Dijon
Engage a toddler’s curiosity by following Dijon’s Owl Trail (Parcours de la chouette). The trail consists of small triangular bronze plaques embedded in the historic cobbled streets, guiding you past 22 significant stops marked by larger rectangular plaques. Make sure to stop and rub the stone owl sculpture on the side of the Église Notre Dame for a chance at happiness and wisdom.
Best Activities for Elementary-School-Age Children
See the Workings of a Medieval Castle
Located about 40km (25 miles) west of Auxerre is Guédelon, a fascinating site where builders are reconstructing a castle using only medieval materials and techniques. Visitors can tour the site, chat with artisans, or take part in a stone carving workshop, gaining insight into life in the Middle Ages.
Explore Prehistoric Caves
Experience the wonder of the prehistoric caves with guided tours lasting 75 to 90 minutes. Walk alongside an underground river at Grottes d’Azé, just 20km (12 miles) north of Mâcon, where rare skeletons of cave lions and bears can be found. The Grottes d’Arcy, around 30km (19 miles) south of Auxerre, features cave paintings believed to be 28,000 years old.
Watch Battle Reenactments at Alésia
Alésia is historically significant for being the site where Julius Caesar besieged Vercingétorix in 52 BCE. Learn about this remarkable history at the MuséoParc Alésia, featuring hands-on activities, workshops, and entertaining reenactments. Ensure to visit the nearby Gallo-Roman ruins and admire the towering statue of Vercingétorix.
Explore Vehicle Museums
For car enthusiasts, a visit to the Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune is essential. This site boasts a vast collection of rare cars, planes, and even space satellites, ensuring an entertaining experience for kids.
Engage in Outdoor Activities
Many small villages in Burgundy have outdoor gyms, football pitches, or basketball courts for kids to enjoy. For a more organized experience, Diverti’Parc in Toulon-sur-Arroux offers a focus on nature with a labyrinth of stones and bamboo mazes. Alternatively, Parc des Combes near Le Creusot provides amusement park-like attractions, including a steam train and Ferris wheel.
Best Things to Do with Tweens and Teens
Enjoy the Cycling Routes
Explore the beautiful countryside along the peaceful cycle paths, like the multi-day cycling adventure along the Voie Bleue, which runs beside the Saône River, or enjoy the scenic vineyards of Voies des Vignes near Beaune. Maps for voies vertes et velotourisme (greenways and cycling routes) are available at local tourist offices.
Visit Acro Parks or Water Parks
Acro parks are ideal for adventurous tweens and teens, featuring climbing activities high in the trees and thrilling zip-lining experiences. Locations near Givry, Cluny, and Curley cater to these limits. Seasonal water park options include the big-slide fun at Aquaparc Isis near Dole and outdoor natural-water pools at Beaune Côté Plage.
Planning Tips
Although Burgundy has a decent train network, it is best explored by car for maximum convenience. Children under four can travel for free on trains. In urban areas, navigating with a stroller is manageable, yet be prepared for uneven paths in rural spots. For any hikes or walks in more rugged regions with a baby, carriers are highly recommended.
Essentials such as baby food, diapers, and children’s clothes can be conveniently purchased at large supermarkets like Carrefour and Leclerc. Note that smaller shops may have limited hours and may close for an hour during lunch, especially on Sundays.
