Djon

Burgundy is renowned for its wine, boasting over 3,000 domaines. The region’s terroir is perfect for growing pinot noir—the most cultivated red grape—and chardonnay, which is the most widely grown grape overall, along with smaller quantities of gamay, aligoté, and others.

In northern Burgundy lies the city of Dijon, located at the northern tip of the Vallée de la Gastronomie. While Burgundy is famous for wine, Dijon is best known for its mustard. The condiment plays a central role in the city’s cuisine, appearing in various dishes, on charcuterie boards, and even in cocktails at Monsieur Moutarde.

You won’t find Grey Poupon in Dijon. Instead, local mustard mills like Reine de Dijon and Edmond Fallot craft authentic Dijon mustards, with flavors shaped by their unique blends—much like wine.

A must-visit spot to explore Dijon’s mustard heritage is the Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie, a vast museum and culinary market. Here, mustard tastings are just as essential as wine tastings—especially when paired with cheese, the perfect complement.

BROCHON

Burgundy’s most famous cheese is Époisses, a richly flavored, pungent soft cow’s milk cheese. Since the 1970s, Fromagerie Gaudry in Brochon has been perfecting this traditional recipe, making it a must-visit for cheese lovers traveling south from Dijon along the Vallée de la Gastronomie route.

Beaujolais

Southern Burgundy is home to the Beaujolais wine region, known for its distinct wines made primarily from the gamay grape. Lighter and fruitier than pinot noir, Beaujolais offers a unique tasting experience. 

Lyon

Lyon, the culinary heart of France, sits at the midpoint of the Vallée de la Gastronomie route. Renowned for its rich food culture, Lyon was where legendary chef Paul Bocuse transformed French cuisine into artful nouvelle cuisine. His legacy lives on in Lyon’s gourmet food hall, named in his honor, but traditional cooking methods continue to thrive in the city’s vibrant restaurant scene.

The Rhone Valley

The Rhône Valley is a prominent wine region in France, known for its rich, full-bodied red wines made from grenache, mourvèdre, and syrah grapes, which thrive in the local terroir. These wines are crafted by over 6,000 winemakers, including the unique Raphaël Pommier of Domaine de Cousinac. 

Provence

In Montélimar, known for its artisanal nougat, visitors can see how this sweet treat is made from almonds, honey, egg whites, and sugar. The Musée du Nougat, located at the historic Arnaud Soubeyran factory, provides a glimpse into traditional nougat production.