Dijon

Palais des Ducs

This former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy is the true heart of the ducal capital. Originally, the Dukes held court here but today, the building you see is mostly 17th century and it houses, along with the Town Hall, the Fine Arts Museum (Musée des Beaux Arts). This museum is one of the great museums of Europe and boasts fine and superior collections including masterworks of mediaeval paintings and sculpture, and more fascinating still the ornate and opulent the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. The giant mausoleums lie within the Salle de Garde and are adorned with amazing sculptures by the famous Claus Sluter. The 15th century Tour de Philippe le Bon stands outside and is all of 46 metres (150ft) high with lovely views of Burgundy’s rooftops and cathedral spire (visits are on guided tours only).

Chartreuse de Champmol

The Chartreuse de Champmol lies about 1.5km west of the city centre andwas founded by Philip the Bold at the end of the 14th century. It was used as the burial place for the dynasty of the Dukes of Burgundy. Sadly almost completely destroyed in the Revolution, all that really remains now is a chapel doorway and the ‘Well of Moses’, a monument that features six portrayals of Old testament prophets, by Claus Sluter. The extravagant artwork that once stood within its walls, are now mostly displayed in the Museum of Fine Arts within the Palace. Today this ancient site lies within the grounds of a psychiatric hospital but is still worth a visit.

Beaune

Hôtel Dieu

This is one of Beaune’s best attractions. The 15th century hospital lies on the corner of the Place de la Halle. The building itself is wonderfully colourful and decorative with cobbled courtyards, steep sloping roofs, mosaic tiles, high dormer windows and wooden galleries, and it still boasts a huge number of original features. The Gothic fireplace in the kitchen, paintings and frescoes that line the Saint Annes room and Saint Louis room and the two religious masterpieces, Christ-de-Pitié statue and Van der Wadens polyptych are just some examples. This old hospital has been described as one on Frances medieval treasures. A major wine auction takes place here on the third Sunday in November. The prices paid at the auction set the standards for the season ahead. It is known as the ‘Les Trois Glorieuses’ and is part of a 3-day festival, which also includes a banquet of the 'Confrérie des Chevaliers du taste vin' at the Chateau Clos de Vougeot, on the Saturday, and a grower’s party at the La Paulée de Meursault on the Monday.

Maçon

Maison de Bois

This ‘House of Wood’ is a quirky attraction adorned with weird and wonderful carvings, this house was built around 1500 and even boasts a bar/cafe that is open until 2 or 3am.

Hôtel Dieu (Tournus)

It was originally set up as a charity hospital by the sisters of Saint Martha in the 17th century and did not close until 1978. It still houses the rows of closed oak beds and boasts a fascinating pharmacy and dispensary. The Musée Greuze, also housed within this building, is dedicated to the local 19th century painter Jean-Baptiste Greuze.