Burgundy
We came to Burgundy for the wine.
We stayed for the cheese, the sunsets, and a parking spot tucked between two rows of grapes that felt better than the backyard of a Four Seasons hotel.
That’s how it all started — Van Blanc: the grape escape.
The road felt endless — in the best way.
After surviving the roundabouts of Montpellier and developing a deep addiction to baguette and butter, it was time for something a little more… chill – wine’s of Burgundy.
Wines of Burgundy
Our first vineyard sleepover was near Mâcon — and wow, France, you really showed off. A sunrise wrapped in green grape leaves, local farmers slowly trimming vines, and me, coffee mug in hand, thinking: We must’ve done something right in life.
Pro tip: always take the side roads. Highways are boring, fast, and full of missed magic. On a tiny rural road, we randomly met smiling Polish nuns on their morning walk to what I can only assume was somewhere mystical. I could’ve expected a stray cow or even an elephant — but Polish nuns? That’s a sign from the universe. Big hugs, siostry, and off we went.
Now do yourself a favor: stop at the tiny wine producers and buy more than one bottle. You won’t “just swing by tomorrow.” We didn’t — and we regret.
Our destination (or destiny?) was Mâcon-Villages, where a lovely older woman calmly loaded six cartons of wine into her trunk paying 600 euros … while we smugly walked away with one… Yeap like rookies…
We now understand her. Respect her. Aspire to be her.
Flavignyyyyy… 🥰
Along the way, we passed through Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, grabbing lunch at Brasserie de Flavigny – Cheese with little gem lettuce ! Hats off… for the rest it was okey 😉
Then Semur-en-Auxois, where we crashed a bunch of knights going through a midlife (or medieval?) crisis. Charming town. Cheese is hard to find… you have only one shop with local products so do not miss it !
Golden Spots 🚐🏕️
La Rochepot and La Celle-Chantemerle, though? Absolute chef’s kiss. Picture this: a flat hilltop, sunset glow, local goodies laid out, and you, tossing a ball to your dog and raising a glass to your partner in crime. Be early — good spots are taken early.
Quick heads-up: Burgundy isn’t shy about rain. And while your friends with 4x4s may claim to conquer all terrain, mud sometimes wins. We’ve seen it.
One thing we missed 😔 — and deeply regret — was visiting a proper wine cave. Timing wasn’t on our side; all were closed. So we can’t recommend any firsthand… but it gives us an excuse to return, right?
Oh, Burgundy…
You stole my heart — and a bit of my liver. I gained a few kilos, sure, but you made me feel at home, welcome, and well fed.
I hope we meet again. Often..
A quick PSA for vanlifers rolling through France:
If you’re entering cities with over 150,000 people, you’ll need an official Crit’Air sticker that shows your vehicle’s euro emissions category. It only costs €5 — so apply early. Maybe it’ll arrive. Maybe it won’t. Mine’s still out there… somewhere.
You can also register for single-use access — but plot twist: you have to buy 50 of them at once. Very French 🇫🇷🥖
