Burgundy

Burgundy hotels reflect the diversity and vastness of the region. Luxury lodging options include hotels in châteaux or medieval abbeys—such as the Château de Gilly, historic town houses like the Hôtel le Cep, and working wineries (the Château de Chassagne-Montrachet, for example). At the other end of the spectrum are simple B&B-style accommodations, called chambres d'hôtes, in converted farmhouses—the Ferme-Auberge de Lavaux is a good example. You can find a comfortable Burgundy hotel room for under $100 per night, but expect to pay upward of $250 for a room in one of Burgundy's top hotels. Bargain room rates are most likely to be found during nonholiday periods in spring, fall, and winter. Note that Burgundy hotels often close seasonally for a month or more, usually in winter (the region's low season).

You'll find the highest concentration of boutique properties in Burgundy's wine country—the sloping patchwork of pinot noir and chardonnay vineyards that follows the Serein, Yonne, and Saône river valleys from Chablis south via Dijon to Tournus and Mâcon. Finding a hotel room in this area can be tricky during the grape harvest in September and early October, so reserve several weeks in advance. Dijon (Burgundy's political capital) and Beaune (Burgundy's wine capital) have a number of outstanding places to stay and eat; either makes a good base for exploring the region. Throughout Burgundy, many top hotels and restaurants are housed under the same roof. For additional hotel recommendations, see our reviews of the Hostellerie du Chapeau Rouge in Dijon, Aux Terrasses in Tournus, Laroche Wine Bar-Hôtel du Vieux Moulin in Chablis, and Les Deux Ponts near Vézelay.