07 July 2026
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Set to the south of the Côte-d’Or, France’s oldest wine route was created in 1937 in the wake of the first paid holidays. Still one of France's most precious wine treasures, and now extended in its modern interpretation from Dijon down to Santenay, it is often referred to as the Champs-Élysées of Burgundy.
1,247 UNESCO Listed Terroirs
Stretching from Dijon to Santenay, this remarkable landscape is home to no fewer than 1,247 vineyard parcels known as climats. Each expresses a distinct terroir, creating a mosaic of unrivalled complexity. It is this unique patchwork that earned the climats of Burgundy UNESCO World Heritage status in 2015.
Their origins date back to the Gallo-Roman period (between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD). The system was consolidated during the Middle Ages by Benedictine and Cistercian monks (9th–12th centuries), before being further shaped by the abbeys of Cîteaux and Cluny (11th–13th centuries). Yet it was only in 1937, with the arrival of France's first paid holidays, that the wider public truly began to discover them.
Founded in 1900, the MICHELIN Guide helped foster that spirit of exploration. It seems only fitting, then, that with the launch of the Guide's new grape distinction – recognising the world's finest wine estates with One, Two or Three Grapes – we should offer an updated itinerary to help you discover them.
Following the 60km Route
Note: The area can also be explored by bike or on foot via the Voie des Vignes route that explores the area at a slower pace.Begin at the Canal de Bourgogne marina in Dijon, the historic capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. From there to Santenay, simply follow the brown tourist signs depicting a bunch of grapes. Before setting off, it's worth downloading the Balades en Bourgogne app, which offers a series of audio-guided walks along the Route des Grands Crus, including one entitled Dans l'œil de Cédric Klapisch, which takes visitors to the filming locations of Back to Burgundy (Ce Qui Nous Lie) , shot in the Côte-d'Or.
Over the course of almost 60 kilometres, the route passes through Burgundy's two great wine-growing regions. To the north lies the Côte de Nuits, encompassing villages such as Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée and Nuits-Saint-Georges. To the south is the Côte de Beaune, home to Aloxe-Corton, Beaune, Pommard, Saint-Romain, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, Chassagne-Montrachet and, finally, Santenay.
But what sets Burgundy wines apart? Unlike those of Bordeaux or Champagne, they are not blends. The region's Grand Cru red wines are made exclusively from pinot noir, while its prestigious white wines are produced entirely from chardonnay.
Yet following the Route des Grands Crus is about far more than visiting wine estates – where, of course, any wine tasting should be enjoyed responsibly. It is also an invitation to linger in Burgundy's wine villages and discover the region's other specialities, from local cheeses to their famous blackcurrants.
11 Unmissable Stops, from North to South
Stage 1 – Bruno Clair, Marsannay-la-Côte – Two MICHELIN grapes
Just a few minutes south of Dijon, Marsannay-la-Côte marks the gateway to the legendary Côte de Nuits. With its gently undulating slopes, dry-stone walls and historic walled vineyards (clos). This is where the Route des Grands Crus begins – and where the story of Domaine Bruno Clair unfolds.
The grandson of Joseph Clair – one of Marsannay's leading winegrowers of the 20th century – Bruno Clair established his own domaine in 1979 following the dissolution of the family estate, Clair-Daü. He patiently rebuilt the domaine, gradually recovering historic vineyard parcels and expanding across some of the Côte-d'Or's finest terroirs. Today, the domaine extends to almost 25 hectares, spread across Marsannay, Fixin, Savigny-lès-Beaune and several prestigious appellations in the Côte de Nuits. Its flagship vineyards include Les Longeroies and Clos du Roy in Marsannay, as well as celebrated sites in Gevrey-Chambertin.
Bruno Clair has played a major role in establishing Marsannay's reputation for quality. He is renowned for his meticulous understanding of the limestone and marl-limestone soils that characterise the slopes of Marsannay and the Côte de Nuits, and his work has helped elevate some of the village's finest climats, several of which are now regularly cited as candidates for future Premier Cru status. Visits to the domaine are available by prior appointment.
Take time to explore the village of Marsannay. Dominated by the Church of Saint-Urbain, it is lined with traditional winegrowers' houses. From the upper slopes, there are sweeping views across the Saône plain, while the east- and south-east-facing vineyards benefit from particularly favourable sun exposure. Marsannay has a rare distinction in Burgundy: its village appellation permits the production of red, white and rosé wines – a reflection of the remarkable geological diversity of this vineyard, which forms the transition between Dijon and the historic Côte de Nuits.
Take time to explore the village of Marsannay. Dominated by the Church of Saint-Urbain, it is lined with traditional winegrowers' houses. From the upper slopes, there are sweeping views across the Saône plain, while the east- and south-east-facing vineyards benefit from particularly favourable sun exposure. Marsannay has a rare distinction in Burgundy: its village appellation permits the production of red, white and rosé wines – a reflection of the remarkable geological diversity of this vineyard, which forms the transition between Dijon and the historic Côte de Nuits.
Stage 2 – Denis Mortet, Gevrey-Chambertin, Côte de Nuits – Two MICHELIN grapes
The story of Domaine Denis Mortet is closely intertwined with that of Gevrey-Chambertin, home to nine Grands Crus and no fewer than twenty-six Premier Cru climats. Born in 1956, Denis Mortet gradually took over the family's vineyards before establishing his own estate in the early 1990s. In just a few years, he helped bring a new generation of Burgundian winemakers to international prominence through an exacting approach to viticulture and meticulous, parcel-by-parcel vineyard work.Following Denis Mortet's death in 2006, his son Arnaud took over the reins. While remaining faithful to the family legacy, he has gradually developed his own vision, continuing the work begun across the great terroirs of the Côte de Nuits. Today, the estate spans nearly 20 hectares across Marsannay, Fixin, Daix, Chambolle-Musigny and, above all, Gevrey-Chambertin, where most of its vineyard holdings lie.
The estate's holdings include several of the village's most celebrated climats, including Lavaux Saint-Jacques, Champeaux, Combe aux Moines and the Grand Cru Mazis-Chambertin. Together, this mosaic of parcels showcases the remarkable geological diversity of Gevrey's slopes, from hard limestone and stony scree to deeper marl soils. To this day, the Mortet name remains synonymous with the excellence of Gevrey-Chambertin and with an exceptionally precise interpretation of its historic terroirs.
Although the estate is not open to visitors, the village itself is well worth exploring, as despite its international reputation, Gevrey-Chambertin retains a remarkably tranquil atmosphere. For spectacular views, head up to the Hautes-Côtes, where you'll enjoy an exceptional panorama across the village's vineyards.
Stage 3 – Dujac, Morey-Saint-Denis, Côte de Nuits – Two MICHELIN grapes
Domaine Dujac is one of the great modern success stories of Burgundy. Its founder, Jacques Seysses, discovered his passion for the region's wines in the 1960s while working at the family-owned biscuit company Belin, and in 1967 he acquired the Domaine Graillet in Morey-Saint-Denis and established Domaine Dujac.
Starting with just a few hectares, he gradually assembled an exceptional vineyard estate. Today, the domaine has holdings in some of Burgundy's most celebrated vineyards, including Clos de la Roche, Clos Saint-Denis, Bonnes-Mares, Échezeaux, Charmes-Chambertin, Romanée-Saint-Vivant and Chambertin.
Established in a historic 17th-century residence in the heart of Morey-Saint-Denis, Domaine Dujac has become one of the benchmark estates of the Côte de Nuits. Jacques Seysses also played a significant role in shaping modern Burgundian viticulture, particularly through his work on soil management and the expression of Burgundy's climats. Since the early 2000s, his sons Alec and Jérémy Seysses have carried forward the family legacy. This domaine is not open to the public.
Stage 4 – Roumier, Chambolle-Musigny, Côte de Nuits – Three MICHELIN grapes
Founded in 1924 by Georges Roumier, this domaine was born of a family alliance that brought together several of the Côte de Nuits' most prestigious parcels. From the outset, Georges Roumier adopted a pioneering approach, bottling part of the estate's production himself – a practice that was still uncommon at the time.Over the generations, the estate has assembled an exceptional collection of vineyards, including several of Chambolle-Musigny's most important climats, as well as parcels in Bonnes-Mares, Musigny, Corton-Charlemagne, Ruchottes-Chambertin and Clos de Vougeot.
Since the 1980s, Christophe Roumier has led the domaine (not open to the public) and has played a major role in building its international reputation. Under his leadership, the property has become one of Burgundy's most respected estates. Despite its international acclaim, the estate retains its family-run character, with just 12 hectares spread across some of the Côte d'Or's most sought-after terroirs.
As for the village of Chambolle-Musigny, formerly under the authority of Cîteaux Abbey, the richness and quality of its terroir earned it one of France's first Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée in 1936. Nearly a century later, Chambolle-Musigny has lost none of its elegance. Its reputation rests on two Grands Crus: Bonnes-Mares, which extends into neighbouring Morey-Saint-Denis, and Musigny, whose vineyards occupy the upper slopes above Clos de Vougeot. The village is also home to the celebrated Premier Cru Les Amoureuses, one of the appellation's twenty-four Premiers Crus.
Stage 5 – Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Vosne-Romanée – Three MICHELIN grapes
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is renowned for its unique savoir-faire and a perfectly situated climat, which together produce what remains the world's most prestigious and expensive red wine, celebrated for its delicate notes of rose petals and wild rose.
Its origins date back to the 18th century, when Louis François de Bourbon, Prince of Conti and cousin of King Louis XV, acquired a celebrated parcel then known as ‘La Romanée’. The vineyard subsequently became known as Romanée-Conti. In 1869, Jacques-Marie Duvault-Blochet acquired Romanée-Conti and gradually brought together several of Vosne-Romanée's finest terroirs. This landmark acquisition marked the birth of the estate as we know it today. Through inheritance, these holdings later passed to the de Villaine family. Since 1942, two families have overseen this extraordinary estate: the de Villaine and Leroy-Roch families.
Today, the estate comprises around 25 hectares, all classified as Grand Cru – a unique situation in Burgundy. Its holdings include Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, Richebourg, Romanée-Saint-Vivant, Grands Échezeaux, Échezeaux, Montrachet and, more recently, Corton. No other domaine brings together such an exceptional collection of Grand Cru terroirs within a single estate.
Among them, Romanée-Conti holds a special place. Covering 1.81 hectares, this vineyard is a monopole, meaning it is owned entirely by a single proprietor. Nestled on an east-facing slope between La Romanée and Richebourg, it rests on shallow limestone-rich brown soils, rich in minerals and perfectly drained, perched over Jurassic bedrock. The exceptional geological setting, combined with its ideal exposure, helps explain the unique character of the site.
Although the estate is not open to visitors, stopping by the famous stone wall that borders the vineyard remains one of the highlights of any trip to Burgundy. Standing before these few rows of legendary vines, you quickly appreciate that Burgundy's climats are, above all, a story of place, family heritage and centuries of patient stewardship.
Its origins date back to the 18th century, when Louis François de Bourbon, Prince of Conti and cousin of King Louis XV, acquired a celebrated parcel then known as ‘La Romanée’. The vineyard subsequently became known as Romanée-Conti. In 1869, Jacques-Marie Duvault-Blochet acquired Romanée-Conti and gradually brought together several of Vosne-Romanée's finest terroirs. This landmark acquisition marked the birth of the estate as we know it today. Through inheritance, these holdings later passed to the de Villaine family. Since 1942, two families have overseen this extraordinary estate: the de Villaine and Leroy-Roch families.
Today, the estate comprises around 25 hectares, all classified as Grand Cru – a unique situation in Burgundy. Its holdings include Romanée-Conti, La Tâche, Richebourg, Romanée-Saint-Vivant, Grands Échezeaux, Échezeaux, Montrachet and, more recently, Corton. No other domaine brings together such an exceptional collection of Grand Cru terroirs within a single estate.
Among them, Romanée-Conti holds a special place. Covering 1.81 hectares, this vineyard is a monopole, meaning it is owned entirely by a single proprietor. Nestled on an east-facing slope between La Romanée and Richebourg, it rests on shallow limestone-rich brown soils, rich in minerals and perfectly drained, perched over Jurassic bedrock. The exceptional geological setting, combined with its ideal exposure, helps explain the unique character of the site.
Although the estate is not open to visitors, stopping by the famous stone wall that borders the vineyard remains one of the highlights of any trip to Burgundy. Standing before these few rows of legendary vines, you quickly appreciate that Burgundy's climats are, above all, a story of place, family heritage and centuries of patient stewardship.
Stage 6 – Joseph Drouhin, Beaune, Côte de Beaune – One MICHLIN grape
Founded in 1880 by Joseph Drouhin, a native of Chablis, this domaine quickly established itself in Beaune, Burgundy’s historic wine capital. By progressively acquiring vineyards and historic cellars in the town centre, the family built one of Burgundy’s most important wine houses. Today, the fourth generation leads the estate, which cultivates nearly 100 hectares across the entire Burgundy wine region, from Chablis to the Mâconnais. The house also owns several prestigious parcels, notably in Clos des Mouches, Montrachet, Musigny and Chambertin.Its underground cellars, some dating back to the 13th century, attest to Beaune’s architectural heritage, while for several decades the Drouhin family has been committed to an approach that focuses on preserving the Burgundian landscape and its biodiversity. The estate is open to the public by appointment only.
Stage 7 – Yvon Clerget, Pommard, Côte de Beaune – Selected
Present in Pommard for more than two centuries, the Clerget family is among the village’s historic lineages. Archives attest to their presence as early as the mid-19th century, but the family history stretches back several generations further. In 2015, after a period during which the vineyards were farmed under a lease, Thibaud Clerget officially relaunched the domaine under his own name. Trained at several leading estates in Burgundy and abroad, he has set about restoring full visibility to this family heritage.Today, the estate farms several notable parcels in Pommard, Volnay, Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. This diversity showcases a range of terroirs, from the ferruginous clay soils of Pommard to the limestone soils of the Côte de Beaune. The revival of Domaine Yvon Clerget is one of the most notable recent stories in Burgundy.
If you enjoy immersing yourself in nature, this is the moment to hop on your bike and wind your way along the small roads traversing the vineyards from village to village. With its gently rolling landscape typical of the Côte-d’Or, Pommard makes the perfect stop.
Stage 8 – Henri & Gilles Buisson, Saint-Romain, Côte de Beaune – One MICHELIN grape
The history of Domaine Buisson is deeply rooted in the village of Saint-Romain, where the family has been present for several generations. Officially established in the mid-20th century, the estate is now run by Franck and Frédérick Buisson, representing the sixth generation.
Situated in one of the highest villages in the Côte de Beaune, the estate cultivates vineyards on limestone slopes dominated by the Jurassic cliffs that shape the landscape of Saint-Romain. Over the years, the family has built up a portfolio of parcels across Saint-Romain, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet and Auxey-Duresses.
Open to the public by appointment, the estate has played a key role in showcasing Saint-Romain’s high-altitude terroirs, long overshadowed by its more prestigious Côte de Beaune neighbours.
Stage 9 – Domaine des Comtes Lafon, Meursault, Côte de Beaune – Two MICHELIN grapes
In 1869, Jules Lafon acquired several properties in Meursault following his marriage to Marie Boch. This union marked the birth of one of the Côte de Beaune’s most emblematic domaines.The estate took on a new dimension under René Lafon and, more significantly, Dominique Lafon, who has led it since the 1980s. Under his stewardship, the estate became one of Meursault’s leading references.
The domaine’s holdings include many of the village’s most renowned climats: Perrières, Charmes and Genevrières, as well as parcels in Volnay and Montrachet. To this day, it remains closely associated with Meursault’s identity and the preservation of its great limestone terroirs. This estate is not open to the public.
Stage 10 – Domaine Leflaive, Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune – Two MICHELIN grapes
As you approach Puligny and Chassagne, you’ll notice the landscape shift. Ahead, the rocky Mont Pelé hill may appear modest, yet it is a terroir of extraordinary richness. It is within this landscape that Puligny and Chassagne share the privilege of producing the world’s greatest dry white wine under the Montrachet appellation. Legend has it that the close yet competitive relationship between the two villages is what has helped elevate it to such a height of excellence.Domaine Leflaive’s story dates back to 1717, but it was in the early 20th century that Joseph Leflaive laid the foundations of the modern estate. A former engineering graduate of the École des Mines, he set about rebuilding a wine heritage severely damaged by the phylloxera crisis.
His descendants continued this work, gradually building one of Puligny-Montrachet’s most prestigious estates. Today, the domaine cultivates around 24 hectares, including several emblematic Grand Cru sites: Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet.
A pivotal moment came in the 1990s under Anne-Claude Leflaive. A leading figure in modern viticulture, she steered the domaine towards biodynamic farming, a pioneering move that has had a lasting influence on Burgundy’s vineyards. Today, Domaine Leflaive remains one of the most renowned ambassadors of Puligny-Montrachet’s wine heritage. This estate is not open to the public.
Stage 11 – Jean-Marc Vincent, Santenay, Côte de Beaune – Two MICHELIN grapes
You have now reached the end of the Route des Grands Crus, where Santenay greets you with its lively, dynamic atmosphere. Known as a destination for leisure and sport, the town offers a wide range of activities to round off your journey along Burgundy’s most famous road in style.
Whether you are drawn to thrills such as paragliding from Mont de Sène or prefer a more relaxed stroll around the Place du Jet d’Eau, Santenay also offers plenty of refined and welcoming places to eat and drink. One village highlight is the charming Moulin Sorine, dating from the 19th century – the only windmill in the region still in operation.
Founded in 1997 by Jean-Marc Vincent and Anne-Marie Lafarge, the Domaine Jean-Marc Vincent belongs to a generation of winemakers who have profoundly reshaped perceptions of the southern Côte de Beaune’s terroirs. Based in Santenay, the estate cultivates just over six hectares across several Côte de Beaune appellations. This deliberately modest scale allows for a highly precise approach to the work on each parcel.
Over the years, Jean-Marc Vincent has focused on revealing the potential of climats that are sometimes less celebrated than those of neighbouring villages, showcasing the full geological and landscape richness of Burgundy. This domaine (not open to the public) has gradually established itself as one of the leading lights of this new generation of Burgundian vignerons, dedicated to showcasing terroirs and passing on the region’s wine heritage.
Whether you are drawn to thrills such as paragliding from Mont de Sène or prefer a more relaxed stroll around the Place du Jet d’Eau, Santenay also offers plenty of refined and welcoming places to eat and drink. One village highlight is the charming Moulin Sorine, dating from the 19th century – the only windmill in the region still in operation.
Founded in 1997 by Jean-Marc Vincent and Anne-Marie Lafarge, the Domaine Jean-Marc Vincent belongs to a generation of winemakers who have profoundly reshaped perceptions of the southern Côte de Beaune’s terroirs. Based in Santenay, the estate cultivates just over six hectares across several Côte de Beaune appellations. This deliberately modest scale allows for a highly precise approach to the work on each parcel.
Over the years, Jean-Marc Vincent has focused on revealing the potential of climats that are sometimes less celebrated than those of neighbouring villages, showcasing the full geological and landscape richness of Burgundy. This domaine (not open to the public) has gradually established itself as one of the leading lights of this new generation of Burgundian vignerons, dedicated to showcasing terroirs and passing on the region’s wine heritage.
Hero Image: The panorama across a parcel of vines at Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Meursault. © Michel Joly/Domaine des Comtes Lafon
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