10 days in Burgundy and areas in France near Geneva Itinerary

Posted by Sandy F (Clifton, VA) on 09/01/24 10:13 PM

Looking for help in simplifying my itinerary for our trip to Switzerland and France in October 2024. We will be spending 10 days in Switzerland and then 10 days in France, arriving and returning home out of Geneva. We plan to travel by car while in France, and open to train as well.

With 10 days to see Burgundy and surrounding areas of France near Geneva, where would be a good “home base” to visit wine country: Beaune, Lyon, Dijon, other?

Are Annecy and Chamonix worth an overnight visit within our 10 days?

I appreciate any advice this knowledge forum can offer!

Posted by balso

Paris

09/02/24 07:10 AM

7258 posts

Annecy is definitely worth 2 nights, and perhaps 3 to you want to explore more leisurely. Chamonix is skippable if you have been to the high Alps in Switzerland in the same trip.
With the remaining 7-8 nights in Burgundy, I would split my stay between Beaune and somewhere further north like Semur-en-Auxois, Noyers, Chablis...

Posted by Matt

Somerville, MA

09/02/24 11:02 AM

637 posts

I recommend spending 6 nights around or in Beaune, then 2 nights in chamonix and 2 nights annecy. The drive from annecy to Geneva airport is easy (I’ve done it to catch a flight before). I think 10 days in burgundy is a bit long and chamomile and annecy are both fun. 7 nights to accommodate a weekly rental would be the longest I would recommend.

I prefer Beaune to the larger cities. If you want to stay in a small wine village I can recommend this place https://www.lacombotte.com/ they have a b&b and a gite in the middle of some of the most famous wine towns.

While in burgundy I recommend a day trip to Arbois in the Jura. Check out the cascades des tufts, Comte cheese and their odd but delicious white wine.

Matt

Posted by Sandy F OP

Clifton, VA

09/02/24 03:45 PM

11 posts

Thank you for your great advice and lodging recommendations! Any specific wine tours you recommend?

Posted by Judy

Long Beach, Ca, usa

09/02/24 04:39 PM

1124 posts

Sandy F,
A visit to Fontenay Abbey would be a good way to spend a day, if you don't feel the drive from Beaune is too long.

Posted by Elizabeth formerly Bets

L'Occitanie, France

09/02/24 05:01 PM

10510 posts

Beaune and somewhere further north like Semur-en-Auxois, Noyers, Chablis...

I agree with Balso because you're coming from Switzerland. If you want wine tasting, then Chablis. There are a couple of other delineated areas of reds near there.
Visit to Vezelay Abbey and the village of Montréale, Guedelon a castle in construction, Chateau d'Ancy le Franc, Chateau de Tanlay. Auxerre. Three to four nights.

Six-seven nights in southern Burgundy for the wine routes, Dijon, Macon, Souloutré, Autun, and other sights.