8 Family-Friendly Activities in Burgundy, France

Burgundy (or “Bourgogne” in French) boasts renowned vineyards, stunning chateaux, ancient abbeys, and a variety of robust cheeses—elements that typically appeal more to adults than children.

While this region may not top the list for family vacations, it certainly offers plenty for kids to enjoy. Adults planning a wine-tasting getaway can easily include family-friendly activities that keep younger travelers engaged. Here’s what to know about visiting Burgundy with children.

Is Burgundy a family-friendly destination?

With its picturesque landscapes perfect for cycling, numerous parks, and a wealth of outdoor adventures, Burgundy has a variety of activities that cater to the entire family.

While not every restaurant provides high chairs or changing facilities, the atmosphere toward children dining out is generally friendly. Typical children’s menus often feature steak haché et frites (minced steak and fries) or various croque monsieur options. In establishments without a dedicated kids' menu, staff are usually happy to prepare a half portion (demi portion) of any main dish. A local favorite is boeuf bourguignon—a beef, mushroom, and bacon stew typically served with pasta or mashed potatoes—which my kids have always enjoyed.

What are the best family-friendly spots in Burgundy?

Burgundy is a vast region, and your choice of location depends on the activities you wish to pursue. Dijon, being a walkable city, serves as an excellent base for families with babies and very young children, who will enjoy the historic carousel and city trail, as well as the fossil-filled museum in Jardin de l’Arquebuse. For older kids seeking outdoor adventures, the Jura near the Swiss border and the Morvan are designated as parcs naturel régional (regional nature parks) and offer a range of active pursuits, such as canoeing, biking, and climbing.

Top Activities for Toddlers

Explore the Owl Trail in Dijon

Keep your toddler entertained and active by exploring Dijon’s Owl Trail (Parcours de la chouette). Follow the small triangular bronze markers set in the historic cobbled streets, which create a route through the city featuring 22 stops, each marked by larger rectangular plaques. Don't forget to visit rue de la Chouette and rub the stone owl sculpture at Église Notre Dame for a sprinkle of happiness and wisdom.

Best Activities for Elementary School Children

Discover the inner workings of a “medieval” castle nestled in the northeast forests of Burgundy.

Located about 40km (25 miles) west of Auxerre is Guédelon, a fascinating construction site. Since 1997, a group of 40 builders has been reconstructing a castle using only the materials and techniques available during medieval times. You can tour the site, engage with artisans, or participate in a stone carving workshop, gaining a captivating insight into life in the Middle Ages.

Discover some caves

There are numerous prehistoric caves to explore, with guided tours lasting between 75 and 90 minutes. Stroll alongside an underground river at Grottes d’Azé, located about 20km (12 miles) north of Mâcon, where you’ll find rare skeletons of cave lions and bears. Approximately 30km (19 miles) south of Auxerre, les Grottes d’Arcy feature cave paintings that are believed to be 28,000 years old, while just 13km (8 miles) from Cluny are les Grottes de Blanot, where you can explore up to 80m (262ft) underground.

Experience battle reenactments at Alésia

Alésia is thought by archaeologists to be the location where Vercingétorix, the leader of the Gaulish alliance, was besieged by Julius Caesar in 52 BCE. Discover this history at the MuséoParc Alésia, a spacious modern interpretive center offering interactive activities, workshops for kids, and engaging reenactments. Just a few kilometers away, explore the Gallo-Roman ruins of a village from that era and gaze at the impressive 6.6m-tall (22ft) copper statue of Vercingétorix himself.

Visit the vehicle museums at Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune

While castles and historic estates may not captivate every child, if anyone in your family is passionate about cars, planes, or even space satellites, you won’t want to miss the extensive collection at Château de Savigny-lès-Beaune. Marvel at rare Abarth race cars, explore one of the largest collections of fighter jets in the world, or take a look at the vintage farming equipment housed within the château.

Enjoy outdoor activities at a nature park or take a fun ride

Many of the quaint villages in Burgundy boast outdoor gyms, football fields, or basketball courts. For a more organized experience, visit Diverti’Parc in Toulon-sur-Arroux, a lovely rural park that celebrates nature with stone labyrinths and bamboo mazes. For a bit of amusement park excitement, check out Parc des Combes near Le Creusot, which features a steam train, log flume, and Ferris wheel.

Top activities for tweens and teens

Explore one of Burgundy’s scenic cycling routes

The region boasts serene cycling paths perfect for families. You can embark on a multi-day bike ride along the Voie Bleue, which follows the Saône River to Mâcon, or take a leisurely ride through the vineyards on the Voies des Vignes near Beaune, where your only companions will be other cyclists and the occasional vineyard tractor. Grab a voies vertes et velotourisme (greenways and cycling routes) map at any tourist information center, or check out the France Vélo Tourisme website to explore routes suited to your cycling skill level.

Visit an acro park or a water park

Derived from the Greek word akro, meaning 'high,' acro parks in France are ideal for adventurous tweens and teens. Equip them with safety harnesses and let them climb through the treetops, often culminating in a thrilling long zipline descent. Acro parks can be found near Givry, Cluny, and Curley, about 27km (17 miles) south of Dijon. For a splash of fun, consider the big slides at Aquaparc Isis near Dole or the outdoor natural pools with slides and climbing walls at Beaune Côté Plage.

Helpful planning advice

While the region has a reliable train network, it's truly best explored by car. If train travel is necessary, note that children under four can ride for free.

In the larger towns, navigating the sidewalks with a stroller is easy, but once you venture into the villages and vineyards, you may find the quality of sidewalks (where they exist) diminishes. If you plan to hike or walk in these areas with a baby, it's advisable to bring a carrier instead.

You can find baby food, diapers, formula, and children's clothing at any major supermarket chain (Carrefour, Leclerc, Lidl). Just be mindful that smaller stores might close for an hour during lunchtime, and many remain shut all day on Sundays.