Food and drink in Burgundy

The importance of gastronomy in French culture is well known. Burgundy is an excellent example of this, thanks to its reputation for its rich gastronomic heritage. With traditional dishes, regional produce and recipes that have become legendary in French cuisine, Burgundy has plenty to satisfy your taste buds during your stay!

 First and foremost, Burgundy is home to some exceptional regional products, such as the famous ‘Dijon mustard’, which dates back to the 18th century and has become the mustard of choice in France. Another well-known regional product from Burgundy is gingerbread. More specifically, this speciality is called ‘nonettes de Dijon’, small gingerbreads filled with orange marmalade and honey. The name refers to the fact that this speciality was once made by nuns in convents during the reign of the Dukes of Burgundy.

Many traditional recipes and dishes originate in Burgundy. Some are even classics, emblematic of French gastronomy.

Bœuf bourguignon is one of these dishes, embodying gastronomic culture. A dish of beef braised in red wine and served with a garnish of onions, mushrooms, carrots, and bacon. Don't hesitate to head for a restaurant in a charming little village to sample this culinary speciality.

Another traditional dish from the region is the famous Burgundy snails. You could even say that they are a must-try in French gastronomy, as tourists from all over the world come to France to taste snails! In fact, this emblematic dish originated in Burgundy. Butter, chopped parsley and crushed garlic accompany this traditional dish to make it a gastronomic icon.

A little background information: in 1814, during a dinner between the King of France Louis XVIII and Tsar Alexander I, then Emperor of Russia, snails stuffed with butter were served as part of the meal and won over the guests, helping to make the dish famous! 

What would French gastronomy be without the famous French cheese? Burgundy has around thirty varieties.

The emblematic cheese of Burgundy is Epoisses, a strong, tangy cheese made from whole cow's milk, with a soft, creamy texture. In September 2023, Epoisses from the Berthaut cheese dairy even won the title of best cheese in the world!

Finally, a gastronomic must-have from Burgundy is the kir! A well-known aperitif in France, it originated with the creation of crème de cassis. Its real cultivation began in 1841, when a liqueur manufacturer in Dijon first produced a liqueur worthy of the name using a new recipe, a maceration of blackcurrant berries in alcohol with sugar. This gave rise to a traditional aperitif, composed of one third crème de cassis and two thirds white wine.