What's On in Burgundy

Numerous events, festivals and other happenings contribute to the cultural life of the region. Here are a few of the most important, according to the month in which they take place:

- January: Saint Vincent Tournante. Every year at the end of January, a festival celebrating Saint-Vincent, the patron saint of winegrowers, is held in a host town, featuring a Burgundy appellation, traditional music and shows, and wine and local produce tastings!

- March: Fête du Crémant et du Tape-chaudrons. A festive and convivial event in Châtillon-sur-Seine, combining the worlds of wine and carnival, with colorful parades of floats, musicians, and disguised groups. What's more, whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply a wine lover, numerous winemakers will be on hand to help you discover these prestigious wines during tastings.

- April: Salon des vins de Mâcon. This is one of the biggest wine-tasting shows in France. It brings together over 90 wine stands from all over France, offering a wide range of appellations for wine lovers.

- May: Fleurs de vignes. Usually held on the last weekend of May, this festival takes place in Auxerre and showcases local-style catering, tastings and entertainment along the banks of the Yonne.

- June: Climats Month. Every year, to celebrate the inclusion of the “climats” on the UNESCO World Heritage list, a regional festival is organized with hundreds of events from Dijon to the south of Beaune throughout the month of June. With guided tours, walks, shows, exhibitions and tastings, this is one of Burgundy's must-see events.

- July: International Baroque and Romantic Opera Festival. A benchmark festival in the world of opera, held in Beaune at prestigious venues such as the courtyard of the Hospices de Beaune.       

           Les Zaccros de ma rue. This festival usually takes place at the beginning of July in Nevers. It features remarkable street shows, magic, theater, and burlesque circuses.

- August : Grandes Heures de Cluny. This prestigious festival organizes numerous classical music concerts on the grounds of Cluny Abbey.

            Rencontres musicales de Vézelay. A festival of music from dawn to dusk in Vézelay's unusual venues, from small village churches to concerts in the famous UNESCO basilica of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine.

- September: Livres en vignes. A book festival offering the chance to meet numerous authors, but also highlighting wine and gastronomy, as it takes place at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, renowned for its wine-growing.

- November: Hospices de Beaune wine auction. Quite simply the most famous charity wine auction in the world! Since 1859, this charity auction has taken place every third weekend in November, and is followed by a host of festivities including street shows, a folk parade and even a half-marathon through the streets and vineyards of Beaune.