Car Hire in Dijon — Wine Roads, Mustard, and Medieval Grandeur
Car hire in Dijon places you in the heart of Burgundy, one of France's most prestigious wine regions and a city with genuine historic character beyond its famous condiment. The Palace of the Dukes, the Notre-Dame church with its Gothic gargoyles, and the covered market all reward exploration. But Dijon's real value as a base lies in what surrounds it: vineyards, châteaux, and some of the most celebrated gastronomy in France. With a rental car, you can drive the Route des Grands Crus south through the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, visit the abbey at Fontenay, explore the Morvan hills, or simply stop at domaines for tastings that would be impossible by public transport. Burgundy is a region that reveals itself slowly, and a car gives you the time and flexibility to see it properly.
A car is essential for Burgundy wine tourism because the Route des Grands Crus and the region's top domaines are scattered along rural D roads with no meaningful bus service. The A31 autoroute connects Dijon to Paris and Lyon, but the real joy of driving here is on the smaller roads that wind through vineyards and villages. Rental pickups in Dijon are concentrated near the railway station and in central commercial areas. The historic centre is largely pedestrianised, so plan your approach carefully. Parking is available in underground facilities near the centre and at tram stops on the outskirts.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté / Côte-d'Or
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Dijon-Bourgogne, Lyon-Saint-Exupéry
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A31, A39 autoroutes
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Route des Grands Crus, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Burgundian gastronomy
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Pick up near the station
The area around Gare de Dijon-Ville has the widest selection of rental suppliers and easy access to the A31. It is a practical base if you are arriving by train and want to start driving immediately. The historic centre is a short walk or tram ride away.
Stay central, park on the edge
Dijon's historic centre is beautiful but not designed for cars. If you stay in the old town, you will need to use peripheral parking and walk in. This works well for visitors who want to explore the city on foot and use the car only for wine-route day trips.
Plan the handover, price and first drive
Dijon is a city that rewards slow exploration. The Palace of the Dukes, with its mix of medieval, Renaissance, and 19th-century architecture, dominates the centre. The Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in the palace, contains works by Veronese, Rubens, and Monet. The narrow streets around Rue des Forges preserve a medieval atmosphere that feels genuinely lived-in rather than touristified.
But Dijon's greatest gift to visitors is its location. South of the city, the Route des Grands Crus unfolds like a lesson in French civilisation. The vineyards climb gentle slopes, the villages are impossibly pretty, and the names on the road signs — Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, Puligny-Montrachet — read like a wine list from a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Driving this route is a privilege and a responsibility. The roads are narrow, the tourists plentiful, and the local drivers know every bend. Take your time, stop at the viewpoints, and accept that you cannot do justice to the entire route in a single day. Better to cover less ground and savour more.
Burgundy is not a region to rush. With a car, you can adapt your plans to the weather, the opening hours of a particular domaine, or simply the impulse to stop at a village market. Dijon gives you the base; the roads give you the freedom. Together they create one of France's most complete travel experiences.
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- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
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Practical planning before departure
Wine route driving
The Route des Grands Crus follows the D974 from Dijon through Gevrey-Chambertin, Vosne-Romanée, and Vougeot to Beaune. The road is narrow and busy with tourists in summer. Allow extra time and stop frequently — the best experiences are at small domaines along the way.
Tasting room etiquette
Many Burgundy domaines require advance appointments, especially for prestigious producers. Smaller family-run operations are often more flexible. Sundays and public holidays can be quiet in the wine villages.
Morvan regional park
West of Dijon, the Morvan hills offer a complete change of landscape — forests, lakes, and traditional villages. The roads are winding and scenic, with far fewer tourists than the wine route. It is ideal for a relaxed day of driving and walking.
Parking in Beaune
If you drive the Route des Grands Crus to Beaune, parking near the centre is limited. Use the car parks on the edge of the old town and walk to the Hôtel-Dieu and the main tasting cellars.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: France official tourism information.
Build a realistic first journey
Dijon to Beaune via the Route des Grands Crus
Drive the D974 south through the most famous names in Burgundy wine. Gevrey-Chambertin, Morey-Saint-Denis, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée — each village produces wines that command global prices. Stop at the Château du Clos de Vougeot, a medieval winery still in production. The route ends at Beaune, Burgundy's wine capital.
Dijon to Fontenay Abbey
Head northwest to the UNESCO-listed Cistercian abbey of Fontenay, one of the best-preserved monastic sites in France. The Romanesque church, cloisters, and gardens are remarkably intact. Continue to Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, a beautiful village famous for aniseed sweets.
Dijon to the Morvan hills
Drive west into the Morvan regional park, a landscape of forests, lakes, and gentle hills. The village of Vézelay, with its hilltop basilica, is one of France's most striking sights. The roads are quiet and the pace is slow — a complete contrast to the busy wine route.
Dijon to Lyon
Take the A39 south toward Lyon, France's gastronomic capital. The route passes through the Bresse region, famous for chicken and cheese. Lyon itself deserves a full day — the old town, the traboules, and the bouchon restaurants are essential experiences.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a car for Burgundy wine tasting?
Yes. The Route des Grands Crus and most top domaines are not accessible by public transport. A car is essential for serious wine exploration.
What is the best time to visit Burgundy?
Harvest season (September) is atmospheric but busy. Spring and autumn offer good weather, fewer crowds, and more relaxed tastings. Winter is quiet but some domaines close.
Can I visit Lyon from Dijon?
Yes, Lyon is timing that varies with traffic and conditions south by autoroute. It makes an excellent extension to a Burgundy trip, or a day trip for confident drivers.
Is Burgundy expensive?
Accommodation and dining vary widely. The wine route villages can be pricey in peak season, but the Morvan and smaller towns offer excellent value. Tastings at smaller domaines are often free or modestly priced.
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