Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in , Burgundy!

Route des Grands Crus

Why Visit?

Wheelchair Accessible Tour of Route des Grands Crus

Day 1: Dijon – The Gateway to Burgundy’s Vineyards

Start your journey in the historical city of Dijon, accessible via high-speed TGV from major French cities. Dijon offers well-paved, flat pathways perfect for wheelchairs and scooters. Explore the Palais des Ducs, featuring an accessible museum with lifts. Enjoy a taste of local culture with a wheelchair-friendly guided tour, uncovering the secrets of mustard production in one of Dijon’s accessible mustard shops.

Day 2: Beaune – Heart of Wine Country

Travel to Beaune, around 45 minutes from Dijon via an accessible minivan service. Beaune is renowned for the Hospices de Beaune, where a portable ramp and elevator make this historic hospital and its famed tiled roof accessible. After your visit, explore local wineries such as Domaine Chanson. They offer accessible tasting rooms and an elevator, ensuring every guest can enjoy their exquisite Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Day 3: Rolling Through the Vineyards

No visit to the Route des Grands Crus is complete without experiencing the vineyards up close. Many local companies offer accessible vineyard tours with adaptive transport options, allowing you to roll through the vines and soak in the picturesque landscapes. A stop at Château de Pommard, which offers an accessible tour complete with tactile experiences and aromatic discovery workshops, enhances your wine knowledge.

Day 4: Nuits-Saint-Georges

Your final stop is in Nuits-Saint-Georges, easily reached by an accessible shuttle. Dive into a sensory wine tasting session at Clos de Vougeot, where ramps and an accessible path ensure everyone can explore the ancient wine presses and the grand cellar.

Conclusion

Each evening, unwind in wheelchair-friendly accommodations, offering roll-in showers and ample space, ensuring a comfortable and refreshing rest. The Route des Grands Crus welcomes all wine lovers, ensuring accessibility is a priority, paving the way for unforgettable experiences amidst the vines.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Dijon Ducal Palace (Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour of Dijon Ducal Palace (Palais des Ducs et des Etats de Bourgogne)

Embark on a captivating journey through history at the Dijon Ducal Palace, a gem nestled in the heart of Burgundy. This former seat of the Dukes of Burgundy combines majestic architecture with rich political and cultural heritage, promising a memorable experience for all, including those with mobility needs.

Getting There

Dijon is well-connected by train from major cities like Paris and Lyon. From Dijon station, the palace is easily accessible via a short ride on the wheelchair-friendly Tram Line T1 or T2, disembarking at the "Godrans" stop which is just a few minutes" walk to the palace. Alternatively, accessible taxis are available for a more direct route.

Touring the Palace

Start your tour at the striking Palace of the States, featuring spacious courtyards and ramps ensuring smooth navigation for wheelchairs and scooters. The main highlight, Tour Philippe le Bon, offers an adapted entrance with an elevator to accommodate all visitors, leading you directly into the heart of this historical marvel.

As you explore, don"t miss the Museum of Fine Arts, housed within the palace itself. It boasts an impressive collection from the Renaissance to modern times and is fully accessible, with elevators between floors and spacious galleries.

Interesting Facts

- The palace’s architecture is a showcase of Gothic and Renaissance styles, reflecting Dijon’s importance in medieval times.

- The tower offers panoramic views of Dijon, which, although not accessible by wheelchair, can be enjoyed through a virtual tour available at the visitor center.

Concluding Your Visit

Relax and reflect on your visit at the palace’s accessible café, which offers sumptuous local cuisine with a view of the palace gardens. The surrounding area of Dijon also features numerous accessible restaurants and shops, perfect for concluding your historical outing.

This wheelchair-friendly tour promises a seamless blend of accessibility and adventure in one of France’s most illustrious cities.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Dijon Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Benignus of Dijon)

Why Visit?

Welcome to the enchanting city of Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, where historical marvels meet accessible adventures! Embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the majestic Dijon Cathedral, a gem that"s not only a visual delight but also welcoming to all, including those in wheelchairs and on mobile scooters.

Starting the Day: Arrival at Dijon Cathedral

Begin your tour at the Dijon Cathedral (Cathedral of Saint Benignus of Dijon), an awe-inspiring site originally built in the 14th century. It stands on the site of a 6th-century church and a subsequent Romanesque church, making it a place steeped in rich layers of history. The cathedral is fully accessible, with ramps available at the entrance to welcome everyone without hindrance.

Navigating the Cathedral

Once inside, you’ll find that the main areas, including the nave and the ambulatory, are wheelchair accessible, offering a stress-free experience as you admire the stunning Gothic architecture. Don’t miss the crypt, accessible by a specially installed lift, where you can view the relics of Saint Benignus, the patron saint of Dijon, who was martyred in the 3rd century.

Exploring Around

Post your cathedral visit, take a leisurely stroll (or roll) around the cathedral’s vicinity. The surrounding area is well-paved and mostly flat, making it easy for wheelchairs and scooters to maneuver. Enjoy the charming streets of Dijon, lined with quaint shops and cozy cafes where you can grab a bite or sip some locally brewed coffee.

Getting There

To get to Dijon Cathedral, you can use the well-equipped public transportation system. Buses in Dijon are wheelchair-friendly, and the nearest bus stop is just a short walk from the cathedral. If you’re driving, designated parking spaces are available nearby for easy access.

This wheelchair-friendly tour of Dijon Cathedral not only offers a dive into gothic grandeur but also ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for those with mobility challenges. Enjoy your visit to this splendid historical monument, where every path leads to awe and every corner tells a story.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Rue des Forges

Why Visit?

Discover the charming Rue des Forges in the heart of Dijon with our meticulously crafted wheelchair-and-scooter-friendly itinerary.

Morning

Begin your day at the Place Darcy, easily accessible via the tram (stop: Darcy). From here, venture into the pedestrian-friendly heart of Dijon, heading towards Rue des Forges. Enjoy the smooth, flat surfaces as you traverse this historic street. Your first stop is the Maison Millière, a medieval timber house. The ground floor of this iconic building, featured in the film "Cyrano de Bergerac," is accessible and houses a quaint café where you can savor a traditional French breakfast.

Midday

Continue your journey to the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, a mere 5-minute roll away. The palace"s Cour de Bar features a level entrance, and the Fine Arts Museum here offers accessible entrances and elevators. Dive into Burgundy"s rich history through meticulously preserved art and artifacts. Don"t miss the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy, known for their intricate sculptures.

Afternoon

As lunch approaches, roll down to the nearby Place François Rude, where you can enjoy local cuisine at one of the accessible restaurants surrounding the square. Post-lunch, explore the boutiques and chocolate shops back on Rue des Forges. Many shops have step-free access, making it easy to browse and buy local specialties like the famous Dijon mustard.

Evening

End your day with a scenic roll through the Jardin de l"Arquebuse, a botanical garden and park accessible by tram (stop: Foch-Gare). Paved pathways make it easy to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility.

Throughout your tour, Rue des Forges and its surrounding areas blend historical allure with modern accessibility, ensuring a delightful and hassle-free experience for wheelchair and scooter users.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Hôtel de Vogüé

Why Visit?

Explore the timeless elegance of Dijon with a captivating visit to the Hôtel de Vogüé, a stunning example of 17th-century French architecture, fully accessible and a delight for visitors on wheels.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day with an amble through Dijon"s well-paved streets towards the Hôtel de Vogüé. Located in the heart of the city at 8 Rue de la Chouette, the hotel is easily accessible by public transport. The nearest tram stop is "Godrans", just a short, smooth ride from Dijon station. From there, it’s an easy and flat 5-minute roll to the hotel.

As you approach, the Renaissance façade of Hôtel de Vogüé, built in 1614, invites admiration. The entrance and main rooms are wheelchair accessible, allowing you to admire the intricate coffered ceilings and richly paneled walls. Informational plaques are thoughtfully placed at a readable height, offering insights into the building"s historical and architectural significance.

Lunch Break: Local Cuisine

For lunch, head to "La Cloche", a nearby restaurant offering local Burgundy specialties with accessible entrance and seating. Savor traditional dishes like "œufs en meurette" (poached eggs in red wine sauce) that mirror the region"s rich gastronomy.

Afternoon: Musée des Beaux-Arts

Post-lunch, make your way to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, around a 10-minute roll from Hôtel de Vogüé. The museum is praised for its accessibility, featuring ramps and lifts throughout. Dive into Dijon"s artistic heritage with masterpieces ranging from medieval to modern times.

Evening Wrap-up

Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll back to the city center, soaking in the atmosphere of Dijon’s historic streets. As the sun sets, the pedestrian areas near Place François Rude become a picturesque spot to reflect on a day steeped in culture and history.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.