Welcome to Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, a tapestry of lush vineyards, forest-covered plateaus, medieval towns, and cliffside fortresses that invite you to slow down, soak in the local culture, and dive into a mouthwatering itinerary. This is a region where vacation rentals become the gateway to truly living like a local—whether you’re craving a charming gîte near rolling hills, a modern apartment in a bustling city center, or a spacious farmhouse perfect for a family reunion. From the sunlit vineyards of Burgundy to the alpine-air charm of Franche-Comté, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is an experience-focused playground for travelers who want to mix great digs with unforgettable activities.
Top destinations for vacation rentals in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
When you’re hunting for vacation rentals, holiday rentals, or a cozy house to call your own for a few days, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté offers a diverse mix of towns, valleys, and elevated viewpoints. You’ll find everything from intimate cottages hidden in vineyards to grand houses with panoramic views over ancienne towns. Use these destinations as anchors for your itinerary, then search for the perfect home away from home on searchandstay.com to compare options, read reviews, and lock in a stay that fits your dates and budget.
Dijon: mustard, marble boulevards, and a culinary gateway
Dijon is not just a city; it’s a living postcard of Burgundy’s rich history and refined cuisine. A vacation rental here puts you steps away from the Palais des Ducs, the stunning Ducal Palace square, and the grand St. Benigne Cathedral. In the morning, wander the market halls brimming with Dijon mustards, black currants, and fresh produce. In the afternoon, sip a glass of Burgundy wine on a shady terrace, then plan a walking route that threads through historic streets and hidden courtyards. When you rent a house in Dijon or nearby villages, you’ll enjoy easy access to gourmet cooking classes, cheese tastings, and intimate winery visits—perfect for food lovers seeking an authentic, hands-on Burgundy experience.
Beaune and the Côte de Beaune: wine country living
Beaune is the heart of Burgundy’s wine route. Staying in a vacation rental here means waking up to vineyard views, rolling into cellar-door tastings, and exploring the UNESCO-listed Hospices de Beaune. Look for a characterful townhouse close to the historic center or a winery domaine with a private terrace. Whether you’re a family seeking comfort after a day of wine-tasting adventures or a couple looking for romance among ancient stone walls, Beaune offers a cadence that makes every day feel like a small celebration. Don’t miss a bicycle ride along quiet backroads that wind between cellars and medieval towns—your rental becomes the perfect base for slow exploration and spontaneous discoveries.
Auxerre, Avallon, and the Yonne countryside: historic charm and riverside strolls
In Auxerre and Avallon, narrow lanes, Romanesque churches, and riverside promenades set a serene backdrop for a memorable stay. A river-view holiday rental lets you savor calm mornings with croissants and coffee, followed by afternoon markets and artisan shops. The surrounding countryside is dotted with chalky cliffs, troglodyte routes, and stone farms that invite a hands-on vacation—think cheese-making workshops, bread-baking experiences, and farm-to-table dinners hosted by local families.
Besançon and the Doubs valley: fortress towns and river adventures
Besançon sits at the confluence of history and nature, with the Vauban fortress perched above the Doubs river and a charming old town to wander after sunset. When you rent a house here, you’re steps from scenic hikes, canoeing on the Doubs, and markets filled with local produce and handmade crafts. Seasonal visitors will appreciate the surrounding nature reserves, which turn a simple rental into a launchpad for day trips to waterfalls, caves, and panoramic viewpoints that reveal the region’s natural splendor.
Jura and the Franche-Comté highlands: wine, water, and watchful skies
The Jura mountains and the Jura wine region deliver a refreshing blend of Alpine air, crystalline lakes, and distinctive VIN JURA style wines such as Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille. A vacation rental in Arbois, Salins-les-Bains, or nearby villages offers easy access to wine caves, seasonal markets, and thermal springs. For families and outdoor lovers, the Jura’s lakes and forests provide days of hiking, cycling, and picnicking suiting all ages, followed by evenings in cozy inns or a private deck overlooking the vineyards.
Morvan Regional Natural Park: rural scenery and outdoor immersion
The Morvan is a vast playground of rolling forests, quartzite hills, and tranquil lakes. Renting a house near the Morvan gives you access to hiking trails, kayaking on still waters, and star-filled skies after long days of exploration. Farm stays here often include fresh-picked produce and the chance to meet local artisans, making your stay both immersive and restorative.
Châtel or Métabief and Haute-Sorne: winter sports and alpine escapes
In winter, the Jura region comes alive with skiing, snowshoeing, and cozy fireside evenings. A ski chalet or a family-friendly apartment near Métabief makes it easy to hit the slopes, then return to a warm, welcoming home with friends or family. The après-ski scene in small mountain towns blends traditional cuisine with modern comfort, offering a balanced taste of Franche-Comté hospitality.
Where to stay: house, vacation rentals, and holiday homes
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté’s accommodation landscape is wonderfully diverse. Whether you want a storybook cottage in a vineyard village, a sleek city apartment near a vibrant market, or a spacious family house with a garden where kids can run free, you’ll find a range of options that suit every taste and budget. The region is particularly welcoming to families, solo travelers, couples seeking romance, and groups looking for a shared, sociable base. When you search for lodging, think about proximity to the activities you love—vineyard tours, bike routes, thermal spas, and food markets—and you’ll be able to curate an itinerary that makes your stay feel seamless.
Farm stays and rural gîtes
For an authentic countryside experience, farm stays and rural gîtes are ideal. Wake to the sound of birds, harvest fresh eggs, and participate in a seasonal cooking class using local produce. Many rural accommodations come with terraces or courtyards, perfect for evenings of stargazing and wine. These stays often provide kitchen access, making it easy to prepare a simple meal with ingredients bought at nearby markets—a true taste of regional life.
Châteaux, manor houses, and boutique properties
If you’re celebrating a milestone or simply craving a touch of grandeur, switch to a château or a boutique house with architectural character. Expect high ceilings, antique furnishings, and well-manicured grounds. These properties frequently offer larger living spaces, making them ideal for groups or multi-generational stays. A swanky kitchen, a wine cave, or a private spa area can turn your vacation rental into a memorable luxury experience without sacrificing the warmth and friendliness of the region.
City-centre apartments and family-friendly homes
For those who want to be in the heart of the action, city-centre apartments in Dijon, Besançon, or Auxerre provide quick access to markets, museums, and tapas bars. Look for pet-friendly options if you’re traveling with a four-legged friend, and check for family-friendly features like high chairs, baby gates, and secure stairways. With a little planning, a well-chosen rental becomes the perfect springboard for daily adventures—coffee on the balcony, then a stroll to a bakery to pick up croissants and local cheeses.
Seasonal considerations and booking tips
Consider shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for quieter villages, lower rates, and more intimate experiences with locals. Summer brings vibrant markets, wine festivals, and farmers’ fairs—expect lively streets and longer evenings. In winter, cozy lodgings with fireplaces and easy access to winter sports provide a different flavor of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté charm. When searching for accommodations, filter by: pet-friendly options, family size, accessibility, and amenities like private parking, a garden, or a hot tub. Always read guest reviews for practical details about proximity to public transport, grocery stores, and restaurant options.
Local experiences and activities across the seasons
The region’s appeal lies in how it blends culinary excellence, outdoor adventures, and cultural heritage. Here are some quintessential experiences you can spice into your stay:
Wine routes, tastings, and cellar tours
Burgundy’s famed wine routes stretch through Beaune, Pommard, Meursault, and beyond. In the Jura, Vin Jaune and Vin de Paille offer a different kind of sipping experience. Reserve private tastings at family-run domaines or take a guided tour that explains terroir, aging processes, and the art of blending. A well-located vacation rental in the heart of wine country lets you rise with the sun to visit cellars before the crowds.
Culinary markets and hands-on cooking
Food markets are the region’s heartbeat. Dijon’s market halls sell mustard seeds, black-currant confections, and seasonal produce; Auxerre and Avallon markets overflow with fresh herbs and regional cheeses. Enroll in a cooking class to learn how to prepare beef bourguignon, coq au vin, or a classic comté cheese dish. A rental with a kitchen that suits your culinary curiosity makes these experiences even more rewarding.
Markets, museums, and medieval towns
Medieval towns such as Semur-en-Auxois, Salins-les-Bains, and the Besançon old town invite exploration by foot. Wander through dark, candle-lit streets, visit artisan workshops, and end your day with a glass of wine at a local bistro. A vacation rental near these centers means you can enjoy long afternoons in their squares and restful evenings in a convivial home base.
Outdoor adventures: hiking, cycling, and water activities
For nature lovers, Morvan and the Jura mountains offer hiking trails, cycling routes, and water-based activities on lakes and rivers. Pack a daypack and set out from your rental to an undisturbed viewpoint, a forest path, or a lakeside picnic. In the Doubs valley, canoeing and kayaking provide a refreshing way to see the region from a different angle, with tranquil stretches perfect for families and more challenging downstream sections for speed-seekers.
Thermal spas and wellness
The region’s thermal towns—Salins-les-Bains and Luxeuil-les-Bains among them—offer relaxation after a day on the trail. Combine a spa visit with a stay at a nearby vacation rental that features quiet corners for reading and recharging. Seasonal spa packages often pair well with farm-to-table dining experiences that celebrate the region’s fresh ingredients.
Seasonal festivals and cultural taps
Throughout the year, small towns host festivals celebrating literature, cinema, music, and regional crafts. Participating in these events from a nearby house rental lets you experience Bourgogne-Franche-Comté as locals do—without the rush of a big-city itinerary. From wine harvest celebrations to winter markets, the calendar is rich with opportunities to connect with artisans, winemakers, and fellow travelers.
Plan your trip with searchandstay.com
When you’re ready to lock in a place to stay, searchandstay.com is a reliable resource for finding accommodations in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté. The site helps you compare vacation rentals, holiday homes, and house accommodations by dates, price, property type, and amenities. Look for filters like pet-friendly options, pool access, or a private garden, and read guest reviews to get a sense of the neighborhood and host hospitality. Whether you’re planning a wine-centric weekend, a family-friendly week exploring castles and markets, or a romantic riverside escape, searchandstay.com simplifies the process of finding the right home for your trip.
Practical tips for maximizing your stay: - Choose a central base in Dijon, Beaune, Besançon, or Auxerre to minimize driving and maximize walking time. - Consider a multi-location itinerary: spend a few nights in a vineyard setting, then move to a city apartment to explore museums and markets. - Look for cooking-friendly kitchens, laundry facilities, and outdoor spaces for gatherings with friends or family. - Check for local guides or host recommendations through your rental listing for tailor-made experiences, from private tours to rustic cooking classes. - Book in advance for peak seasons (summer and autumn harvests) to secure the best selections of vacation rentals and house accommodations.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté rewards curious travelers who embrace both wine-country leisure and outdoor adventure. A well-chosen holiday home or vacation rental amplifies your access to markets, bistros, historic sites, and nature trails, letting you craft a personalized, immersive travel experience. Start your search today on searchandstay.com to discover options across Dijon, Beaune, Besançon, Jura towns, Morvan villages, and beyond.