Burgundy Craft Beer Trail: Dijon to Morvan

Burgundy’s **craft beer trail** offers a refreshing detour from its world-renowned wine heritage, spanning 310 miles (500km) across the region known as the Route des Bières Artisanales de Bourgogne. This emerging route highlights a revival of artisanal brewing, where local ingredients, historical techniques, and innovative twists create beers that rival the region’s prestigious vintages in craftsmanship, often at a fraction of the cost.

The Renaissance of Brewing in a Wine-Dominated Land

Long overshadowed by its vineyards, Burgundy is reclaiming its brewing legacy. Medieval records show the Dukes of Burgundy once championed beer production, fostering a vibrant industry that faded with 20th-century industrialization. Since the early 2000s, passionate brewers have resurrected this tradition, infusing beers with regional flavors like blackcurrant, gingerbread, and even aging them in wine barrels.

This revival draws directly from Burgundy’s winemaking expertise. Brewers leverage the same meticulous attention to terroir—soil, climate, and local agriculture—to craft distinctive profiles. Spring waters from protected parks, farm-grown barley, and native hops define these beers, making each sip a taste of Burgundy’s diverse landscapes.

Starting Your Journey: Dijon and Surrounds

The trail kicks off in **Dijon**, Burgundy’s elegant capital, a UNESCO-listed gem blending Gothic architecture with modern vibrancy. Here, several microbreweries anchor the northern end of the route.

• Un Singe en Hiver: Housed in a historic flour mill near the International City of Gastronomy and Wine, this brewery features hanging hops and viewing windows into fermentation vats. Sample crisp lagers and experimental ales amid industrial charm.
• 90 BPM Brewing Co: On Dijon’s outskirts, brothers Léo and Victor innovate by aging beers in Burgundy wine barrels, yielding complex, oaky flavors that bridge beer and wine worlds.
• Brasserie Elixkir: Southeast of Dijon, this spot excels in blondes, IPAs, tripels, and barrel-aged stouts, perfect for hop enthusiasts seeking bold, tropical notes.
• Independent House: Nearby, they fuse global styles—American IPAs, English stouts, Dutch lagers—with Burgundian ingredients for approachable yet adventurous pours.

From Dijon, the trail winds south, inviting customization. Rent a car or bike for scenic drives through vine-clad hills and medieval villages.

Heart of the Vineyards: Beaune’s Brewing Scene

In **Beaune**, the rampart-encircled heart of Burgundy’s wine country, beer finds a foothold at Belenium. Founded by three friends, this is the town’s pioneering microbrewery. Set in a medieval ambiance, it offers hazy IPAs and fruit-infused sours that complement local cuisine like escargot and boeuf bourguignon.

Pair your visit with Beaune’s Hospice de Beaune, a Gothic masterpiece, then unwind with a flight at Belenium’s taproom. The brewery’s focus on small-batch production ensures fresh, vibrant beers reflective of the Côte de Beaune terroir.

Southern Gems: Innovation in Chamilly and Beyond

Further southwest in **Chamilly**, La BAB (Brasserie Artisanale de Bourgogne) operates from a repurposed cooperage (barrel-making workshop). Specializing in organic, top-fermented, unfiltered, and unpasteurized beers, their lineup includes Festiv’Ale Blonde, Flor’Ale Rousse (a ruby-red ale), and Jovi’Ale Dorée (golden ale). These cloudy, farmhouse-style brews burst with earthy, fruity aromas.

To the south, Brasserie des Trois Fontaines partners with local farmers to grow barley and hops, reviving ancient recipes. They incorporate eau-de-vie de marc (pomace brandy) into bottle-fermented beers, creating effervescent, spirit-kissed hybrids.

Nature’s Brewery: Morvan Regional Park

The trail culminates in the vast **Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan**, a forested paradise of lakes, granite peaks, and wild meadows. Here, Tipsy Brewing sources pristine spring water for beers like Tripel du Morvan, a spicy, abbey-style ale evoking the park’s rugged beauty.

Hiking trails, kayaking, and stargazing complement brewery stops, offering a full immersion in Burgundy’s natural bounty.

Planning Your Craft Beer Adventure

The full 310-mile loop starts and ends in Dijon, traversable in 4-7 days. Expect taprooms with guided tours, tastings, and merchandise. Many breweries offer food pairings—think charcuterie, cheeses, and tarte aux myrtilles (blueberry tart).

Practical Tips:

• Best Time: Spring (April-June) or fall (September-October) for mild weather and festivals.
• Transport: Drive (scenic roads), train between Dijon/Beaune, or join guided tours.
• Stay: Boutique hotels in Dijon, châteaux in Beaune, eco-lodges in Morvan.
• Budget: Beers €4-8/pint; tastings €10-20. More affordable than wine cellars.

Why Burgundy Beer Complements Wine Lovers’ Trips

Oenophiles needn’t abandon vines for hops. Many breweries neighbor climats (vineyard parcels), and hybrid tastings showcase synergies—like IPAs with Pinot Noir or sours with Chardonnay. This trail diversifies Burgundy visits, appealing to craft beer fans amid 1,600+ French microbreweries fueling a national boom.

Trails like this boost local economies, as seen in global models where booze routes enhance tourism. Burgundy’s version emphasizes sustainability, with organic farming and zero-waste practices.

FAQs

What is the Burgundy Craft Beer Trail?

A 500km route linking microbreweries from Dijon through Beaune to Morvan, showcasing artisanal beers.

How long does the trail take?

4-7 days for the full loop; customizable for weekends.

Are reservations needed?

Recommended for tours; check websites for taproom hours.

Is it family-friendly?

Yes—many offer non-alcoholic options and kid-friendly spaces.

What makes Burgundian beers unique?

Local terroir, wine techniques, and ingredients like blackcurrant.

Emerging Trends and Future of Burgundy’s Beer Scene

Burgundy’s brewers pioneer low-ABV session beers, wild-fermented sours, and collaborations. Expect more barrel-aging with regional spirits and pop-up events. Visitor studies highlight authenticity as key to craft experiences.

Diversifying audiences through inclusive events attracts broader crowds. As France’s craft scene grows, Burgundy’s trail positions it as a must-visit for beer pilgrims.