Aerial view of Château du Clos de VougeotAerial view of Château du Clos de Vougeot
©Les Conteurs - Aerial view of the Château du Clos de Vougeot

Vougeot & Gilly-lès-Cîteaux

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A sparkling trip to Vougeot & Gilly-lès-Cîteaux: two treasures of Burgundy

We’re off on the famous Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne in Côte-d’Or, in the heart of the Burgundy vineyards, for a charming getaway to Vougeot and Gilly-lès-Cîteaux. You’ll experience the rhythm of cellar tours and tastings, explore estates nestled between vineyards and terroir, admire historic châteaux, savour wines and discover the sometimes crazy prices at auction. Burgundy ‘s art de vivre and friendly people open up a whole new world. Ready to unveil them?

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Getting there

Vougeot and Gilly-lès-Cîteaux: heading for the Côte de Nuits!

Firstly, Vougeot is a micro-village of just over 200 inhabitants, located in the famous Côte de Nuits vineyards. Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, on the other hand, covers an area of around 11 km² with just over 600 inhabitants, on the edge of wine-growing Burgundy. Both towns share the same landscape of hillsides, lined vineyards and ancient cellars, where visits, tastings, estates and events are all part of the mix.

Les Halles de Gilly by DelinLes Halles de Gilly by Delin
©Les Conteurs - Les Halles de Gilly by Delin
Château du Clos de VougeotChâteau du Clos de Vougeot
©Rozenn KREBEL / Côte-d'Or Attractivité
Aerial view of VougeotAerial view of Vougeot
©Les Conteurs - Aerial view of Vougeot

    Must-sees in the village

    Cîteaux AbbeyCîteaux Abbey
    ©Catherine Demoly - BFC Tourism

      Behind a name, there is often a story. In the case of Vougeot, the name comes from the small river Vouge which flows through the village. As for Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, “Gilly” is said to derive from the Celtic word Gwil meaning horse/grazing land, “Ly” river, giving “Gil-Ly”, meaning fertile land near a watercourse. The word “Cîteaux” is a reminder of the area’s proximity to the Abbey of Cîteaux, which played a significant role in the history of the Côte-d’Or.

      Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne in autumnRoute des Grands Crus de Bourgogne in autumn
      ©Rozenn Krebel - Côte-d'Or Attractivité|ROZENN KREBEL

        A little side note: in Vougeot, this famous station “ Gare de Vougeot-Gilly-lès-Cîteaux” appears in the film La Grande Vadrouille (1966) as a place of arrest… except that the scene was filmed elsewhere! In Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, the village was almost called “Gilly-lès-Vougeot”, but in the end this name was not chosen. In short, charm, secret history and trendy wine all come together.

        Bistrot l'Orée des Vignes in Gilly-lès-CîteauxBistrot l'Orée des Vignes in Gilly-lès-Cîteaux
        ©Les Conteurs - Bistrot l'Orée des Vignes

          Here, you can really taste the terroir! In Vougeot, the appellation includes a grand cru, the famous Clos de Vougeot, and several premiers crus. In Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, although less famous for its grands crus, the winegrowing environment is there, and the terroir is authentic. Visiting an estate, tasting a wine and walking through the vines are all part of the programme.

          Château du Clos de Vougeot in the Côte-d'OrChâteau du Clos de Vougeot in the Côte-d'Or
          ©Agence Les Conteurs - Château du Clos de Vougeot in the Côte-d'Or

            Feel like packing your bags? Then head for Vougeot and Gilly-lès-Cîteaux, the two pearls of Burgundy on the Route des Grands Crus. Cellars, estates, tastings, vineyards and terroir – now’s the time. Open a bottle, walk through the vines, sit down at a table d’hôte, immerse yourself in the history of winegrowing… We’re off and we promise you a “wow” moment!

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            Cabotte in the heart of the vineyards at Morey-Saint-DenisCabotte in the heart of the vineyards at Morey-Saint-Denis
            ©Alain Doire - BFC Tourisme
            Morey-Saint-Denis