The breathtaking vineyards and medieval vistas of Burgundy are just 1 hour 40 minutes from central Paris, thanks to an extensive TGV high-speed rail network. Rent a car and drive around at your own pace, or try the more extravagant touring options such as canal boating, cycling or ballooning.
Perhaps Burgundys most famous ambassador is its wine. Connoisseurs flock here year-round to immerse themselves in the regions prestigious wines, its whites (made largely from chardonnay) as famous as the reds (mostly pinot noirs). A mad fact: wine has been produced in the region for over 2000 years and today over 200 million bottles are marketed.
The regions charming capital, Dijon, is home to the former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, which today houses one of Frances finest art museums. Discover this remarkably intact old town by following the Brass Owl heritage trail on foot, or rent out a two-wheeled wonder: Segways are a fun and memorable way of getting about. Taste Dijons golden glory at the Maille mustard shop, where weird and wonderful variations of mustard are even sold on tap.
Why not take a peaceful dawn or dusk flight in a hot air balloon over the chateaux and vineyards of Burgundy? This gentle form of flight was actually invented here in Burgundy back in 1783 by the Montgolfier brothers. Air Adventures operates from Pouilly-en-Auxois, often taking off in the grounds of Chteau de Chailly. France Montgolfires flies mainly from Vzelay, while Air Escargot flies all over Burgundy, including the wine capital Beaune.
At Loiseau des Vignes in central Beaune, fine dining is matched with a list of 70 premium wines served by the glass an offering unmatched anywhere in Europe. The restaurant is part of the prestigious Bernard Loiseau portfolio. For an equally inspired setting, head to the restaurant at the Laroche Hotel in Chablis, to savour the towns eponymous wines in the chic surrounds of an updated 18th century mill. Over at Olivier Leflaive's estate in the winemaking village of Puligny-Montrachet, sip your way through 13 Burgundy crus and stay in one of just 12 suites at the lovingly restored 17th-century farmhouse.
What could be crazier than the construction of a medieval castle in the 21st century, using the tools and techniques of the 13th century? Currently taking shape in a forest deep in northern Burgundy, Gudelon will take 25 years in all to complete. Skilled stonemasons, blacksmiths, carpenters and other artisans are carving out this fantastical structure, bound to delight kids and big kids alike.
Wine is not the only reason to visit the Bordeaux region of Aquitaine; however you can enjoy some of the very best wines or why not try Vinotherapy Spa?
Discover real madness with the corrida in Nimes, sleep in a 17th Century Luxury convent or try some of the amazing restaurants in Montpellier.
Discover the madness of Antibes with the biggest open-air night club on the French Riviera, a hotel built into the rock and much more...
Be Mad in the Riviera, spending a morning skiing and your evening sipping cocktails by the beach and then continue the madness by spending a night in the Hi-Hotel...
Enjoy new dimensions to Paris such as the crazy art of graffiti, new culinary adventures or discover the citys vibrant events, festivals and exhibitions.
Discover the Madness of Monaco with famous sporting events such as the Tour de France or the Formula One race...
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