 Sandwiched between the Champagne region and the Rhone Valley in Eastern France is the awe-inspiring landscape of Burgundy. To all who set foot in one of the four departments that make up this beautiful region, an adventure of a lifetime awaits. There are mountains and lakes to explore, along with vineyards and the famous Burgundy canal. Historic towns and cities reveal chateaux and palaces from a bygone era, while 17th and 18th century French property positively flourishes in the countryside.
The Burgundy region above all though is probably best known for its wine. Some of the world's finest reds and whites originate in the hillside vineyards of the Cote d'Or and the Cote de Beaune. The vineyards around Chablis also produce fine wines that are much loved around the world. All in all there are 122 wine producers in the region, all of whom take advantage of Burgundy's wonderful soil and climate.
And, if you're looking to buy Burgundy property, the climate is something you'll need to consider. The weather all year round is perfect for the vineyards, with cold dry winters and hot sunny summers. The temperature during the height of the summer months can top 35°c or even touch 40°c, although these dizzying temperatures are more the exception than the rule. Rainfall in Burgundy is at its greatest during the spring and autumn months, but overall rainfall totals are fairly low throughout the year, especially when compared to parts of Northwest France.
Dijon is the capital of Burgundy. It is home to more than 150,000 people and is the historic centre of the region. Dijon is where the medieval Dukes of Burgundy oversaw their region from, and today their palace still remains at the heart of this city, through which the Burgundy Canal now flows. To the west of Dijon is the area of Morvan in the department of Nievre.
Morvan flaunts deep valleys, hills and mountains - some of which rise up to 900m above sea level. It is where Burgundy's natural beauty really comes into its own, and is a much sought after area in which to buy a villa in France. Morvan is also a centre for outdoor activity in the region, with hill walking, canoeing, fishing and sailing rating amongst the top outdoor pursuits here.
Burgundy property is always very popular with homebuyers who are looking for rural French property in an affluent area. The prices though are generally not what you would expect of a region possessing wealth. It is quite possible for instance to buy a 3-bed townhouse in Chablis for under 100,000 euros, while a more modern 5-bed home in a village location close to Morvan could be yours for around 125,000 euros. If you're looking for renovation projects, you could very well pick up the ideal property in Burgundy for under 30,000 euros.
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