A geographical crossroads largely open to the north-east of Europe, Burgundy has always welcomed pilgrims in search of spirituality. In Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, they continue to use the "Chemin des Allemands" (German Route) between Dijon, Beaune and Cluny, or the "Chemin des Abbayes" (Abbey Route) between Cîteaux, La Pierre qui Vire and Vezelay.

The Chemin des Allemands

Arriving in Dijon, stop in front of the imposing Saint Bénigne Gothic-style cathedral. Near the market, visit the Church of Notre Dame, considered a 13th-century architectural masterpiece. Outside the town, the small Romanesque church of Fixin surprises with its architecture and history, like the Cluny site of Gevrey-Chambertin. Surrounded by a sea of vines, you arrive near the Château du Clos de Vougeot, a former property of the monks and not far from Cîteaux Abbey, headquarters of the Cistercian Order.

Beaune - Cluny

In the Burgundy wine capital, don’t miss the famous Hospices, a monument that served as a hospital, and the Collegiate of Notre Dame de Beaune, one of the last great Romanesque churches in Burgundy. Outside the walls of Beaune, you walk along the hillsides, on paths full of history, between enclosed vineyards and dry stone walls. You pass through Meursault to admire the Church of St Nicolas, then head towards Volnay, Chassagne-Montrachet and Chagny, discovering the small Romanesque churches scattered along your route. After Chagny, you pass through the Chalonnaise region before arriving in Cluny, headquarters of the largest medieval monastic order in the West.

The Collegiate Basilica of Notre Dame in Beaune The Collegiate Basilica of Notre Dame in Beaune © Francis Vauban

The “crédenciale”, the Pilgrim’s passport

Pilgrims travel to the various offices of the Tourist Office of Beaune & Pays Beaunois (in Savigny les Beaune, Beaune, Meursault, Santenay, Nolay and Chagny) to have their “crédenciale” or pilgrim book stamped. This mark validates their visit and means they can get their Compostella, the official document that certifies that they have completed their pilgrimage.

The Confraternity of the pilgrims of Saint Jacques de Compostela in Burgundy

This association is supported by the Departmental Hiking Committee of the Côte d’Or for defining and marking paths taken by the pilgrims. It also provides a guide to the routes, available accommodation, services and points of interest to visit and pilgrim souvenirs.