Renting a Car in Burgundy, France – Your Guide to Driving the Côte de Beaune
There are two ways to experience Burgundy. You can base yourself in Beaune, walk to your tastings, and have a truly great trip. Or you can rent a car, drive the Route des Grands Crus at your own pace, stop whenever something catches your eye, and experience a version of Burgundy that most visitors never see. I’ve done both and I have to say, I’m partial to renting a car. There is something about the freedom of the open road in this region that makes the whole trip feel different. No schedule, no tour group, no fixed stops. Just you, the vineyards, and the ability to pull over whenever you want. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting a car in Burgundy and tips for driving the Côte de Beaune.
Do You Need a Car in Burgundy?
The honest answer is… it depends on what you want to get out of the trip. If you only plan to visit Beaune or Dijon, both are walkable. But, if you want to visit the small villages, meet the winemakers, and learn from the people who make Burgundy what it is – then yes, I suggest having a car. (By the way, here’s my guide on recommended hotels in Burgundy and how to choose where to stay!)
I’ve visited Burgundy twice and once I rented a car, and once I didn’t. But I will admit – having a car really transformed my trip for the better. The Côte de Beaune by car is one of the most beautiful drives in France, and one of those experiences where driving is the highlight (and almost bettert than the stops you make along the way.)
How to Get to Burgundy
Getting to Burgundy is easy via Paris by train. To Dijon, the journey is only 1.5 hours and once you arrive you can pick up your rental car in the city to start your drive south through the Côte de Nuits and into the Côte de Beaune. Alternatively, if you are heading straight to Beaune, continue on the train from Dijon to Beaune (another 20 to 25 minutes) and pick up your rental there instead.
Planning a trip to Beaune? Check out…
How to Rent a Car in Burgundy
Renting a car in Burgundy is straightforward, here is everything worth knowing before you book…
Where to Book
I recommend booking through Discover Cars, which compares rates across all the major rental companies in one place so you always get the best price without having to check five different websites. I would recommend booking in advance – especially between May and October when the region is at its busiest.
Where to Pick Up Your Car
You have a few options depending on how you are arriving. If you are coming by train from Paris, Dijon has the most rental options and is the most convenient pick-up point if you want to start your drive from the north. If you are heading straight to Beaune, there are rental options there too and picking up in Beaune is the right move if the Côte de Beaune is your main focus. I picked up my rental in Beaune and it was easy and straightforward.
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What Type of Car to Rent
A small to mid-size car is ideal for Burgundy… the village roads between the vineyard plots are narrow and parking can be tight. I would also mention that beware that manual transmission is the default in France and automatic vehicles cost more and have limited availability. If you need an automatic, request it specifically when you book.
Insurance
Make sure you understand what your rental includes before you drive away. Most basic rentals come with third party liability but not full collision coverage. Check whether your credit card offers rental car insurance (many do) and if not, consider adding the collision damage waiver through Discover Cars when you book.
Driving in Burgundy – What to Know
If you are an American driving in France for the first time, a few things are worth knowing before you hit the road.
Speed Limits & Parking
Speed limits in France are strictly enforced and there are cameras everywhere. In towns and villages the limit is 50 km/h (about 30 mph). On open roads outside towns it is 80 km/h (about 50 mph). On motorways it is 130 km/h (about 80 mph), dropping to 110 km/h in rain.
Parking in the Burgundy villages is generally easy and free. In Beaune and Dijon you will find paid parking in the center but nothing complicated. At most domaines there is space to pull in directly.
Priorité à Droite
This is the rule that catches most visitors off guard – priorité à droite or “priority to the right”. In France, unless a sign tells you otherwise, vehicles coming from the right have priority… even on roads that look like they should have right of way. On the narrow village roads between the vineyard plots of the Côte de Beaune, this comes up regularly. When in doubt, always let the car on the right go first.
Drinking & Driving
The legal blood alcohol limit in France is 0.05%. If you’re planning on wine tasting all day, make sure to designate a driver or hire a private driver. (This was one of my favorite tours in Burgundy.)
The Route des Grands Crus
If you only do one thing with a rental car in Burgundy, make it this – The Route des Grands Crus or the D122. This is the road that runs south from Dijon through the Côte de Nuits and into the Côte de Beaune, passing through some of the most celebrated vineyard land in the world. You’ll pass through villages like Nuits-Saint-Georges, Beaune, Pommard, Volnay, Meursault, Puligny-Montrachet, and more. And what makes this drive so special is the incredible landscapes paired with that specific feeling of freedom you get when you’re driving through the beautiful countryside.
If you want to do this drive, I would allow a full day for the full route from Dijon south… or if you are based in Beaune, the Côte de Beaune stretch alone (Beaune to Chassagne-Montrachet) is still stunning and doable in a half day.
Driving in Burgundy is one of those bucket list experiences in France. The freedom to go at your own pace, stop when you want, turn down a road you have never heard of because the name sounds interesting… you get the picture. Rent the car, take the scenic route, and leave room for the unplanned moments. And if you need help building a Burgundy road trip itinerary that makes the most of every day, I would love to help you plan it.
Planning a Trip to France?
I am a licensed, Paris-based travel advisor who plans custom France itineraries for travelers who want to experience the country the way it deserves to be experienced – intentionally and free of tourist traps. From a long weekend in Paris to a multi-region road trip, I handle every detail so you don’t have to. If you’re not ready for full-planning services, I also offer 1-hour “France Audit” calls to go over your itinerary, share recommendations, and answer any questions you have!
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