Welcome to Burgundy: A Flight Closer Than You Think
There’s a particular kind of stillness in Burgundy. The way morning mist clings to the rolling vineyards near Beaune, the slow trickle of water down ancient Roman aqueducts, the buttery scent of pain au chocolat wafting from a quiet boulangerie… It’s a region that whispers, never shouts—yet it stays with you long after your suitcase is unpacked. If you’re dreaming of a getaway in this rich tapestry of wine, heritage, and gentle countryside charm, you might be wondering one thing: how do you actually get there?
Surprisingly, Burgundy—though just a few hours from Paris—doesn’t have a major international airport at its heart. But don’t let that deter you. The journey in is part of the adventure, and the airports surrounding Burgundy are quietly efficient gateways to this treasured French region. Here’s everything you need to know about flying into Burgundy and making your arrival as seamless and lyrical as your stay will be.
Does Burgundy Have Its Own Commercial Airport?
The short answer is no—Burgundy doesn’t have a large international airport offering direct flights from abroad. But don’t worry. Several accessible airports encircle the region beautifully, offering travellers a range of options depending on their point of origin and travel preferences. These surrounding airports are small enough to feel accessible, yet large enough to connect you to most of Europe—and sometimes even beyond.
The Closest Airports to Burgundy
Let’s take a look at the most convenient airports to fly into when heading to Burgundy, along with what you can expect from each.
1. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
If Burgundy were a compass, Lyon might well be its welcoming southern gate.
- Distance to Dijon: Approx. 200 km (2 hours by car or train)
- Flight Coverage: International flights from across Europe, North Africa, and select long-haul destinations
- Local Vibes: Modern yet manageable, this is an airport that balances efficiency with a distinct French ease. You’re likely to find excellent regional products in the duty-free shops (hello, Côtes du Rhône wines!).
Lyon Airport offers a TGV station directly connected to the terminal, which allows for a smooth transition from air to rail. From there, hop on a high-speed train to either Dijon or Chalon-sur-Saône—you’ll be sipping Pinot Noir by sunset.
2. Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Technically a bit farther, Paris CDG is still a viable (and often practical) option for long-haul travellers, especially from North America and Asia.
- Distance to Dijon: Around 315 km (2.5 hours by TGV)
- Flight Coverage: As France’s busiest international hub, CDG connects with virtually every major city worldwide
- Local Vibes: Bustling and cosmopolitan—expect a whirlwind of languages and espresso counters. It’s France’s gateway to the world, and it shows.
From CDG, catching a direct TGV (high-speed train) to Burgundy is simple. The station is located under Terminal 2, and the trains arrive in Dijon in just over two hours. Consider stopping for a croissant at Paul bakery in the departure hall—the almond ones are an underrated pleasure.
3. Dole–Jura Airport (DLE)
Now we’re getting into Burgundy’s backyard.
- Distance to Dijon: Approx. 50 km (under 1 hour by car)
- Flight Coverage: Limited—mostly domestic flights and a few seasonal routes from Portugal, Morocco, and sometimes London
- Local Vibes: Quaint and charming. Arriving here feels like stepping into a boutique art film where time slows down.
Dole Airport is ideal if you’re already in France or neighboring countries and want a quieter, less commercial entry point. From here, vineyards are quite literally a stone’s throw away.
4. Geneva International Airport (GVA)
Yes, Geneva is in Switzerland—but don’t strike it off your list just yet.
- Distance to Mâcon: Approx. 150 km (2.5 hours by car)
- Flight Coverage: Excellent European and some intercontinental flights
- Local Vibes: Pristine, efficient, and quietly luxurious. Geneva Airport feels like travelling inside a well-kept secret.
This airport is particularly handy if you’re combining your Burgundy getaway with alpine adventures or a stop in Lausanne. The drive into France from Geneva is serene—swathes of lavender, crisp mountain air, and perhaps a detour into Annecy for a lakeside lunch?
Travelling from the Airport: Your Journey Inward
Burgundy is well-connected by France’s excellent train system, supplemented by regional car hire and bus services. But to truly embrace the pace of the region, I recommend renting a car. The freedom of pulling to the side of a country road at the sight of a sunflower field or a charming village fête? Worth every euro of the rental fee.
That said, here are some practical ideas:
- Trains: From Lyon and Paris, direct TGVs reach key cities like Dijon, Mâcon, and Beaune. Booking in advance through SNCF can secure great deals.
- Car Rental: Widely available at all the major airports. Do practice your manual gear shifts, though—automatics are rarer and book up quickly in summer months.
- Shuttle Services: Some hotels and wine tours offer pick-up services directly from train stations or nearby airports. Don’t hesitate to ask when booking accommodation—it’s often a hidden perk!
Insider Tips for a Smooth Arrival
- Travel Light: Smaller airports like Dole have more limited baggage services. A lightweight suitcase makes for breezier transitions across train platforms or winding alleyways in Dijon’s old town.
- Brush up on French: Staff at smaller stations may not speak fluent English. A friendly bonjour or pouvez-vous m’aider? goes a long way—and is always met with a smile.
- Book Ahead: Especially in high season (June to September), flights and transit to Burgundy fill up quickly. Pre-booking your train or car hire can save time and money.
The Beauty of the Journey
One of my fondest memories of arriving in Burgundy isn’t from the air—but from the window of a slow, humming train from Lyon. That descent into Beaune, golden fields fading into evening light, a couple sharing a bottle of local wine across from me, the conductor humming an old chanson under his breath… That’s when Burgundy began for me.
Eager travellers sometimes lose patience with the in-between moments—the time it takes to get there. But Burgundy rewards those who savour the approach. The air changes before the scenery does; there’s a sweet heaviness in it, like the scent of ripe fruit. No, it may not have a sprawling international airport—but perhaps that’s precisely why it remains so wonderfully untouched.
So whether you land with a jolt at Lyon, arrive with grace via the TGV, or cruise through sleepy lanes from Dole, know this: the moment you step into Burgundy, the ease of your journey melts into the mood of the region. And isn’t that the true magic of travel?