Any day trips possible from Paris to Burgundy?

We hope to be in Paris in early June and I've never been before. Is it realistic to expect to take a day trip to Burgundy or Bordeaux? I do not think we'll have a car so a tour or puiblic transportation would be best. (I ask with caution since I recall a Spanish friend of mine wanting to go to New York City in the AM and Niagara Falls that same afternoon!)
Any recommendations on vineyards to visit?

I recall it as being about 3 hour drive, maybe a little more, to Beaune. I think there's no direct fast (TGV) train, but there's a TGV to Dijon, and a regular train to Beaune. If connections are close that might be doable for a day trip if you leave early and return late. But without car not sure that you could visit more than the city of Beaune (which is worth visiting).

When it comes to a day trip consider the possibility of visiting several of the Champagne houses at Reims and Epernay, an easy train ride from Paris and good restaurants in the area as well.

This website has some suggestions--I can't personally vouch for the company.

http://www.parisdigest.com/guidedtours/winetours.htm

Do note that what is listed as a "Burgundy tour" on the above link actually take you only to the region of Chablis, the northernmost part of the Burgundy area and not the true heart of Burgundy.

[Robin Garr]

Short answer, Burgundy is really a little too far for a day trip, and Bordeaux is farther still. The TGV is fast, but not fast enough to give you enough time to do anything worth doing within a same-day return.

I've done it, driving, a couple of times. It takes about 4 hours, or worse if Paris traffic along the peripherique is bad. I'll go along with others that driving is the least attractive option.

On the other hand, I'll be the dissenting opinion here and advocate the TGV option, if you plan prudently. That is, leave Paris very early and return late, making sure you time your train schedules and connections precisely.
It only takes 1 hr 40 minutes from Paris (Gare d'Lyon) to Dijon PLUS another 19 minutes from Dijon to Beaune. The Beaune train station is near the city center. I've not done winery tasting in Beaune, but have read here that there are those based in Beaune that can accomodate.

If you can't get winery appointments, Beaune is a terrific place to do a day-trip at with the Hospice and even the touristy Marche-au-Vin tasting is not bad. Terrific lunch places, too, in the square.

I am with Ramon on this one, and I have done it myself. Take the 8.28 from Gare de Lyon, then grab a cab in Dijon (you´ll be there just after 10) and head towards Vosne-Romanée. You can take pictures of the famed RC vineyard before it is time for tea!

Greetings from Sweden / Fredrik L

I am with Ramon on this one, and I have done it myself. Take the 8.28 from Gare de Lyon, then grab a cab in Dijon (you´ll be there just after 10) and head towards Vosne-Romanée. You can take pictures of the famed RC vineyard before it is time for tea!

Greetings from Sweden / Fredrik L

Don't think of doing the same with Bordeaux. The train takes 3 hours and Pauillac is 70 km from the station and St.Emilion 45km.

How much does that cab cost, Frederik?

Tim,
IIRC somewhere around 50 Euro. (And the train trip would be around 80, both ways.)

Greetings from Sweden / Fredrik L

Another thought--if you get to Beaune you might be able to arrange a tasting at Alex Gambal's office, 14 Boulevard Jules Ferry, Beaune. There is a form on his website to make an appointment for a visit:

http://www.alexgambal.com/vin-beaune/en ... asting.php

The Hospice is definitely interesting and photographic material.

About a year-and-half ago, I planned on doing a daytrip to Beaune from Paris and have done due diligence on the TGV and local connections in Dijon (depart 7:58 am from Gare de Lyon and arrive just before 10 in Beaune) , as well as made appointments for Maison Louis Jadot and Camille Giraud, both in Beaune. If I recall correctly, my itinerary was to hit the TGV homeward and be back in Paris before 9 pm. Unfortunately, due to urgent matters that came up that required me to remain in Paris, I had to cancel the day before.

As you might expect, I am following this thread closely and appreciate all the advice I have been given. While the train to Champagne sounds real good, I am also considering renting a car, there will be five of us, after all.

Why not spend one night there. It will be the shortest night of your life, as you discover village after village, and taste wines in peoples garages. Don't forget you will not get to see Chablis, the Cote Chalonnaise, the Macon, or even Beaujolais, even if you are there 2 days. I agree with most that a day-trip is out of the question. The TGV to Dijon is probably the best bet, with a night in Beaune. We want to hear all about it!