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In search of world-famous wines and secretive drinking societies? Dijon might be Burgundy’s capital, but the sleepy town of Beaune is the true heart of this hallowed wine region.

With an overwhelming number of European river cruise adventures to choose from, we’ve narrowed it down to 7 of the region’s most popular and picturesque rivers.

On your next road trip, stop by these converted gas stations for a very different kind of fuel.

Who says your carry-on liquids bag has to be toiletries only?

Take a peek at how the world’s most iconic cookware is forged in France.

Learn about Burgundy’s wine from your own onboard wine expert.

Wandering Restaurateur: Jay Thomson in France, San Francisco, and New York

This gargantuan palace, which now houses Dijon’s City Hall and the Musée des Beaux Arts, sits front and center on the beautiful Place de la Libération. The neoclassical edifice was built over several centuries, but the oldest parts of the building, including the kitchens and the Guard Room, date back to the 15th century. Come here to appreciate the architecture but also to view some magnificent tombs, along with medieval and Renaissance art, objects, and furnishings.

Nestled in a corner of shops off the well-heeled boulevard de la Madeleine, the shop approaches many of their 50 some mustard varieties like beer, offering them fresh and on tap. Flavors range from the ultra classic (course ground à l’ancienne, tarragon, white wine, honey) to the rather unique (black olive, mushroom, cognac), many of which are unavailable outside Paris and Dijon. Aside from being a fantastic spot to pick up gifts, the shop is a beautifully potent homage to Antoine Maille’s original vision and the country’s favorite condiment. No need to travel to Dijon for a taste of Maille, the legendary mustard producer (though I recommend it). Just add their Paris boutique to your travel itinerary!

One of the special sites along the Canal du Bourgogne are the lock houses located every mile or so. Going from Vandenesse-en-Auxious to Dijon, we encountered over 40 of these beautifully restored homes.

Last summer, friends and I took a trip that was on our bucket list for a while - barging down the Burgundy Canal. We booked the beautiful La Prosperite barge, and planned our cruise to start in Vandenesse-an-Anxious, along the Burgundy Canal, and end in Dijon, France. It was such a wonderful way to enjoy a relaxing cruise down the canal with excursions to places such as Medieval chateaus and incredible Pinot vineyards that are famous in this part of the world.

Whether you come for the impressive craft beer selection or for its hearty food, Haymaker won’t disappoint. It is the neighborhood bar that welcomes all; for an after work drink (check out their daily specials), to check out a game or two from their many TVs or in a cold night when the body needs comfort food. Haymaker is like an extension to your home; the staff is welcoming and the vibe is low key. Bring your dog along and seat outside in the comfortable outdoor dining area. Must Try: TRADITIONAL POUTINE: French Fries topped with country brown gravy and melting Wisconsin cheese curds CROQUE MONSIEUR: Applewood-smoked ham and Grand Cru gruyére with dijon mustard, grilled and smothered in gruyere sauce. Add a fried egg and make it a Croque Madame* for an extra charge FLUFFENUTTY CRISTO: Peanut butter and marshmallow fluff on white bread; beer-battered, deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar.

Simple things gain thoughtful complexity at this bar and tapas hideaway. Charleston’s selective F&B crowd immediately embraced Babas for its unique ideas, like a pomegranate cocktail that features fruit juiced on the spot and mixed with your spirit of choice. The drink-forward menu converts from a hipster coffee shop focus during the day (quiche, BLTs, and drip coffees with peanut pecan milk made in-house) to an evening cocktail and wine bar, accompanied by small bites like pickled shrimp with fennel and lemon, deviled eggs, and a brioche grilled cheese with dijon. It’s worth adding truffles to the grilled cheese, or order them served doused in burgundy and butter on a baguette—one of the owners imports truffles as a side business (and another, the wine whiz Marie Stitt, is the daughter of Southern fine-dining guru, Frank Stitt). Wash it all down with a brilliant pre-bottled 5 oz. martini or gin-and-tonic. Modeled after a European neighborhood café, this is a casual hangout with ample bar seating that stays busy with an in-the-know local crowd.

With just over a year in business, Green Dot Stables is still new, but owner Jacques and his wife took over a building in Corktown that isn’t. Instead, they took it from abandoned and historical to historical but fresh. The interior still retains its ode to horse racing and is kitschy appeal without being cheesy. An innovative new menu presided over by Les Molnar features more than 20 unusual and classic sliders with a “mystery meat” option that changes often. On the day I visited, the special was Lamb Tongue with Dijon Brown Butter and Fennel Relish. My favorite was the Corned Beef Slider with Wigley’s-Brinery Kraut, Pickle and Mustard Aioli. Local and imported beers anchor the drink list and their soda (or pop as it is known in the Midwest) is mixed in-house with locally made syrup. Optional sides include truffle fries, poutine, chicken and orzo salad, kale & quinoa, or classic mac ‘n’ cheese. Menus items start at an affordable $2 and it is a packed house during the lunch rush so plan accordingly or visit at odd hours to ensure fast service.

Why the best burger in Chicago is served at a bar with a French name might be a question for the ages. But rather than question it, just go there! The single burger at Au Cheval is actually a double, and don’t even ask about the double cheeseburger! You will get your burger(s) covered in cheese, served with Dijonnaise and a fried egg—just as the French have always intended. That first bite will make you think you’ve never really had a burger before; maybe you’ll even start to wonder about your country allegiance. Au Cheval calls itself a diner but the space, cozy with dark wood, dim lights over a row of chrome-leg barstools, and tufted leather booths along the wall, has the look of a classic bar and lounge.