Spring in Burgundy is one of the most colourful times of year. From the bright yellow rapeseed (similar to canola) fields to the delicate pink blossom on the cherry trees, and the burgeoning green leaf growth of the famous vineyards, the entire region springs into colour as the days grow longer and the weather warmer. Naturally, the best spring events in Burgundy play on this renaissance.

If you’ve got a hotel barge holiday or hire boat vacation in Burgundy coming up, here’s our choice of the top seven spring events in Burgundy to take in as you make your way down river or up canal.

Classic cars in Burgundy

Classic car events get you up close and personal with automobilesTour Auto is a must for any petrol-head, especially if you have a penchant for classic cars. The original classic car event in France, it has a fresh theme and a new route each year, usually making its way through Burgundy at some point.

Happening in late April, the route is not revealed until the previous December with detailed maps only being aired in the weeks leading up to the event.

If you wish to take part in this extraordinary expedition across France, you’ll need deep pockets. Otherwise, once the route is revealed in December, see if you can tie up any of the dates with your own adventures.

Literary festival

French bookshop

The Festival du Mot takes place each spring in La Charité-sur-Loire. For five days, words are the centre of the conversation. Events celebrate the written and spoken word, multicultural representations of the importance of the word. A mix of workshops, performances and games ensure it’s an interesting event for all ages.

Burgundy wine in the spring

Hotel barge Finesse Beaune BurgundyThe pretty town of Beaune hosts the annual Saveurs de Vignes when a leisurely stroll takes you through the vineyards – just coming into leaf and flower – and treats you to some of the best wines in Burgundy and gourmet local cuisine.

The 8k walk winds its way round 5-6 stages and at each step you’ll be offered typically Burgundian food (delicious local fare and perfectly paired wines) with music and entertainment along the way. Taking place over Ascension every year, everyone’s welcome and you can just show up on the day.

Horse racing in Burgundy

Horse racing events in BurgundySemur en Auxois has been hosting one of the best spring events in Burgundy for centuries and it’s one of the greatest traditions in the area.

Come May, the entire town steps back into the Middle Ages for a weekend of horse racing through the town including the highlight – the Festival of the Ring when jockeys in full livery race 2,120m along the dirt track in just 2 minutes. Chariot races also take place and non-equestrian events include arts and crafts stalls, and concerts with everyone in full medieval attire.

Antiques galore in Dijon

Antiques create one of the best spring events in BurgundyThis is one of the main annual events in Burgundy. The Dijon antiques fair ranks among the biggest in France. Over 120 exhibitors come together having been pre-selected for the quality of their wares, to showcase the very best in French antiques.

Highlights on the stalls include 18th century furniture and Art Deco objects, but this is somewhere you’ll find a treasure trove of beautiful things including probably a French kitchen sink.

Roller blade marathon

A picture of a woman butting on roller-blades onOne of the most unusual spring events in Burgundy takes place in Dijon. The city hosts one of the stages of the France Master Marathon Cup for roller skating talents. After you’ve watched the skate masters doing their speedy stuff round the circuit, join in some of the related events for all ages and skating talents – roller skating, roller hockey and a skate park, plus games for all the family.

Marvellous Morvan

Morvan's lush countrysideSpring is one of the best times of year in the Morvan national park, a natural paradise of vast forests, lakes and mountains. After the harsh winter months, the flora and fauna in the park burst into life again.

The best Burgundy event in spring? Watching the new season ignite into full bloom.

Best explored along one of the many hiking and biking routes, the park also offers good climbing opportunities as well as plentiful fishing. Highlights include the Canche gorges and the archaeological settlement of Bibracte, once home to the Gauls.

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