Burgundy has seen its power wax and wane over the millenia. The submission of Celtic tribes by Julius Ceasar's army was followed by the rise of monastic influence in the early medieval period. Later, the dukes of Burgundy wielded more power than the kings of France. But, the vine has reigned supreme during this whole time. Here are 5 must dos that cover them all.

1. Beaune

The 15th c. Hôtel-Dieu , or hospital, in Beaune is one of the jewels in the crown of Burgundian architecture. Striking polychrome tiles on the roof form an interlocking pattern that makes a remarkable impression as one approaches the building. Inside, visitors can get a glimpse of how the hospital has been run over the centuries (it is still operational today in modernized buildings). One of the major sources of funding for the hospital is the annual auction of wine produced by the hospital-owned vineyards. One of the most famous wine auctions in the world, it is held in November and is open to public bidders.

2. Dijon

There's more to Dijon than mustard though there are plenty of opportunities to pick up a jar before heading home. For those who want to know about all things mustardy, a visit to The Musée de la Moutarde (Mustard Museum) is a must (no pun intended). More importantly, Dijon is the former capital of the influential Dukes of Burgundy who left behind a magnificent palace (now the Museum of Fine Arts) as well as other medieval and early Renaissance buildings (see especially the Rue des Forges and Rue Verrerie). It's an easy trip by high speed train from Paris.

3. Vineyards

Chablis, chardonnay, pinot noir, beaujolais - all of these words, whether referring to a variety of grape or a location, remind us of Burgundy. A trip to the region should include wine tasting along La Côte d'Or which stretches south from Dijon to beyond Beaune. The uphill side of N74, the national highway running north-south through La Côte d'Or reputedly has the best vines.

4. Vézelay by Balloon

Richard the Lionheart and the king of France, Philippe-Auguste, met in Vézelay to depart on the third crusade. Other pilgrims have made the Basilique de Ste. Madeleine one of their stops on the famed route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The serene Romanesque basilica purportedly houses the relics of Mary Magadalene. For a commanding view of the Burgundian countryside around Vézelay, try a hot air balloon flight (the Montgolfières brothers invented it, after all.)

5. Flavigny-sur-Ozerain/Alise Ste Reine

Although the village barely rates much coverage in guidebooks, fans of the 2000 movie, Chocolat (and its co-stars Juilette Binoche and Johnny Depp) will not want to miss a stop at Flavigny. Many of the exterior scenes in the movie were shot here and the village is famous for anise-flavored candies. And, while you're in the area, an important part of Gallo-Roman history is located just to the north and west of Flavigny near the village of Alise-Ste-Reine. Though the exact location of a historical battle between Julius Caesar and a local Celtic tribe is disputed, the Roman army's victory sealed the fate of an independent Gaul for centuries to come. A statue of the defeated warrior-chief is mounted for a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.