The multiples aspects of Burgundy

Burgundy is an enormous region spreading from the limits of the outskirts of Paris until the North of the Rhone valley. This region, famous for its vineyards, is united by traditions and passion for the good things in life. The landscapes are varying from the prestigious vinyeards of the Côte de Nuits to the forests of the Morvan and from green rural areas to sceneries carved by the river Yonne in the North. Let's get a taste of Burgundy.....

Land of History

The rich and animated history of Burgundy has left the region with some extra ordinary, magnificent cities, each one of them telling a part of the Burgundy story. Dijon, Beaune (wtih the famous Hospices), Sens, Auxerre, Chalon sur Saône and Autun are the living witnesses of the great ere of the Dukes of Burgundy and the important Roman presence during long gone days in the region.

Besides these remarkable cities, the countryside of Burgundy is full of lovely, charming villages like Brancion, Bèze, Charolles, Chateauneuf en Auxois, Flavigny sur Ozerain, Semur en Auxois or even Semur en Brionnais. The region is also renowned for its many châteaux, such as Cormatin, Commarin, St Fargeau or Ancy le Franc, without forgetting the surprising Château de Guédelon, where craftsmen have decided to rebuild a château with only the means of the Middle Ages..... 

Land of Spirituality

Religion has alway s taken an important place in Burgundy. During the Middle Ages, the Abbey of Cluny was thé most important religious place in Europe. This explain the large number of romanesque churches and abbeys in the Southern part of Burgundy still today. The Saint Philibert Abbey of Tournus is a superb example of this heritage. In the North of Burgundy, the abbeys of Citeaux and Fontenay are silent witnesses of the Cluny influence during the Middle Ages.
The village of Vezelay, dominated by the Basilique still today, used to be one of the most important stopping places on the road to Compostella. Today, the oecumenic community of Taizé upholds the religious tradition of Burgundy started during the Middle Ages. 

Burgundy also has a long history of Monasteries, traditionally linked to wine production in the region. The monks used to serve the wine they produced to their guests. Even if the Hospices de Beaune no longer welcomes guests to stay the night, the famous wine auction still helps to finance the Beaune hospital.

Land of the good life and traditions

Burgundy is famous all over the world obviously for the prestigious wines. From the vineyards of Chablis in the North, passing through the Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, large parts of the region are covered wih vineyards. Many famous names will awaken the senses of many a wine lover. But the love of good things in Burgundy doesn't stop at the wines. Burgundy also has a long tradition when it comes to "cuisine". Escargots, Beef Bourguignon, Dijon mustard, several cheeses, crème de cassis, coq au vin, parsley ham..... Need we say any more ?

The passion for good food and wines always goes hand in hand with good old traditions. The traditional market of Louhans (in the Bresse area, held every Monday since 1262) is a perfect illustration of this combination.

Preserved land

In the heart of the Burgundy region, shared by the 4 departments (Côte d'Or, Nièvre, Saône et Loire et Yonne) we invite you to discover the Morvan. This vast nature parc with lower mountains is situated away from major roads and is one of the most rural areas in Burgundy. The forests of the Morvan are very suitable for long walks, the lakes (like Lac de Settons) are very popular for activities in the Spring and Summer.