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Burgundy (Bourgogne) is found in central-eastern France, south east of Paris.
It covers the region from Sens and Auxerre in the north, and south to Macon (just north of Lyon).
The Burgundy region was for several centuries independent of France (until 1477) and the region sided with the English against the French during the Hundred Years War.
During that period it was a very rich state, and continues to be one of the most wealthy regions of France to this day.
Indeed it is the legacies of this golden age of prosperity that still provide many of the major attractions in Burgundy.
Burgundy enjoys a rich and varied heritage which you are warmly invited to explore.
From Gallic remains to Romanesque towers, from the art treasures of its cities to the splendours of its châteaux, from its early industrial memories to its most futuristic creations, all of this is there for you to see and enjoy.
UNESCO
There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites in Burgundy.
Hilltop town of Vézelay and the basilica of Saint Mary-Madeleine (World Heritage site since 1979) Vézelay, the “eternal hill” was a place of pilgrimage par excellence : departure point and gathering place for both Crusaders and Pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella, but above all the destination for all those coming to see the relics of St Mary-Madeleine.
Cistercian abbey of Fontenay (World Heritage site since 1981) Founded by Saint Bernard in 1118, Fontenay abbey is remarkably well preserved and, as such, allows visitors to see just what a great Cistercian abbey was like, a skilful blend of functional layout and outstanding architecture.
Priory church of La Charité-sur-Loire (World Heritage site since 1998), a stopping place on the Santiago de Compostella pilgrim way A famous monastery town for much of the Middle Ages, La Charité-sur-Loire has always been a major stopping place for pilgrims.
The Cluniac priory at La Charité was founded in 1059 on the banks of the Loire.
It could accommodate 5,000 faithful and was the nucleus around which this little town developed.
Great Outdoors
Burgundy has a very varied landscape with many lovely natural features. At the heart of the region is the Morvan national park, a land of unspoilt beauty and a firm favourite of nature lovers.
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It is densely wooded and has a number of lakes (Settons, Pannecière…) making it ideal for a range of outdoor activities (hiking/riding, white water sports, tree-topping, etc.).
The Loire, last remaining wild river in Europe, has a fascinating range of wild plants. It runs through a number of Burgundian towns/cities, including Digoin, Decize and Nevers.
The caves at Arcy-sur-Cure, Azé and Blanot are important prehistoric sites.
Castles
The castles and châteaux of Burgundy may be less well-known than its Romanesque churches and towns of artistic interest, but they still represent a rich and varied heritage.
The spirit of the famous people who frequented them, Vauban and Madame de Sévigné, Lamartine and Colette, can still be felt from Bazoches to Cormatin.
Many also have delightful gardens and parks which visitors are welcome to walk round and enjoy.
Cities
It was the great ‘building boom’ of the Middle Ages that saw the construction of so many towns and cities in Burgundy, each now well worth a visit.
Dijon, once the capital of a Duchy, is now the regional capital; Beaune, a vibrant town of artistic interest dedicated to the noble pursuit of wine-growing; Auxonne, Chalon-sur-Saône and Mâcon which all started out as Gallo-Roman ports on the river Saône; Digoin, Decize and Nevers once frequented by the bargees and boatmen who plied the river Loire; Clamecy, Auxerre, Joigny and Sens home to the ‘flotteurs de bois’, men who took wood downstream to keep the fires of Paris burning.
Last but not least, the tiny medieval towns of Noyers-sur-Serein, Montréal, Semur-en-Auxois and Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.
Gastronomy
No doubt about it, wine is Burgundy's most famous ambassador. But there is not just one Burgundy wine.
Soil and location, altitude and aspect, nature has furnished Burgundian winegrowers with a whole spectrum of possibilities to create from the same grape varieties, an infinite range of harmonious wines.
And nothing goes better with such nectar than Burgundian cuisine, rooted in tradition yet full of subtle flavours : trout, carp or pike-perch, Bresse poultry, Charolais beef, Burgundy snails.
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