Burgundy (Burgundy). Regions of France: Burgundy South Burgundy

The semi-continental climate of the region favors cold winters and hot summers. Winters are snowy and mild while summers are dry, which is great for growing grapes. The largest amount of rain falls in May-June.
The best months to visit the region are late August - mid September.

Kitchen

Burgundy has a rich culinary heritage. The region is primarily known for its wines (Cotes Chalonnaise, Maconnais, Pouilly-sur-Loire, Chablis, Hautes-Cotes, Coteaux de l'Auxerrois, Cote-de-Beaune, Cote-de-Nuits).
The main event of the year is the tasting of the young harvest. It is held on the third Thursday of November. Almost all restaurants and bars offer their customers a taste of Beaujolais Nouveau.



Popular provincial dishes:
- fish soup (pouchouse);
- beef burgundy (boeuf bourguignon);
- ham in jelly with parsley (jambon persille);
- cock in wine (coq au vin);
- rabbit in mustard sauce (lapin a la moutarde);
- vegetable stew with bacon (garbure);
- snails with herbal sauce (a la bourguignonne);
- fried snails (escargot);
- pike dumplings (quenelles de brochet);
- blueberry cake (tarte aux tyrtilles);
- honey gingerbread;
- Ideal mаconnais bezey sweets;
- Anis de Flavigny anise candies;
- fruit vodka (eau-de-vie).
The famous dijon mustard popular all over the world. White wine, local grape vodka, and various herbs (coriander, basil, cumin, vanilla, tarragon) are used for its production.



The capital of Burgundy is Dijon, the city is very quiet and peculiar. In Dijon, the Palais Ducal is worth visiting. This medieval architectural ensemble is mesmerizing with its scale. Inside is the tomb of Philip the Bold and his son.



Now the palace houses a museum. The entrance is free.Be sure to take a stroll through Darcy Gardens, which is located near the central train station. The main tourist center is also located near the station.




The old part of the city has been preserved in excellent condition. Old streets, wine bars, souvenir shops are the best illustration of the local way of life. The Notre Dame quarter is home to the luxurious mansions of former Burgundian nobles. This is the most beautiful area of ​​the city, which is guarded by a tourist center.
If you want to travel back to the old Dijon, just take a walk that ancient streets (rue Chaudronniere, rue Verrerie, rue des Forges). Also, on the rue de la Chouette you can see old buildings: Hotel Chambellan, Hotel de Vogue, Hotel Auriot, Maison des Cariatides.
On September 5, the city hosts two festivals at once: wine and folklore.



Just 15 minutes from Dijon is the wine capital of Burgundy - Bonn. Former residence of the Burgundian counts. The main attraction of the city is the Hospitable House. The buildings are designed in the Gothic style. Every year, an international charity fair is held here (sale of wines from their own cellars).
Also worth visiting are the Palace of the Dukes, the Church of Notre Dame, the 15th century hospital - Hotel Dieu, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Burgundy Wines, and the city walls that have been preserved since the Middle Ages.



Every year, on the third Saturday of November, the city hosts the Trois Glorieuses wine festival. Everyone is offered a tasting of Beaujolais Nouveau. They hold auctions where you can buy the best wine. Also, in the middle of summer, the Festival International d'Opera Baroque takes place here.

The town of Sens is located in the closest distance from Paris. In the city you can visit the former residence of the bishop, the magnificent theater, the Gothic cathedral of St. Etienne. The city's main cathedral square has a large flea market every weekend. Also, you can take excursions to the suburbs of Sans. There are several lakes where you can go fishing or just take a break from the bustle of the city.




Visit the neighboring town of Auxerre. The architectural center of the city is made in the Renaissance style. The main monuments of the city are the clock tower, the Vézelay abbey of the 9th century, the Church of Saint Madeleine. The relics of St. Herman (one of the most revered saints in the country). To see the Old Town in all its glory, head to the Paul Bert Bridge.
In each restaurant you can taste the local Chablis wine. At the end of July, jazz lovers come to the city. And in mid-September, lovers of piano music gather here for an international festival.



Not far from Auxerre is the city of Avallon. It was founded in ancient times. The city has preserved the fortress wall and gates of the 15th century, the Romanesque church of the 12th century, the medieval Gozhar tower, where the local history museum is now located.

The city of Vezelay is another gem of the region. Basilica of St. Magdalene is protected by UNESCO. It is located on the highest hill in the city. Large numbers of pilgrims flock here to kneel inside the temple.

The city of Autun has an ancient gateway dating back to Roman times. Also, the Cathedral of St. Lazarus XII century, Rolene Museum, Gislebertus Museum.
At the end of November, the city hosts the Fleurs de vigne wine festival, where you can not only attend a wine tasting, but also look at the production of this alcoholic drink from the very beginning to the end.

The city of Bibracta (Mont-Bevrey) is located in the neighborhood of Autun. In the past, it was surrounded by a high wall and a deep moat to protect the inhabitants from enemy attacks. Now the city is a great historical value in France, and its buildings are under the protection of UNESCO. The city houses the Museum of Celtic Civilization.

In the town of Chalon sur Saone, the Museum of Photography will be of interest, where there are unique collections of the first photographs, cameras and optical instruments. There you can also get acquainted with the history of photography with the help of a documentary film.

In the area of ​​the city of Nevers, there is the Morvan National Park. In the park, you can take excursions around the area on foot or on horseback, and even take horse riding lessons.
In the city center, it is worth visiting Place Carnot and the Ducal Palace with a large tower. You can also go boating along the picturesque canals.



The small town of Pierreclos is famous for its medieval castle of the 12th century (Chоteau de Pierreclos). Despite the fact that the castle is now a private property, it is still open to the public. It is even possible to stay in the castle for the night. Rooms in the old style and more modern are offered for selection.
The owners have their own vineyards and are engaged in the production of Chardonnay. Several times they have won first places at the wine exhibition in Paris.

In the city of Saulieu, the Saulieu en Cote-d'Or gastronomic festival is held annually. Here you can see and taste the best local products.

The small village of Meursault produces some of the finest white wine in the world. The village itself is very interesting for tourists. Stone houses have been preserved since the Middle Ages, winding streets are paved with cobblestones. On the central square there is a cafe with an open terrace, where the villagers and guests of the village enjoy the most delicious coffee in the area. Most of the vineyards in Meursault County are open to tourists. In the village, you can even rent a bike to visit all the vineyards and just enjoy the beautiful scenery. There is a well-developed network of bike paths throughout the region, so you can safely go exploring the area on two wheels.

Shopping



Most of the shops in the region are open from 8-9 am to 7-8 pm. Lunch from 12:00 to 14:00. Large supermarkets and shopping centers are open without lunch and even on Sundays.

The main shopping streets of the cities, where a large number of shops are concentrated:
- rue de la Liberte, rue Musette (Dijon);
- rue Heerstrasse, rue Sterntorbrucke (Bonn);
- Grande Rue, boulevard de la Republique (Charlon sur Son).

What can you bring from Burgundy?

In this wine region, most of the souvenir is associated with wine. Corkscrews, coasters for bottles and glasses, tasting covers.

Burgundy wine will be a great souvenir for friends and family. A bottle of wine can be bought from 10-15 euros.
Don't forget to buy local sweets (sweets, cookies, gingerbread).
Also, you can buy various souvenirs with Burgundy motives:

And, of course, the famous Dijon mustard. Intense aroma, soft taste and a large selection of different varieties (with white wine, with nuts, with berries, with herbs). A can of mustard starts at 3 euros.

The Dukes of Burgundy left behind a huge architectural wealth. And the fabulous nature of the region will enchant everyone. So feel free to embark on an amazing journey through Burgundy.

The central square of Dijon is the Liberty Square. Its dimensions are small, and its appearance resembles a pancake folded in half. The famous palace of the Dukes of Burgundy is located here, as well as the theater, which is definitely worth a visit. Not far from the square is the Saint-Michel Basilica. Fountains gush straight from the slabs that pave the square, bathing in which townspeople and tourists escape from the summer heat.

In addition to well-known architectural monuments, the best and, of course, the most expensive restaurants are located on Svoboda Square and the narrow streets adjacent to it. Among them, by the way, there is a restaurant with a Michelin star. You can get into it only by pre-ordering a table and going through face control. Even an empty hall will not be admitted without a preliminary order. But, by the way, in Dijon there are many other, no less pleasant places where you can eat deliciously.

Morvan National Park

Morvan is a small mountain range (heights up to 900 m) in the very center of Burgundy. Today Morvan is a park-reserve, which was created in 1970 with the aim of protecting the local flora and fauna. The picturesque forest is home to European mouflons, foxes, badgers, hawks, pheasants, red deer and wild cats.

Morvan is crossed by several rivers. There are also several mountain lakes and mineral springs. In the old days, Gauls, Romans (who even founded the city of Augustodunum) and Cistercian monks lived on the plateau.

There are agricultural lands on the territory of Morvan. Local residents make their living by farming and raising livestock. Cyclists will be interested in a special marked route that runs through the entire National Park.

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The village of Semur en Auxerua in Burgundy

The village of Semour-en-Auxerua is a settlement of a small commune in Cote D'Aur, in the west of Burgundy. The central part of the village is a beautifully preserved medieval city. According to legend, people lived here in ancient times, as evidenced by archaeological finds dating back to time Neolithic, and Hercules himself founded the city.

There is a castle with defensive walls, a Gothic cathedral of the 13th century, ramparts, ancient towers, stone houses, an aqueduct. In the center there is a library, which contains the richest collection of medieval documents, books and manuscripts. For tourists, the Burbili Castle is open, in which the interior items that adorned the castle in the 19th century are exhibited. By appointment, you can come to the "Castle of a Thousand Windows" Lantili, built at the beginning of the 18th century on the basis of an old fortress.

Righteous Lazarus of Vivfania, according to the Gospel, was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ, after which he became a follower of his savior and a preacher. There is the Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca, in which, according to legend, Lazarus was buried. However, according to the Catholic tradition, it is believed that Lazarus preached not in Cyprus, but in the territory of modern France, and then - Gaul. And it was in the city of Autun that he found his last refuge.

To preserve the relics of Saint Lazarus, the Cathedral in Autun was built on the site of the old church, which could no longer accommodate everyone who wanted to venerate the holy relics. The construction of the cathedral began at the beginning of the 12th century. Since 1195, it has become the only cathedral in Autun. During the French Revolution, the relics were desecrated, but the believers managed to save some of them.

The exterior of the temple is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. It so happened that the cathedral was erected even before the Gothic period in architecture, but it was rebuilt several times. Inside, the cathedral is decorated with sculptural images, bas-reliefs, high relief with a scene of the Last Judgment.

Museum of Fine Arts in Beaune

The Beaune Museum of Fine Arts opened in June 2012 after a lengthy transformation. Its first discovery was in 1853. Its founder Jules Pute created it from his own collection. Then the museum was replenished with works of modern masters.

The main part of the museum's exhibits are paintings, tapestries, sculptures dating from the 12th to the 20th centuries. There is also a small collection of archaeological finds that represent the history of the city. The exhibition features a large number of works of Flemish and Dutch painting. The Museum of Fine Arts shares a common space with the Museum of Natural History.

Wesele and his hill

Vezelay "(V zelay) - a village in the French department of Yonne (Burgundy), where one of the largest and richest Benedictine abbeys of medieval France is located. The Abbey of Saint Magdalene was one of the main pilgrimage centers of medieval Europe.

The monastery was erected in 860 on the "Eternal Mountain", the monastery was patronized by Mary Magdalene.

Vezelay Abbey served as one of the points of the movement for the liberation of the Holy Land from the infidels. Inside the basilica are the relics of Mary Magdalene. Wesele and the hill, with its intricate depictions of capitals and portals, is one of the outstanding masterpieces in Burgundian and Romanesque art, although it was externally damaged during the French Revolution. In 1979, Wesele and his hill were included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Museum of Burgundy wines in Beaune

The museum was founded by André Lagrange and Georges Henri Rivier, creator of the Museum of Man and the Museum of Arts and Folk Traditions. It appeared in 1946 in the old building of the Hotel Des Ducs in the Burgundy city of Beaune, a historical monument since 1924. Since 1988, an exposition has been opened on the ground floor representing the "natural conditions" of winemaking. Through this exposition, you can learn the differences between Burgundy wines and other French ones, as well as the influence of geological and environmental factors on the taste of wine.

The main exposition of the museum presents the history of vine growing and wine production from ancient times to the present. The collection of the museum contains tools used in winemaking, as well as dishes, presses, barrels. The oldest intact bottle in the world, dating back to 1657, is kept in the hall that presents the history of wine bottles and utensils. The last room of the "Salle des Ambassadeurs" is decorated with a collection of tapestries. The museum has a library.

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Mansion Voge

In Dijon, you should definitely walk through its medieval center. One of the architectural gems of the city is the famous Vogueux mansion, located near Notre Dame Cathedral in the so-called Renaissance mansion area. The Vogeux mansion, with its sumptuous tiled roof, is a classic example of Burgundian municipal architecture. On January 5, 1911, Vogyo Mansion was declared a Historic Site.

The Vogyo Mansion is absolutely deservedly considered one of the most beautiful architectural monuments in the city. It was built in 1614 for Etienne de Chevigny Bouillet. He was a judge and adviser to the Parliament of Burgundy from 1607 to 1635, and was also a great connoisseur of art. There is a widespread version that Bouyer himself designed the building, borrowing some ideas from Italian architecture, which struck him during a trip to Italy. However, experts who have studied the facade of the building doubt that this work was done by an amateur and not a professional.

The decoration of the facade vaguely resembles the architecture of the 16th century: triangular pediments, arched decorative garlands, caryatids. The beautiful roof is covered with a variegated mosaic of glazed tiles in the traditional Burgundy style.

The mansion became known as the Vogue house after 1766, when the founder's heiress, Catherine Vogue, was married to the Count de Vogue. Nowadays, the building is a city property, the city Department of Culture and Architecture is located here, exhibitions are regularly held.

The most popular sights in Burgundy with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose the best places to visit the famous places of Burgundy on our website.

More sights of Burgundy


Burgundy is one of the most glorious places on earth, covered with a veil of uniqueness and indescribable legend. This is a place where ancient castles, colorful history, exquisite wines are concentrated, so people come there not only to see the castle buildings, but also to taste the bouquets of true Burgundy wines.

Where is Burgundy

Burgundy is located in the eastern part of France and is its long-standing historical region.... The region is adjacent to Savoy to the south and Lorraine to the north. The capital of Burgundy is just an hour and a half away by car. The main town is Dijon. The territory of the region covers the departments of Yonne, Nievre, Saone and Loire, Côte d'Or - it is on them that Burgundy is divided. A total of over one and a half million people live there (based on data from 2008 - 1.638 million). One third of the population is rural. The total area of ​​the territory is 31.6 thousand square meters. km.

History of Burgundy

Burgundy got its name from the ancient Germanic Burgundian tribe... In the 5th century, in the southeastern part of France, they founded their own kingdom centered in Worms (then transferred it to Lyon). It was annexed to the land of the Franks in the 534th. In the 9th century, 2 kingdoms arose at once - Lower and Upper Burgundy. The regional center of the first was Provence, the second - Geneva. In 933 they created Arelat - the Kingdom of Burgundy. In 1034, it became an administrative part of the Roman Empire, however, the territories of both marked formations did not in any way affect the actual lands of Burgundy.

In parallel with the indicated kingdom in the southeastern zone of France, the duchy of the same name - Burgundy - appears. In 1032, Robert (brother of the King of France) receives the title of Duke of Burgundy. In the 14th century, John the Second the Good handed over the Burgundian possessions to one of his sons - Philip the Second the Bold. It was he who was the founder of the new dynasty of dukes. The territory bordered on the southwest line with Auvergne, on the south - with Savoy. Over time, the local dukes annexed the Netherlands and Flanders to Burgundy. Dijon became the capital at that time.

One of the last prominent rulers of the Burgundian duchy was Charles the Bold. After his death, Burgundy changed somewhat and became part of France. Until 1790, it bore the status of its province, being absorbed by the French kingdom. In 1982, these lands were given the status of one of the 26 French regions.

Castles of Burgundy

Chateau de Saint-Fargo

In the French manner - the Chateau de Saint Fargeau. This is, in fact, the architectural value of 15th century Burgundy. Built from pink stone. It has 2 characteristic large towers. The original owner of the castle was Jacques Coeur. From the 5th to the 15th century, it was repeatedly completed / added. In the 17th century, the first cousin of Louis 14 settled in it, where she lived for five years and, having invited Le Va (the architect), turned the building into a bright pearl of French classicism.

Chateauneuf castle

The French name is Chateau de Chateauneuf. Located 43 kilometers from Dijon. It appeared in the 12th century (in 1132). Built by Jean de Chadenet as a gift to his son. During the 100-year war, it was turned into a fortress thanks to the fortifications. The castle is associated with ghosts: in the 15th century, Catarina de Châteauneuf was burnt alive there due to the poisoning of her husband. Today the castle is included in the list of historical monuments.

Castle de Rulli

Original sound - Chateau de Rully. It originated in 851 and is located in the department of Sona. In 1194 he passed into the possession of Hugo de Rulli. In the 14th century, after his death, the lands there were donated by the Duke of Burgundy to the knight Robert de Saint-Lange, who returned from the Crusade. Then he got to Montesque. Today the castle is the possession of his descendant - Count d'Avi de Terne.

Castle de Luny

The French name is Chateau de Lugny. It was erected during the Middle Ages and at that time had only a few high-rise towers. During the French Revolution, it was burned to the ground, preserving 2 towers from the 14th century. After the reconstruction, towers at the gates were built in the castle, equipped with a covered roof. The bridge, the 3rd gate, dating from the 16th century, has also been restored. There is a small church at the Château de Luny. The current state of the building is private property, closed to the public.

Castle de Lenay

In French - Chateau de Leynes. It appeared in March 875. It was founded by Karl Lys. In 1119 it was presented as a gift to the Abbey of Tournus. It was repeatedly sieged, plundered, and burned. In the 13th century it became a district center. When in 1562 he fell into the hands of Lena, he rebuilt it anew. The second restoration took place in 1715, after being in ruins for a long time. At the end of the French Revolution, it passed to Jacques Lamery, who bought it. At this time, the castle has been reconstructed and is often rented out.

Château de la Rochepot

The original name is Chateau de la Rochepot. It was first mentioned in the 12th century. For strategic purposes, the castle was built near the village of La Rochepot on a limestone hill by Alexander of Burgundy. As a result of a fire in the 13th century, the castle suffered serious damage - only the chapel survived. Therefore, Louis of Savoy (the owner of the estate at that time) decided to rebuild it. However, it was destroyed again and rebuilt again - in the 19th century (reconstructed for the 15th century). Today the castle receives visitors.

Château de Gevrey-Chambertin

The original name is Gevrey-Chambertin. It appeared in the 13th century, in the second half, when St. Bernard was prior to the Abbey of Cluny. The first building was built between 1257-1275. A stone bridge adjoined its gate from the southwestern part. Subsequently, it was changed to a cross-over, surrounded by 2 towers. By the 18th century, only part of the walls and the bridge survived from the original castle. It was reconstructed. In the 19th century, the castle was bought by the Mason family and is still in their possession. Open for viewing and wine tasting.

D'egia castle

French name - Chateau d "Eguilly. Located in the com. Aegia (department of Côte d'Or). Built on the site of another fortress - Gallo-Roman, from which the remains of a courtyard and a road are still visible. In the 12th century, it was supplemented with fortified bastions, in the 15th it was transformed into a castle as such, turned into the residence of the archbishop. In 1983, bought out by Roger Obre, a collector of art objects, refurbished and restored. It is a large exhibition area (stores about 200 paintings). Listed in the list of French historical monuments ...

Wine of Burgundy

The most important regional product is wine... Local varieties are among the elite of international winemaking. There are an extremely limited number of regions on the planet that produce drinks comparable in quality to local ones, therefore Burgundy wine is rightfully considered the most unique in the world - both its red varieties and white ones.

In some cases, the fine taste of wines is so varied that producers supplement their main name with the name of the vineyards in which the berries were grown and harvested. Only similar drinks from other regions of France can compete with the wines of Burgundy.- to such an extent they are refined and unique.

Relationship with an elderly person

There is a very old woman. Not a relative, just an acquaintance. I have been going to her on a voluntary basis for about six months. Why do I go? I sympathize very much, she is lonely, can hardly move, her friends are ...

History. region and modern economy, district of France. The name from the ethnonym Burgundy (Burgondion) Germ, (Gothic) tribe, in the V century. settled in the bass. Rhone, where the kingdom was formed; in 534 it was conquered by the Franks. From Latin. Burgundii (Burgundiones) modern ... ... Geographical encyclopedia

- (French Bourgogne) a former French province, when it was an independent kingdom and duchy, occupied 26714 sq. km., in the center of eastern France, in the basins pp. The Seine, Loire and Rhone, and the north bordered by Champagne, to the west by Bourbonnais and Nivernais, on ... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron

Modern encyclopedia

Historic province in France, in the Seine basin. In the Middle Ages, the name Burgundy was borne by various state and territorial entities: kingdoms (with the center of Lyon in the 5th-6th centuries, with the center of Arles in the 10th-14th centuries), the county was formed in the 10th century ... ... Historical Dictionary

- (Bourgogne), a historical region in the east of France. Burgundy played an important role in the development of medieval European architecture and visual arts. In the XI XII centuries. the Duchy of Burgundy is one of the main centers of the Romanesque style ... Art encyclopedia

Burgundy- (name from the Germanic Burgundian tribe), a historical region in France. In the Middle Ages, the name of Burgundy was borne by various state and territorial entities. The Duchy of Burgundy (9-15 centuries) in 1477 became part of the French ... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

Noun, number of synonyms: 3 asteroid (579) region (62) province (56) Dictionary of synonyms ... Synonym dictionary

Burgundy- (Burgundy), ex. Duchy on the South Center. France. In the 5th century. here settled the Burgundians, one of the Germans, tribes. Then this terr. was ruled by the Merovingians, then became part of the Carolingian empire. Mighty Holy Roman Emperors ... ... The World History

- (French Bourgogne) the former French province, once an independent kingdom and duchy, occupied 25,714 sq. km, in the center of eastern France, in the basins of the Seine, Loire and Rhone rivers and bordered in the north with Champagne, in the west with Bourbonnais and ... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

- (Bourgogne) historical region in the east of France, in the basin of the river. Dreams. The territory of B. encompasses the departments of Côte d'Or, Saone and Loire, Ain, and partly Yonne. The area is over 30 thousand km2. The population is about 1.5 million people. (1968). The main city is Dijon. B ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia

Sights of Burgundy

1. Dijon ( Dijon)

Dijon's majestic palaces and historic churches reflect the city's aristocratic heritage. During the Middle Ages, Dijon was the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy and the dukes lived in elegant mansions that still adorn the city with their impressive facades. The main attraction of the city is the Palace of the Dukes or the Doge's Palace in the historic center of Dijon. This medieval palace allows tourists to imagine the grandeur of the life of the dukes. The wing of the Palace of the Dukes houses the famous Museum of Fine Arts, which ranks among the finest art museums in France. Its collection ranges from artifacts from ancient Egyptian antiquities to medieval Renaissance art and Burgundy sculptures.

2. Bon ( Beaune)

This beautiful historic city was also once the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy and will enchant you with its magnificent combination of cobblestone pavements and medieval houses. An interesting attraction of Beaune is that the city is famous for its wineries, it is also called the Wine Capital of Burgundy. The main historical and architectural landmark of the city is the Monge Palace, with a tower from the 13th century.

The Hotel Dee, a hospital for the poor, built by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin and his wife in the middle of the 15th century is well worth a look. This Gothic half-timbered building features a colorful roof covered with geometric patterned tiles and a graceful patio. It now houses a museum with exquisite tapestries and the famous 15th-century polyptych by Rogier van der Weyden. To the north of the Hotel Dee, travelers will find the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica. This church is called the "Daughter of Cluny" because it exemplifies the Romanesque architecture developed in nearby Cluny, with a three-aisled basilica and a square tower. The church has a 12th century statuette of the Virgin Mary and magnificent 15th century tapestries.


3. Cluny ( Cluny)

The quiet town of Cluny grew up around the famous Benedictine abbey, founded in 910 by Duke William, Duke of Aquitaine. The Benedictine monks of Cluny erected the largest church in Christendom, before the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in the 16th century. It was from here that the great reform of the church began, focusing on the revival of monasticism, following the rules of Saint Benedict. The movement spread to about 2,000 parishes throughout Western Europe. New architectural ideas were developed in Cluny, reflecting the spiritual quest for order. The Abbey of Cluny is an inspiring monument that provides an insight into the most important monastic order of the Middle Ages.


4. Vezlet ( Vézelay)

Surrounded by ancient fortress walls, in the midst of beautiful Burgundy, stands the mesmerizing village of Vézelay. It lies on a hilltop with stunning views of the majestic mountain range of Monte Morvana. This village is marked with a sign Plus Beaux Villages the most beautiful village in France, it enchants tourists with its magnificent medieval Renaissance houses and an exquisite Romanesque basilica. Vezelay is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.


Auxerre)

Auxerre is a lively town about 150 kilometers northwest of Dijon, standing on the banks of the Yonne River. The old town, with elegant boulevards and historic houses, has retained its charm and old medieval atmosphere. Auxerre's landmark is the Church of Saint Germain, which has Carolingian crypts and 9th century frescoes around the tomb. During the tour, pay attention to the Church of Saint Eusebius, which has a beautiful Romanesque bell tower with an octagonal spire from the 15th century, and the 13th century Saint-Etienne Cathedral, built on the foundations of a Romanesque cathedral with 11th century frescoes, is worth a visit. The cathedral's North Tower is 65 meters high, while the Western Front features sculptures from the 13th century.


Autun)

Due to its proximity to beautiful nature, Autun is called the “gateway to the mountains”. The city has an outstanding history dating back to Roman times. On the east side of the city are the ruins of the largest Roman amphitheater in Gaul, which once held 20,000 spectators, the ancient city gate and the remains of the Temple of Janus.

But Autun's main attraction is the 12th-century Saint-Lazare Cathedral, one of the finest examples of Cluny architecture. In typical Romanesque style, the cathedral has a floor plan in the shape of a Latin cross. The spire was built by Cardinal Rolny in the 15th century. An excellent sculpture of the Last Judgment adorns the main doorway. Take the time to admire the cathedral's opulent facade medallions and carved capitals on the columns.


8. Avallon ( Avallon)

Above the Cousin Valley near Morvan Forest, stands the old fortified city of Avallon, surrounded by ancient walls. Avallon is renowned for its quaint atmosphere and beautiful architecture. At the heart of the historic quarter is the 15th century clock tower on the Grand Rue. A must-see on a guided tour of Avallon is the 12th century Romanesque church of Saint Lazarus. This church has two ornate doorways on the western front, which are fine examples of the Burgundian Romanesque style. Museum worth visiting

Avallona, ​​which presents the history of the region and features a small art collection. The museum also hosts interesting temporary exhibitions. Avallon is 15 kilometers from Vézelay and both cities can be easily visited in one day.


9. Bourg-en-Bresse

The historic capital of the Bresse district, Bourque-en-Bresse is located in the southeastern part of Burgundy, on the western edge of the French Jura region. The city is famous not only for the famous "Poulets de Bresse" breed of Bresse chickens, which are raised in this area, but also for the pearl of the flaming Gothic, the magnificent monastery church of Brou. The Royal Monastery of Bru in Bourque-en-Bresse has a harmonious Renaissance interior, a rich lecture hall, brightly stained glass windows and a choir of 74 beautifully carved oak stalls (1530-1532). The monastery also houses the Art Museum with an excellent collection of Flemish sculpture from the 16th century.


Morvan Regional Natural Park)

Founded in 1970, the Morvan Regional Natural Park covers 173,000 hectares of nature reserve. Located in the northern Massif Central of France, this majestic mountain range is dotted with quaint villages and many beautiful lakes. The landscape of the park includes woodlands, valleys, gorges, untouched streams and rivers. The name "Morvan" is of Celtic origin and means "black mountain", probably due to the dense deep green forests of the area between the Loire and Saone rivers. The landmark of Burgundy and the park is the Château du Cruzette, an elegant 17th century French castle surrounded by 14 hectares of gardens.


11. Tournus

The majestic medieval city of Tournus is located on the right bank of the Saone River, north of Macon. Its main attraction is the Abbey Church of Saint-Philibert, an impressive 11th-century monument. One of the finest Romanesque sanctuaries in France, the Abbey of Saint-Philibert is remarkably well preserved. The building has a large porch and impressive interior. In the apse of the reliquary of Saint Philibert and under the choirs, there is a large crypt from the 10th century.


12. Chateau-Chalon ( Château-Chalon)

Another beautiful village on the list Plus Beaux Villages. The small village of Chateau-Chalon is a fascinating highlight in a sightseeing tour of Burgundy. It sits on a cliff overlooking a beautiful landscape covered with vineyards of hills. The village grew around the castle of the same name and the Benedictine abbey. All that remains of these historic sites is the central tower and the Romanesque abbey church.