French region of Burgundy (Bourgogne). What is interesting about the French region of Burgundy? What to see in the vicinity of major cities

The French region of Burgundy (Bourgogne) is a historical region located in eastern France, bordering on the north with Ile-de-France and Champagne-Ardenne, in the west with the Center, in the east with Franche-Comté, and in the south with Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes.

The total area of ​​the region is approximately 31,582 square kilometers and the population exceeds 1,642,734. The administrative center of the region is the city of Dijon.

Today, pleasant rural Burgundy is one of the most prosperous regions of modern France, but in the past its powerful dukes maintained independence from the official French crown for many centuries. During the Hundred Years' War, some of the dukes even managed to defect to the side of the British Empire. It was during this difficult period of Burgundian history that the captured Joan of Arc was sold to the British.

By the beginning of the 15th century, the Burgundians owned the entire province of Franche-Comté, Alsace and Lorraine, Belgium, Holland, Picardy and Flanders, and their state at that time was the most organized and richest in all of Europe (its income could only be compared with the profit of the Venetian Republic). Burgundian statehood came under the jurisdiction of the French monarchs only after Duke Charles the Bold was killed during the siege Nancy in 1477.

In Burgundy, everywhere you will find evidence of former wealth and power, both secular and religious life: in the capital of the duchy of Dijon, and in the magnificent abbeys of Vézelay and Fontenay, and in the ruins of the monastery at Cluny (in terms of influence, its abbots were second only to the Pope ), and in the castles of Tanle and Annecy.

History of Burgundy

It is generally accepted that the name Burgundy comes from the German tribe of the Burgundians, who created their own kingdom centered first in Worms, and then in Lyon in the southeast of France (5th century). Around 534 it completely became part of the Frankish state.

At the beginning of the 9th century, two kingdoms were formed: Upper Burgundy (with its capital in Geneva) and Lower Burgundy (Provence). In 933 they united into a single Kingdom of Burgundy (Arelat), which in 1034 became part of the Holy Roman Empire. The lands of both of the above entities did not in any way affect the current territory of Burgundy.

As a counterbalance to the Kingdom of Burgundy, the Duchy of Burgundy was created in the southeastern French territorial limits. In 1032, the brother of the French monarch Henry Robert became Duke of Burgundy.

In 1363, King John II the Good handed Burgundy over to his youngest son, Philip II the Bold, who became the founder of a new ducal dynasty. From the south it bordered with Savoy, in the southwest with Auvergne. Subsequently, the Dukes of Burgundy annexed Flanders and the Netherlands to their possessions. The capital of Burgundy was the city of Dijon.

The last great ruler of the duchy was Duke Charles the Bold after the death of whom, in 1477, Burgundy became entirely part of France. Until 1790, Burgundy had the status of a province within the Kingdom of France. In addition, the asteroid (374) Burgundy, discovered by scientists in 1893, is named after Burgundy.

Sights and wines of Burgundy

In addition to various excursion routes through the vineyards and wineries of Burgundy, historical attractions provinces, among which the most popular places are Basilica of Mary Magdalene(Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine) in Vézelay and the Cistercian Abbey in Fontaine (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). When in the Yonne department you should definitely visit Guedelon Castle(Chateau Guedelon) and Annecy-le-Franc (Chateau d’Ancy-le-Franc).

Recommended visit in Dijon Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy(Palais Ducal) – in addition to the large-scale medieval architecture, here you can also fully enjoy the unsurpassed works of applied and fine art from the collection of the castle’s owners. For walks in the fresh air, the Darcy Garden, located near the Dijon train station, is ideal. In Nièvres you can take a river voyage along the local canals: the picturesque surroundings and 16 locks provide an intimate and authentic atmosphere.

The Alesia Museum-Park is entirely dedicated to the Gallic history of France. At the moment, the excavation site and the giant statue of the Gallic leader Vercingetorix are open to tourists, and in the future there are plans to build a modern historical museum, which will be equipped with the latest high-tech equipment.

For gourmets, the main attraction of the region, without a doubt, remains Burgundian cuisine and wine. Fans of Burgundy wines head straight to the magnificent vineyards, whose products have played a decisive role in the local economy since the days when doctors prescribed the wine to Louis XIV himself as a soothing remedy for indigestion.

If you don’t have enough money to enjoy an expensive drink, then come here in September or October, when winemakers hire grape pickers. In this case, you can taste exquisite Burgundy wines completely free of charge. Between the gourmet lunches and numerous wine tastings, it's worth making time for a more active holiday: hikers will find a huge variety of routes, both easy and relatively difficult, in the Morvan Regional Park and the Gold Coast.

There are also several long routes along the banks of the canals, ideal for cycling. As for boat trips, lovers of this type of recreation will appreciate the Canal de Bourgogne and the Canal Nivernais - you can rent a barge for a cruise on both canals.

Sights of Burgundy

1. Dijon ( Dijon)

Dijon's majestic palaces and historic churches reflect the city's aristocratic heritage. In 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 Doge's Palace in the historical center of Dijon. This medieval palace allows tourists to imagine the grandeur of the life of the dukes. In a wing of the Palais des Ducs is the famous Museum of Fine Arts, which is one of the best art museums in France. Its collection ranges from artifacts from ancient Egyptian antiquities to medieval Renaissance art and Burgundian sculpture.

2. Bon ( Beaune)

This beautiful historic town was also once the seat of the Dukes of Burgundy and will enchant you with its magnificent mix of cobblestone streets 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 Palais Monge, with a tower from the 13th century.

Worth checking out is the Hotel Di, a hospital for the poor built by Chancellor Nicolas Rolin and his wife in the mid-15th century. This Gothic half-timbered building features a colorful roof covered in geometric patterned tiles and an elegant courtyard. It now houses a museum with exquisite tapestries and a famous 15th-century polyptych by Rogier van der Weyden. North of the Hotel Di, travelers will find the Cathedral Basilica of Notre Dame. This church is called the "Daughter of Cluny" because it exemplifies the Romanesque architecture developed in nearby Cluny, with a three-nave basilica and a square tower. The church possesses a 12th-century figurine 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 built the largest church in Christendom, before the construction of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in the 16th century. It was from here that a great reform of the church began, focusing on the revival of monasticism, following the rules of St. Benedict. The movement spread to approximately 2,000 parishes throughout Western Europe. New architectural ideas were developed in Cluny, reflecting a spiritual quest for order. Cluny Abbey is an inspiring monument that provides insight into the most important monastic order of the Middle Ages.

4. Vezelay ( Vézelay)

Surrounded by ancient fortress walls, among the beautiful Burgundy, stands the fascinating village of Vézelay. It lies on top of a hill with stunning views of the majestic Monte Morvana mountain range. 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 exquisite Romanesque basilica. Vézelay is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Auxerre)

Auxerre is a lively city about 150 kilometers northwest of Dijon, standing on the banks of the Yonne River. The old part of the city, 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 a Carolingian crypt and 9th-century frescoes around the tomb. During the tour, look out for the Church of Saint Eusebius, which has a beautiful Romanesque bell tower with a 15th-century octagonal spire, and it is also worth visiting the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, dating from the 13th century, built on the foundations of a Romanesque cathedral with 11th-century frescoes. The height of the North Tower of the cathedral is 65 meters, and 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 a distinguished history dating back to Roman times. On the eastern side of the city are the ruins of the largest Roman amphitheater in Gaul, which once seated 20,000 spectators, the ancient city gate and the remains of the Temple of Janus.

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

8. Avalon ( Avalon)

Above the Cousin River Valley, near the Morvan forest, stands the old fortified city of Avalon, surrounded by ancient walls. Avalon is famous for its quaint atmosphere and beautiful architecture. In the center of the historic quarter is the 15th-century clock tower on the Grand Rue. A must-see during a tour of Avallone is the 12th-century Romanesque Church of Saint Lazarus. This church has two ornate doorways on the west front which are fine examples of the Burgundian Romanesque style. Worth a visit to the museum

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

9. Bourg-en-Bresse

The historical capital of the Bresse region, Bourg-en-Breses is located in the south-eastern part of Burgundy, on the western edge of the French Jura region. The town is famous not only for the famous "Poulets de Bresse" breed of Bresse chickens that are raised in the area, but also for the jewel of its flamboyant Gothic style, the magnificent monastery church of Brou. The royal monastery of Brou in Bourg-en-Brés has a harmonious Renaissance interior, a rich lecture hall, vibrant stained glass windows and a choir of 74 beautifully carved oak stalls (1530-1532). The monastery also houses an Art Museum with an excellent collection of 16th-century Flemish sculpture.

Morvan Regional Natural Park)

Founded in 1970, the Morvan Regional Natural Park covers 173,000 hectares of protected area. Located in the northern part of France's Massif Central, this majestic mountain range is dotted with quaint villages and many beautiful lakes. The park's landscape includes forested areas, valleys, gorges, pristine 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 River and the Saône River. The highlight of Burgundy and the park is the Château du Crouzette, 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 Saône River, north of the city of Mâcon. Its highlight is the Saint-Philibert Abbey Church, an impressive 11th-century monument. One of the most exquisite Romanesque sanctuaries in France, the Abbey of Saint-Philibert is remarkably well preserved. The building has a large porch and an impressive interior. In the apse is the reliquary of Saint Philibert and under the choir is a large 10th-century crypt.

12. Chateau-Chalon ( Chateau-Chalon)

Another beautiful village on the list "Plus Beaux Villages". The small village of Chateau-Chalon is a fascinating highlight of a sightseeing tour of Burgundy with its beauty. It is located on a cliff overlooking a beautiful landscape of vineyard-covered hills. The village grew around the castle of the same name and the Benedictine abbey. All that remains of these historical monuments is the central tower and the Romanesque church of the abbey.

Burgundy is not a separate city, but the main gastronomic and wine region of France, so its popularity among tourists is quite justified. In addition, this region is famous for its beautiful Renaissance architecture, ancient villages, medieval castles, well-kept vineyards and much more, which delights everyone who comes to this region. In addition, there are beautiful, clean rivers, on the banks of which there are good sandy beaches.

Getting to Burgundy is not difficult; it can be done in different ways. The international airport is located in the city of Dijon. Honestly, I don’t know whether planes fly from Russian cities to this airport, but most often tourists fly to Paris, and from there they take the train to Dijon (travel time is two hours). If you want to get to know all the sights of this region on your own, without buying an excursion, then it is best to rent a car. In this case, you will save money and plan your time independently.

If you prefer public transport, you should know that the main public transport in the region is buses, and in some places it is possible to use the services of commuter trains.

You are doing the right thing by paying some attention to the climate. In this regard, the situation is such that winters in Burgundy are snowy but mild, and summers are dry. Such climatic conditions are ideal for growing grapes. The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in May and June, so during this period there are not many tourists in the region; the best time to visit this area is considered to be the period from late August to mid-September.

If you want to get acquainted with the sights of the region, you should start from the capital of the region - Dijon. The city is quiet, beautiful and at the same time quite unique. One of the most interesting attractions of this city is Palais Ducal - the Palace of the Burgundian Dukes. This luxurious architectural ensemble impresses with its size and grandeur. Within its walls is the tomb of the French king and his son Philip the Bold.

In addition to the external architecture of the palace, tourists can visit the museum located within its walls absolutely free, stroll through the beautiful garden, etc. You can explore the castle on your own or as part of a guided tour.

The Old Town of Dijon with its wine bars, ancient streets, and numerous souvenir shops has been preserved in excellent condition. In the Notre Dame quarter you can see the ancient mansions of Burgundian nobles. If you come to the city in early September, you can not only see the sights, but also become a participant in folklore and wine festivals.

A 15-minute drive from the Burgundian capital is the wine capital of this region - Beaune. At one time, it was in this place that the residence of the Burgundian counts was located. Among its attractions, it is worth highlighting the Hospice House, which was built in the Gothic style and on the territory of which an annual charity fair and sale from its own wine cellars is held. Also noteworthy in the city are the 15th century hospital building, museums of Burgundy wines and fine arts, the Notre Dame Church, the Ducal Palace, as well as the city walls that have been preserved from medieval times.

Throughout the year, this city hosts several interesting festivals. Art lovers flock to Beaune in midsummer, as this is when the city hosts the Festival International d'Opera Baroque, while wine lovers flock here on the third Saturday of November for the annual Trois Glorieuses festival. During this festival, everyone can taste Beaujolais Nouveau and take part in various wine auctions.

The closest town to Paris is the Burgundian town of Sens, which attracts tourists with its magnificent theater and the Gothic Cathedral of St. Etienne, the former residence of bishops. In addition, every weekend a flea market opens in the central square of the city, where you can buy a lot of interesting things. Excursions and trips to the suburbs of this town, which are distinguished by beautiful nature and numerous bodies of water, where you can relax from the bustle of the city, have a picnic and go fishing, are popular among tourists.

I advise you to pay attention to the neighboring town of Auxerre, the architectural center of which is designed in a very beautiful Renaissance style. If you decide to look into this town, pay attention to the clock tower, Sainte-Madeleine Church, Vézelay Abbey of the 9th century and others. The most beautiful view of the old part of the city opens from the Paul Ber bridge. Literally every restaurant in the city offers visitors to try local Chablis wine. The city is mostly famous for its various cultural festivals and events. At the end of July, jazz lovers from many countries around the world come to the city, and in mid-September an international piano music festival takes place.

The town of Vézelay is considered one of the pearls of the region. It is mainly interesting because it is home to such a religious landmark as the Basilica of St. Magdalene. It is protected by UNESCO and is visited annually by a large number of French and foreign pilgrims.

I think that for your first trip to Burgundy, this number of cities and attractions will be more than enough for you. You should be well aware that in one trip you will only be able to cover a small part of the interesting places and attractions of this region. The main thing is to plan your trip correctly so that you can get to several local festivals at once (if you want to visit wine festivals, then you need to go in the fall).

Burgundy is one of the most famous places on earth, covered in a veil of uniqueness and indescribable legend. This is a place where ancient castles, a vibrant history, and the most 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. To the south, the region neighbors Savoy, and to the north, Lorraine. Burgundy is only an hour and a half away from the capital by car. The main settlement is Dijon. The region's territory covers the departments of Yonne, Nièvre, Saône and Loire, and Côte d'Or - these are the departments that Burgundy is divided into. A total of over one and a half million people live there (based on 2008 data - 1.638 million). A third of the population occupies rural areas. 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 at Worms (then moved it to Lyon). It was annexed to the Frankish lands in 534. In the 9th century, two 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, but the territories of both noted formations in no way affected the actual lands of Burgundy.

In parallel with this kingdom, in the southeastern zone of France, a duchy of the same name arises - Burgundy. In 1032, Robert (brother of the King of France) received the title of Duke of Burgundy. In the 14th century, John the Second the Good transferred 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. Along the southwestern line, the territory bordered with Auvergne, and along the southern line with Savoy. Over time, local dukes annexed the Netherlands and Flanders to Burgundy. Dijon became the capital at that time.

One of the last prominent rulers of the Duchy of Burgundy 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

Castle de Saint-Fargo

In the French style - Chateau de Saint Fargeau. This is essentially 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 centuries it was completed/added several times. In the 17th century, the first cousin of Louis 14 settled in it, where she lived for five years and, inviting Le Va (architect), turned the building into a bright pearl of French classicism.

Castle de Chateauneuf

The French name is Chateau de Chateauneuf. It is located 43 kilometers from Dijon. Appeared in the 12th century (1132). Built by Jean de Chadene as a gift to his son. During the 100 Years' War it was turned into a fortress thanks to fortifications. The castle is associated with ghosts: in the 15th century, Catharine de Chateauneuf was burned alive there because she poisoned her husband. Today the castle is included in the list of historical monuments.

Castle de Roully

Original sound – Chateau de Rully. It arose in 851 and is located in the Saône department. In 1194 it came 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-Lenger, who returned from the Crusade. Next he came to Montesquiou. Today the castle is the property of his descendant - Count d'Avy de Ternay.

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, equipped with a covered roof, were built in the castle. The bridge and the 3rd gate, dating from the 16th century, were also restored. There is a small church at the Chateau de Luny. The current state of the building is private property, closed to the public.

Castle de Lenay

In French - Chateau de Leynes. Appeared in March 875. Founded by Charles the Bald. In 1119 it was presented as a gift to the Abbey of Tournus. It was repeatedly subjected to sieges, looting, and burning. In the 13th century it became a district center. When it fell into the hands of Lena in 1562, he rebuilt it anew. The second restoration took place in 1715, after a long period of being in ruins. At the end of the French Revolution, it passed to Jacques Lamerie, who bought it. At this time, the castle has been reconstructed and is often rented out.

Castle 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 that occurred in the 13th century, the castle was seriously damaged - only the chapel remained standing. 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 under the 15th century). Today the castle welcomes visitors.

Chateau de Guevrey-Chambertin

Original name: Gevrey-Chambertin. Appeared in the 13th century, in the second half, when St. Bernard was prior of the Abbey of Cluny. The first building appeared between 1257 and 1275. A stone bridge adjoined its gate from the southwestern part. Subsequently, it was changed to a crossover, 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 remains in their possession to this day. Open for viewing and wine tasting.

Castle d'Aiguil

French name - Chateau d'Eguilly. Located in the commune of Eguilly (Côte d'Or department). Built on the site of another fortress - Gallo-Roman, from which the remains of a courtyard and road are still visible. In the 12th century, it was supplemented with fortified bastions, in the 15th - converted into a castle as such, turning into the residence of the archbishop. In 1983, purchased by Roger Oubret, an art collector, refurbished and restored. It is a large exhibition site (keeps about 200 paintings). Included in the list of French historical monuments .

Wines of Burgundy

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

In some cases, the delicate 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 exquisite and unique.

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The region's semi-continental climate contributes to cold winters and hot summers. Winters are snowy and mild, and summers are dry, which is excellent 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 dishes of the province:
- fish soup (pouchouse);
- beef bourguignon (boeuf bourguignon);
- ham in jelly with parsley (jambon persille);
- rooster 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;
- meringue sweets Ideal maconnais;
- anise sweets Anis de Flavigny;
- fruit vodka (eau-de-vie).
Famous Dijon mustard popular all over the world. To make it, they use white wine, local grape vodka, and various herbs (coriander, basil, cumin, vanilla, tarragon).

The capital of Burgundy is Dijon, a very quiet and quaint city. In Dijon, it is worth visiting the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy (Palais Ducal). This medieval architectural ensemble fascinates 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 the Darcy Garden, which is located near the main train station. The main tourist center is also located near the station.

The old part of the city has been preserved in excellent condition. Ancient streets, wine bars, souvenir shops - this is the best illustration of the local way of life. In the Notre Dame quarter there are luxurious mansions of former Burgundian nobles. This is the most beautiful area of ​​the city, which is protected by the tourist center.
If you want to be transported to an ancient Dijon, just take a walk along the ancient streets (rue Chaudronniere, rue Verrerie, rue des Forges). Also, on rue de la Chouette you can see ancient buildings: Hotel Chambellan, Hotel de Vogue, Hotel Auriot, Maison des Cariatides.
On September 5, the city hosts two festivals: 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 Hospice House. The buildings are made in the Gothic style. Every year an international charity fair is held here (sale of wines from its own cellars).
Also worth visiting is the Palace of the Dukes, the Notre Dame Church, 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. Auctions are held where you can buy the best wine. Also, in mid-summer the Festival International d’Opera Baroque takes place here.

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

Visit the neighboring town of Auxerre. The architectural center of the city is designed in the Renaissance style. The main monuments of the city are the clock tower, the 9th century Vézelay Abbey, and the Church of Sainte-Madeleine. The Abbey of Saint-Germain houses 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 Pont Paul Ber.
In each restaurant you can taste local Chablis wine. At the end of July, jazz lovers flock to the city. And in mid-September, piano music lovers 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 a fortress wall and gates from the 15th century, a Romanesque church from the 12th century, and the medieval Gozhar tower, where the local history museum is now located.

The town of Vezelay is another gem of the region. Basilica of St. Magdalene is protected by UNESCO. It is located on the highest hill of the city. A large number of pilgrims come here to kneel inside the temple.

In the city of Autun, an ancient gate has been preserved since the times of the Roman Empire. Also worth a visit is the Cathedral of St. Lazarus of the 12th century, Rolin 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 watch the production of this alcoholic drink from start to finish.

The town of Bibract (Mont Beuvray) is located next to Autun. In the past, it was surrounded by a high wall and a deep ditch to protect the inhabitants from enemy attacks. Now the city is of 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 early photographs, cameras and optical instruments. There you can also learn about the history of photography through a documentary film.

The Morvan National Park is located near the city of Nevers. 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 its large tower. You can also take a boat ride along the picturesque canals.

The small town of Pierreclos is famous for its 12th-century medieval castle (Chôteau de Pierreclos). Even though the castle is now private property, it is still open to the public. There is even an opportunity to stay overnight in the castle. There are rooms in the old style and more modern ones to choose from.
The owners have their own vineyards and produce Chardonnay. They have already taken first place at the wine exhibition in Paris several times.

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

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

Shopping

Most 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 Sunday.

The main shopping streets of 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-Saône).

What can you bring from Burgundy?

In this wine region, most souvenirs are related to wine. Corkscrews, stands for bottles and glasses, tasting cases.

Burgundy wine will be an excellent souvenir for friends and relatives. 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 Burgundian motifs:

And, of course, the famous Dijon mustard. Rich aroma, mild taste and a large selection of different varieties (with white wine, with nuts, with berries, with herbs). A jar of mustard costs from 3 euros.

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