The region of Burgundy boasts beautiful countryside and is home to many of the most
beautiful historic towns of France.
Alise Sainte Reine / MuseoParc
This famous fortified town was the scene of the Gauls last stand against Caesar.
Take a walk up the hill to see the statue of Vercingétorix overlooking the valley
below. The town offers a Roman archeological site, a museum, a restaurant 'Le Cheval
Blanc' and a cafe. (10 min drive).
Opening in March 2012 is the MuseoParc in Veneray-Les-Laumes. Alesia is a remarkable
site and has been listed since 1985. Considered from the nineteenth century as a
starting point in the history of France, Alesia is a place of memory where myth and
reality intertwine.
So, how was the Department of Cote D’or going to make this remarkable site accessible
to historians, philologists and archaeologists and the public alike.
In response to this problem the Department of Cote D’or has invested heavily in the
construction of the MuseoParc.
No visit to Burgundy can be complete without seeing some of the most famous vineyards
in the world. The "route des Grands Crus" (roughly, "road of the fine wines") is
the name of a tourist route situated in the south of the region.
The 80-kilometre route starts in Dijon and ends in Santenay, and is punctuated by
33 villages or little towns, including Beaune, many of which have picturesque churches.
The route is named because it follows from north to south the middle of the Cote
d'Or escarpment, where many world-class wines are produced. The road lies mid-slope
in the middle of the vineyards and takes the visitor through the vineyards of the
Cote de Nuits and the Cote de Beaune and the back hills (Hautes-Cotes) behind and
above the wine slopes.
Flavigny
Flavigny ('most beautiful villages of France') is found 20 km south-east of Montbard
(full name is Flavigny-sur-Ozerain).
This medieval village with its fortified gates sits on a rock isolated by 3 streams.
It's ancient, narrow streets are full of religious and architectural heritage. Flavigny
is famous for the production of its well known aniseed sweets. End up at La Grange
to be fed by local farmers with produce from their gardens and farms (open 1 July
- 31 August). Flavigny is more recently famed as the setting for the film "Chocolat".
It is possible to walk to Flavigny from Ecorsaint in 1.5 hours or, alternatively,
it's a 5 minute drive.
Linking up the the Yonne and Saône rivers, the Burgundy canal first flows through
the valley of the Armançon and makes its way through a 3 300 long canal tunnel near
Pouilly-en-Auxois before joining the Saône at Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Departure bases
with boat rental berths include Brienon-sur-Armançon, Tonnerre, Vénarey-les-Laumes,
Pouilly-en-Auxois, Saint-Florentin and Saint-Jean-de-Losne. Among the many attractions
to see near the banks of the the Burgundy Canal are the Chateau de Tanlay the exceptional
cistercian Abbey de Fontenay (a world heritage site) the mediaeval village of Chateauneuf.
Canal mariners can even stop at Dijon where the Duke of Burgundy left such a rich
heritage of architectural treasures.
The abbey was founded by Saint Bernard in a small marshy valley a few kilometers
from Montbard (Burgundy).
Dijon
The capital of Burgundy is full of charm and history. Spend a day wandering around
the 16th century streets or take the Owl's Trail around the city (the Office de Tourisme
will start you on your way). Visit the Musee des Beaux-Arts or just pass the time
away in one of the street cafes around the Place de la Liberation. (45 min drive)
Semur En Auxois
Semur-en-Auxois is in the Cote-d'Or department of Burgundy, 20 km south of Montbard
and 30km north of Saulieu
The town is one of the most popular attractions of the region - not surprising for
it is a pretty town, built on a pink granite rocky outcrop and watched over by the
stout round towers of the castle.
Passing through the clock-gate at the top of the town you find a small open square
with several restaurants and shops to explore. Other particular sights in the town
include:
- the four towers, all that remains of Semur's castle (don't miss the traditional
wooden 'chessboard' roof of the Renaissance Tower).
- the Pont Joly across the River,
- the Notre Dame church - this 13th century church is perhaps best described as 'exuberant
gothic', and stands on the main square in the town, the Place Notre-Dame. There is
a small park behind the church, perhaps the best place to see it from.
