Highlights Of a Visit To Burgundy, France

Discover the Burgundy region of France

The Burgundy region is found to the south-east of Paris, France.

The region is perhaps best known for the wine it produces - some of the best known (and most loved) French wines come from the vineyards in the region, including the Beaujolais, Chablis, Beaune and Macon varieties. The wines of the region have a very distinctive character, although some of the better known among these do command very high prices.

But there is more to Burgundy than fine wine! The region has a fascinating history, and during the Middle Ages it was an independent duchy, more wealthy even than the French Royal Kingdom at that time.

During the Hundred Years War Burgundy sided with the English against the French throne, and it was the Burgundians who captured Joan of Arc during this war, and sold her to the English - who subsequently interrogated her and burned her at the stake. It was not until the 17th century that the last remnants of this empire returned to the hands of the French

It was during this period that Burgundy became very wealthy, and many of the most notable historical sites that we can visit today date from this period. Perhaps the best known are the stunning abbeys at Fontenay, Vezelay.and Pontigny.

Burgundy is also a popular location because of its scenic attractions. The countryside - meadows and woodlands interspersed by small scale agriculture (typically small fields separated by hedgerows) - is very pastoral, and made even more attractive by the many traditional small villages that dot the region.

The village of Semur-en-Auxois is a particularly attractive village, set on a quiet bend in a river, and said to have been founded by Hercules himself.

There are also several larger towns in Burgundy - such as Auxerre and those associated with the great wine names. Many of these have interesting historical centres, the medieval houses reminding us of the rich past of Burgundy as we sit in a sunny café on a quiet tree lined square.

Further south in Burgundy be sure to visit the Hotel-Dieu complex at Beaune - a medieval hospital complex, with both stunning buildings to admire and a fascinating chance to see what a medieval hospital looked like.

The western part of the region includes the Morvan national park, more hilly than the rest of Burgundy and a popular place with hikers and cyclists.

One other site that deserves special mention, out of the many churches, castles and villages that you will enjoy visiting, is the project at Guedelon. This is a large project to construct a castle using exactly the same techniques and materials as were used 500 years ago. It is fascinating to watch the building take shape, and to see the artisans shaping the materials in a project that will take decades to complete.

The villages in the region include several that are classified as 'most beautiful villages of France', and others along the rivers and canals that cross the region. It is along the canals that many visitors choose to travel - especially along the Burgundy Canal that passes Dijon and the Nivernais Canal. These are a very relaxing way to enjoy the countryside while also passing by many of the most lovely riverside villages.