Burgundy is one of the most fascinating regions of France, often labelled as the land of fine art and living.
A diversity of landscapes
Burgundy is situated to the south east of Paris and to the north of Lyons. It is divided into four departments: Yonne, Côte d'Or, Saône-et-Loire and Nièvre.
With its 1,200 kilometers of waterways, Bourgogne is a small paradise for all freshwater sailors: such an important network of navigable waterways provides opportunities for sight-seeing and outdoor activities like green tourism on a hotel barge or a canal cruiser.
Sitting in the centre of Burgundy is the Morvan Forest, a natural park of oak trees, covering nearly a quarter of a million hectares. It is an ideal place for bird watching, playing golf, cycling or taking a bird's eye view from a balloon.
A troubled History
With a territory extending well beyond its present boundaries, Burgundy was, for a long period of time, France's most powerful rival.
Though the French King appointed governors by the 15th century, the duchy managed to keep its privileges and traditions. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Burgundy was severely devastated during Wars of Religion, the Thirty Years' War and the aristocratic revolt known as the "Fronde". From 1631 to 1789, the duchy was governed by the Princes de Condé. After the French revolution, this province disappeared as such and was fully integrated into the new administrative organization.
Land of wine and gastronomy
The Burgundy wines of Chablis,Nuits-St-Georges, Clos-Vougeot, Gevrey-Chambertin and Pommard are world famous, thanks to the quality of the Burgundian vineyards.
Lovers of French food will enjoy the region's specialities too: cheese, of course, Charolais beef, mustard sauces, blackcurrants and escargots. Tourists are invited to visit the markets and fine shops, go wine tasting, tour the vineyards and try out local dishes such as Boeuf Bourguignon and Gougères.
A dynamic economy
Besides agriculture, metallurgy has long been an important industry in this region. Nowadays, other industries include electrical and electronics equipment, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and food processing, giving the region a diversified industrial structure.
A strong cultural heritage
Archaeological sites abound all over Burgundy. Around Mount Beuvray, you will find Bibracte Oppidum and Alésia, where Caesar got the upper hand over Vercingétorix in 52BC.
Burgundy highlights include Fontenay Abbey and the romanesque basilica at Vézelay. Cluny monastery has a story to tell, as do some "châteaux" such as Cormatin and Ancy-le-Franc.
The Hôtel-Dieu of Beaune, founded in 1443 by the Chancellor of Burgundy, is a true jewel of gothic "flamboyant" architecture. Its amazing polychrome roofs have become one of the symbols of Burgundy.
Burgundy is also famous for some of the most picturesque villages in France with timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, fortified gateways and, in summer, windows brimming with geraniums. Noyers, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain and Nolay are just three of many worth visiting.