Dijon
The capital of Burgundy, Dijon has a rich cultural life and is a must for lovers of art, architecture and food. Its centre is noted for its architectural splendour, most notably the magnificent 17th century Palais des Ducs, now the home of the Musée des Beaux Arts. The centre is a warren of little streets that reward exploration, the cobbled Rue Verrerie being a particular delight. Dijon is famous for its mustard and pain d'épices (gingerbread), a reminder of the town’s old position on the spice route. Eating out here is a delight with a superb range of restaurants from brasseries to Michelin-starred gastronomic restaurants - try the Bistrot des Halles opposite the covered market for delicious Burgundian cuisine.
Beaune and the Wine Route of Cote D’Or
The highlight of any trip to Beaune is a visit to the Hôtel-Dieu. A hospice was founded here in 1443 to remedy the famine suffered by the locals after the Hundred Years’ War. Today the hospice is a medieval jewel with its superb multi-coloured Burgundian roof tiles and religious masterpieces. Other sights include the Hotel des Ducs de Bourgogne, built between the 14th-16th centuries and now home of the Musée du Vin de Bourgogne, and the splendid 15th century woollen and silk tapestries to be found in the Romanesque Collégiale Notre-Dame. The grapes of the great Burgundy vineyards grow in the golden-reddish soil of the Cote d’Or. The signposts of the unbroken line of vines haunt the dreams of wine lovers the world over: Gevrey- Chambertin, Vougeot, Chambolle-Musigny, Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-St-Georges, Aloxe- Corton, Meursault and Chassagne Montrachet.
Chablis & Fontenay
Although this is one of the most famous wine villages on earth, the narrow stone streets of Chablis still have an air of sleepy prosperity, and there is no doubt that a glass of Chablis tastes best in Chablis! The oldest surviving Cistercian foundation in France, the tranquil abbey of Fontenay offers a rare insight into the Cistercian way of life. Founded in 1118 by St Bernard; its secluded position deep in the forest offers peace and tranquility. Highlights include the severe architectural forms of the Abbey Church dating back to the 1140’s and the 12th century cloisters.
Vézelay, Semur & Avallon
At the height of its glory, in the 12th century, the abbey of Ste-Madeleine in Vezelay claimed to house the relics of Mary Magdalene and was one of the starting points for the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Today the attraction of this UNESCO listed sanctuary lies in the Romanesque church with its magnificent Tympanum sculpture showing Christ on his throne. Semur is noted for its 13th century Eglise Notre-Dame, whilst the fortified town of Avallon boasts the Romanesque Eglise St-Lazare.