Burgundy country. Burgundy wines

Burgundy country history

Burgundy is one of the most prestigious regions of France. From 1371 to 1467, the Dukes of Burgundy, ruling a vast territory extending north to Flanders, were among the richest in Europe. The court in Dijon was one of the most refined and intellectual in Europe as well. These glorious times came to an end in 1467 when Louis XI, the King of France, won a battle against Charles the Bold who was then killed.

The influence of Burgundy in religious history is dominant. The Abbey of Cluny was founded in 910 and exerted a strong influence in Europe for centuries. Cluny was almost totally destroyed during the French revolution. The first Cistercian abbey was founded in 1098 in Citeaux, Burgundy. A century later, hundreds of beautiful Cistercian abbeys had been founded all over Europe, in a large part thanks to the extraordinary charisma and influence of Bernard of Clairvaux. The Abbey of Fontenay, a UNESCO heritage site, is today the best preserved Cistercian abbey in Burgundy. The Abbey of Vezelay, a UNESCO world heritage site, is still a starting point of a route to Santiago de Compostela.

The Taizé and Emmanuel Catholic Communities were founded in Taizé and Paray le Monial in Burgundy.

Dijon, the Burgundy country capital

Dijon has been the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. Today a relatively modest city compared to Paris, it was competing with her in the 14th century. It's rich legacy make it a very pleasant town to visit. Especially noteworthy are the elegant mansions of the Dukes of Burgundy and other distinguished owners. Called hotels particuliers, these impressive houses are built on a grand scale with splendid facades. Visitors enjoy taking a stroll back in time through the old streets of Dijon and admiring the sights-from the Ducal Palace to the Fine Arts Museum and the medieval churches.

With 22 of the region’s 23 red Grand Crus, including Corton, Chambolle-Musigny, Fixin, Gevrey-Chambertin, the Cote de Nuits forms the northern half of Burgundy’s vineyard. It is a 20km strip running south from Dijon to Nuits-Saint-Georges.

Beaune, the Burgundy wine capital

It is advised to spend one or two days in Beaune, a beautiful old town with pedestrian streets and nice boutique hotels. Beaune is certainly the heart of the Burgundy wine trade. It is a very touristic city close to major freeways, with lots of wine tasting and restaurants where burgundy food can be enjoyed.

The main sights in Beaune are:
* the incredible 15th century Hospices de Beaune,
* the Marché aux vins, a wine cave for top Burgundy tasting,
* Patriarche, the largest Burgundy wine cave with tasting,
* Joseph Drouhin, the oldest Burgundy wine caves with tasting (booking in advance is required).

The Cote de Beaune, around the city, is a key wine-producing district of Burgundy, with among famous names the Montrachet white wines, the most expensive in the world, and the Pommard red wines.

Stay in Burgundy country

The Burgundy country is on the way from the UK, the Benelux and Germany to the south of France and Italy. It is therefore very practical to visit. Beaune in particular is the right place for a stop on a journey to the south of Europe. Many villages boast nice hotels and restaurants which offer the best food and accomodation France provides.

The Chateau de Gilly, former residence of 14th-century monks, is located between Dijon and Beaune, 2 minutes from the village of Vougeot, the finest wine producing area in the heart of Burgundy. It has preserved its authentic 14th and 16th century character, reflected in its moats and French-style gardens. Le Clos Prieur restaurant serves a regional gourmet cuisine. It is set in a former 14th century wine cellar of extraordinary architectural design.