Burgundy Region
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Dijon, Vezley, Chablis, Fontenay… Travel through Burgundy region on a week-end and discover its architectural and gastronomical richness.
During the week-end, you will visit Dijon, old capital of Dukes of Burgundy, taste the wines of Chablis, enjoy a promenade in the Roman village of Vezelay and admire its magnificent Roman basilica, and get a chance to contemplate over the architectural beauty and the magnificence of the Fontenay Abbey.
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CHABLISCome discover the village which gave its name to one of France’s most famous wines! This vineyard’s story begins in the 12th century with the monks of neighboring Pontigny Abbey. The wine starts out by being sold locally, followed by exports to Northern Europe (England, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands), Russia and the USA. In the 19th century, Tolstoy even compares it to Champagne wine! |
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The Saint-Martin Collegiate Church Built circa 1160, the Saint-Martin Collegiate Church is one of Europe’s oldest Gothic style churches. The famous cathedrals in Canterbury and Reims, for example, were respectively built in 1175 and 1217. The 50 meter tall belfry, however, is much more recent since it was erected in 1852. Chablis wine Chablis winemaking was a community affair. Each district had its wine press. The one used by the 12th century monks is still there. After having crushed and cleaned the grapes, the juice ferments for two to three weeks and converts into alcohol. After that, it’s necessary to wait at least eight weeks (quality control and oxygenation) before this wine can be bottled. This procedure isn’t unique to the city of Chablis. So what is the secret of Chablis wine? That’s what you’ll learn from the Connoisseurs Cellar’s winemakers. In this 13th century cellar, you’ll be able to taste Chablis wine, as well as other red, white and rosé wines from the Burgundy region.
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VÉZELAYFrom the top of its hill, the Saint-Magdelene Basilica proudly rules over the village of Vézelay. In fact, its creation led to some incredible events. The Abbot of Vézelay claimed to have brought back with him relics of Mary Magdalene, and had a church built there. Just hearing about this attracted pilgrims by the thousands. The village grew, and so did the Basilica. The town became so famous that the King of France, Philip II Augustus (1165-1223), and the King of England, Richard I “the Lionheart” (1157-1199), chose Vézelay as the starting point for the Third Crusade. It’s surely the status of this nexus of Medieval Christianity that lured many pilgrims going to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Arriving from Belgium, the Lorraine or Champagne regions, they spent the night in Vézelay and then continued on towards Bourges or Nevers.
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The Basilica Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Saint-Magdelene Basilica dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries. After a fire, part of the church had to be re-built, which explains the mixture of Romanesque (facade and nave) and Gothic (choir) architectural styles. This church’s uniqueness and beauty is due to three elements; the nave, facade and column capitals. The nave is supported by bicolored (white and brown) arcs, while the facade and capitals contain 12th century sculptures. Built to hold large numbers of pilgrims, it is of great length (62.5 meters) and its narthex (lobby) is incredibly spacious. As often occurs in the Burgundy region, a crypt dating back to the Carolingian dynasty (9th century) is located under the Basilica. |
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The Fontenay Abbey The Fontenay Abbey holds the distinction of being one of Europe’s oldest Cistercian abbeys. The Cistercian Order is a religious order that was founded during the 11th century in the Burgundy region, and spread quickly throughout Europe. The monks lived according to very austere rules, without any luxuries. This lifestyle choice explains the Fontenay Abbey’s simple architectural style. Following the French Revolution, this center of prayer was converted into a paper mill until the early 20th century. Now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Abbey opens its doors to the public. |
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The life of a Cistercian monk at Fontenay consisted of prayer and work. They split their time between the church, the chapter house where they made copies of books, and the garden where they tilled the soil. While there, you'll also be able to visit other living spaces such as the dormitory where the monks all slept together on the straw floor, the cloister where they ran into each other throughout the day, the pisalis, infirmary, forge, refectory and bakery. |
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DIJONSandwiched between the Habsburg’s Germanic Empire and the Kingdom of France, Burgundy is a unique region that the Dukes of Burgundy, and then the Princes of Condé managed to defend and develop. Dijon, capital of the Burgundy region, illustrates this prosperous past. The Palace of the Dukes, the former nobility’s private mansions (Hotel Le Chambellan, Hotel Legouz de Gerland, Hotel Millotet), the numerous Gothic style churches, as well as the medieval timber-frame houses are all relics of this period. Every alley is a voyage to the past and the inspiration of dreams. Immerse yourself in this fascinating past by visiting the “Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne”, Museum of Archeology or Museum of Holy Art. |
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The Palace of the Dukes + Philip the Good Tower Built in 1365, the Palace of the Dukes represents 700 years of the Burgundy region’s political life. With its 46 meter height, the tower symbolizes the power of the Dukes of Burgundy. If you’re brave enough to climb its 316 steps, you’ll have the privilege of admiring Dijon and the surrounding area as did before you the soldiers looking out for enemy attacks. The Museum of Fine Arts Part of the Palace of the Dukes, the Dijon Museum of Fine Arts is a must see, as much for its architectural style as its exhibitions. You’ll be able to see the crypts of the Dukes of Burgundy, as well as the creations of famous painters such as Veronese, Titian, Rubens, Le Brun, De la Tour and Géricault. The “Musée de la vie bourguignonne” The “Musée de la vie bourguignonne” is located in the Bernardine cloister. On two floors, you can discover the 19th and 20th century traditions of Dijon and the Burgundy region. Costumes, furniture, exhibitions, movies and shop reconstitutions will help you better understand life in the Burgundy region. The Museum of Archeology The Burgundy region’s archeological artifacts, from pre-history to the Middle Ages, are exhibited in the former Saint-Bénigne Abbey. Enter the magical world of Sequana, the Gaulish goddess. Admire the magnificent Romanesque and Gothic style sculptures. Discover the Blanot treasure with its decorations and kitchenware. Finally, travel back to the Merovingian period and admire the Burgundians’ costumes and jewellery!
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Program
Saturday’s program:
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Sunday’s program:
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Tarifs and Dates
Price: starting from €135Included in price:
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Tours Coming Up!: |