The central square of Dijon is Place de la Liberté. Its dimensions are small, and its appearance resembles a pancake folded in half. Here is the famous palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, as well as a theater that is definitely worth a visit. Not far from the square is the Basilica of Saint-Michel. Fountains gush directly from the slabs that pave the square, bathing in which citizens and tourists escape the summer heat.
In addition to well-known architectural monuments, the best and, naturally, the most expensive restaurants are located on Freedom Square and the narrow streets adjacent to it. Among them, by the way, there is a restaurant with a Michelin star. You can get into it only by pre-booking a table and going through face control. You won't even be allowed into an empty hall without a reservation. But, by the way, in Dijon there are many other, no less pleasant places where you can eat deliciously.
Morvan National Park
Morvan is a small mountain range (heights up to 900 m) in the very center of Burgundy. Today Morvan is a park reserve, which was created in 1970 to protect local flora and fauna. The picturesque forest is home to European mouflons, foxes, badgers, hawks, pheasants, red deer and wild cats.
The Morvan is crossed by several rivers. There are also several mountain lakes and mineral springs. In the old days, the plateau was inhabited by Gauls, Romans (who even founded the city of Augustodunum) and Cistercian monks.
There are agricultural lands on the territory of Morvan. Local residents make a living from agriculture and livestock raising. Cyclists will be interested in a special marked route that runs through the entire National Park.
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Village of Semur en Auxerrois in Burgundy
The village of Semur-en-Auxerrois is a settlement of a small commune in Cote d'Or, in the west of Burgundy. The central part of the village is a perfectly preserved medieval town. According to legend, people lived here in ancient times, which is confirmed by archaeological finds dating back to Neolithic, and the city was founded by Hercules himself.
There is a castle with defensive walls, a 13th-century Gothic cathedral, ramparts, ancient towers, stone houses, and an aqueduct. In the center there is a library, which houses a rich collection of medieval documents, books and manuscripts. Burbili Castle is open to tourists, where interior items that decorated the castle in the 19th century are exhibited. By appointment you can come to the “Castle of a Thousand Windows” Lantili, built at the beginning of the 18th century on the basis of an ancient fortress.
Righteous Lazarus from Bethany, according to the Gospel, was raised from the dead by Jesus Christ, after which he became a follower of his savior and a preacher. There is the Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca, in which, according to legend, Lazarus was buried. However, according to Catholic tradition, it is believed that Lazarus preached not in Cyprus, but in the territory of modern France, and then Gaul. And it was in the city of Autun that he found his last refuge.
To preserve the relics of Saint Lazarus, the Cathedral in Autun was built on the site of the old church, which could no longer accommodate everyone who wanted to venerate the holy relics. Construction of the cathedral began at the beginning of the 12th century. Since 1195 it has become the only cathedral of Autun. During the French Revolution, the relics were desecrated, but believers managed to preserve part of them.
The appearance of the temple is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic styles. It so happened that the cathedral was erected before the Gothic period in architecture, but it was rebuilt several times. Inside the cathedral is decorated with sculptures, bas-reliefs, and a high relief with the scene of the Last Judgment.
Museum of Fine Arts in Beaune
The Museum of Fine Arts of Beaune opened in June 2012 after a long transformation. Its first discovery was in 1853. Its founder, Jules Poutet, created it from his own collection. Then the museum was replenished with works of modern masters.
The main part of the museum's exhibits are paintings, tapestries, and sculptures dating from the 12th to the 20th centuries. There is also a small collection of archaeological finds on display here, representing the history of the city. The exhibition presents a large number of works of Flemish and Dutch painting. The Museum of Fine Arts shares space with the Museum of Natural History.
Vezelay and its hill
Vélay" (V zelay) is a village in the French department of Yonne (Burgundy), where one of the largest and richest Benedictine abbeys of medieval France is located. The Abbey of St. Magdalene was one of the main pilgrimage centers of medieval Europe.
The monastery was built in 860 on the “Eternal Mountain”; the monastery was patronized by Mary Magdalene.
Vézelay Abbey served as one of the points of the movement for the liberation of the Holy Land from the infidels. Inside the basilica are the relics of Mary Magdalene. Vézelay and the Hill, with its intricate depictions of capitals and portals, is one of the outstanding masterpieces in Burgundian and Romanesque art, although its appearance was damaged during the French Revolution. In 1979, Vezelay and its hill were included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Museum of Burgundy in Beaune
The museum was founded by André Lagrange and Georges Henri Rivière, creator of the Museum of Man and the Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions. It appeared in 1946 in the old building of the Hotel Des Ducs in the Burgundian city of Beaune, a historical monument since 1924. Since 1988, an exhibition representing the “natural conditions” of wine production has been open on the ground floor. Thanks to this exhibition, you can learn the differences between Burgundy wines and other French ones, as well as the influence of geological and environmental factors on the taste of wine.
The main exhibition of the museum presents the history of growing grapevines and wine production from ancient times to the present. The museum's collection includes equipment used in winemaking, as well as dishes, presses, and barrels. The room, which represents the history of wine bottles and glassware, houses the world's oldest intact bottle, dating from 1657. The last room, "Salle des Ambassadeurs", is decorated with a collection of tapestries. There is a library in the museum.
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Voge Mansion
In Dijon, you should definitely walk through its medieval center. One of the architectural gems of the city is the famous Vogue mansion, located near the Notre Dame Cathedral in the so-called Renaissance mansion district. The Vogue mansion, with its luxurious tiled roof, is a classic example of Burgundian municipal architecture. On January 5, 1911, the Vogö mansion was recognized as a historical monument.
The Vogö mansion is absolutely deservedly considered one of the most beautiful architectural monuments in the city. It was built in 1614 for Etienne de Chevigny Bouyer. He was a judge and councilor of the Burgundian parliament from 1607 to 1635, and was also a great connoisseur of art. A widely accepted version is that Bouyer designed the building himself, borrowing some ideas from Italian architecture that struck him during a trip to Italy. However, experts who studied the facade of the building doubt that this work was carried out by an amateur and not a professional.
The decoration of the facade vaguely resembles the architecture of the 16th century: triangular pediments, arched decorative garlands, caryatids. The beautiful roof is covered with colorful mosaics of glazed tiles in the traditional Burgundian style.
The mansion began to be called the House of Voghe after 1766, when the founder's heiress, Catherine Voghe, married Count de Voghe. Nowadays, the building is city property, the city Department of Culture and Architecture is located here, and exhibitions are regularly held.
The most popular attractions in Burgundy with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Burgundy on our website.
More attractions of Burgundy
Histor. region and modern economy, district of France. The name is from the ethnonym Burgundians (Burgondiones) Herm, (Gothic) tribe, in the 5th century. settled in the bass. Rhone, where he formed a kingdom; in 534 it was conquered by the Franks. From Latin. Burgundii (Burgundiones) modern... ... Geographical encyclopedia
Burgundy- (French Bourgogne) former French province, when it was an independent kingdom and duchy, occupied 26,714 square meters. km., in the center of eastern France, in the basins of pp. Seine, Loire and Rhone and bordered N. with Champagne, to the W. with Bourbonnais and Nivernay, on ... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron
BURGUNDY Modern encyclopedia
Burgundy- a historical province in France, in the Seine basin. In the Middle Ages, the name Burgundy was borne by various state and territorial entities: kingdoms (with the center of Lyon in the 5th-6th centuries, with the center of Arles in the 10th-14th centuries), the county was formed in the 10th century... ... Historical Dictionary
Burgundy- (Bourgogne), historical region in eastern France. Burgundy played an important role in the development of medieval European architecture and fine arts. In the XI-XII centuries. The Duchy of Burgundy is one of the main centers of the Romanesque style... Art encyclopedia
Burgundy- (name from the German Burgundian tribe), historical region in France. In the Middle Ages, various state and territorial entities bore the name Burgundy. The Duchy of Burgundy (9th-15th centuries) in 1477 became part of the French... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
Burgundy- noun, number of synonyms: 3 asteroid (579) region (62) province (56) Dictionary of synonyms ... Synonym dictionary
Burgundy- (Burgundy), ex. duchy in the South Center. France. In the 5th century The Burgundians, one of the Herm tribes, settled here. Then this ter. was under the rule of the Merovingians, then became part of the Carolingian Empire. Powerful Holy Roman Emperors... The World History
Burgundy- (French Bourgogne) former French province, once an independent kingdom and duchy, occupied 25,714 square meters. km, in the center of eastern France, in the basins of the Seine, Loire and Rhone rivers and bordered on the north by Champagne, on the west by Bourbonnais and... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron
Burgundy- (Bourgogne) historical region in Eastern France, in the river basin. Dreams. Brazil's territory covers the departments of Côte d'Or, Saône and Loire, Ain, and partly Yonne. Area over 30 thousand km2. Population: about 1.5 million people. (1968). The main city is Dijon. B... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
Histor. region and modern economy, district of France. The name is from the ethnonym Burgundians (Burgondiones) Herm, (Gothic) tribe, in the 5th century. settled in the bass. Rhone, where he formed a kingdom; in 534 it was conquered by the Franks. From Latin. Burgundii (Burgundiones) modern... ... Geographical encyclopedia
- (French Bourgogne) former French province, when it was an independent kingdom and duchy, occupied 26,714 square meters. km., in the center of eastern France, in the basins of pp. Seine, Loire and Rhone and bordered N. with Champagne, to the W. with Bourbonnais and Nivernay, on ... ... Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron
Modern encyclopedia
Historical province in France, in the Seine basin. In the Middle Ages, the name Burgundy was borne by various state and territorial entities: kingdoms (with the center of Lyon in the 5th-6th centuries, with the center of Arles in the 10th-14th centuries), the county was formed in the 10th century... ... Historical Dictionary
- (Bourgogne), historical region in eastern France. Burgundy played an important role in the development of medieval European architecture and fine arts. In the XI-XII centuries. The Duchy of Burgundy is one of the main centers of the Romanesque style... Art encyclopedia
Burgundy- (name from the German Burgundian tribe), historical region in France. In the Middle Ages, various state and territorial entities bore the name Burgundy. The Duchy of Burgundy (9th-15th centuries) in 1477 became part of the French... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary
Noun, number of synonyms: 3 asteroid (579) region (62) province (56) Dictionary of synonyms ... Synonym dictionary
Burgundy- (Burgundy), ex. duchy in the South Center. France. In the 5th century The Burgundians, one of the Herm tribes, settled here. Then this ter. was under the rule of the Merovingians, then became part of the Carolingian Empire. Powerful Holy Roman Emperors... The World History
- (French Bourgogne) former French province, once an independent kingdom and duchy, occupied 25,714 square meters. km, in the center of eastern France, in the basins of the Seine, Loire and Rhone rivers and bordered on the north by Champagne, on the west by Bourbonnais and... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron
- (Bourgogne) historical region in Eastern France, in the river basin. Dreams. Brazil's territory covers the departments of Côte d'Or, Saône and Loire, Ain, and partly Yonne. Area over 30 thousand km2. Population: about 1.5 million people. (1968). The main city is Dijon. B... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
The French region of Burgundy (Bourgogne) is a historical region located in eastern France, bordering on the north with Ile-de-France and Champagne-Ardenne, in the west with the Center, in the east with Franche-Comté, and in the south with Auvergne and Rhône-Alpes.
The total area of the region is approximately 31,582 square kilometers and the population exceeds 1,642,734. The administrative center of the region is the city of Dijon.
Today, pleasant rural Burgundy is one of the most prosperous regions of modern France, but in the past its powerful dukes maintained independence from the official French crown for many centuries. During the Hundred Years' War, some of the dukes even managed to defect to the side of the British Empire. It was during this difficult period of Burgundian history that the captured Joan of Arc was sold to the British.
By the beginning of the 15th century, the Burgundians owned the entire province of Franche-Comté, Alsace and Lorraine, Belgium, Holland, Picardy and Flanders, and their state at that time was the most organized and richest in all of Europe (its income could only be compared with the profit of the Venetian Republic). Burgundian statehood came under the jurisdiction of the French monarchs only after Duke Charles the Bold was killed during the siege Nancy in 1477.
In Burgundy, everywhere you will find evidence of former wealth and power, both secular and religious life: in the capital of the duchy of Dijon, and in the magnificent abbeys of Vézelay and Fontenay, and in the ruins of the monastery at Cluny (in terms of influence, its abbots were second only to the Pope ), and in the castles of Tanle and Annecy.
History of Burgundy
It is generally accepted that the name Burgundy comes from the German tribe of the Burgundians, who created their own kingdom centered first in Worms, and then in Lyon in the southeast of France (5th century). Around 534 it completely became part of the Frankish state.
At the beginning of the 9th century, two kingdoms were formed: Upper Burgundy (with its capital in Geneva) and Lower Burgundy (Provence). In 933 they united into a single Kingdom of Burgundy (Arelat), which in 1034 became part of the Holy Roman Empire. The lands of both of the above entities did not in any way affect the current territory of Burgundy.
As a counterbalance to the Kingdom of Burgundy, the Duchy of Burgundy was created in the southeastern French territorial limits. In 1032, the brother of the French monarch Henry Robert became Duke of Burgundy.
In 1363, King John II the Good handed Burgundy over to his youngest son, Philip II the Bold, who became the founder of a new ducal dynasty. From the south it bordered with Savoy, in the southwest with Auvergne. Subsequently, the Dukes of Burgundy annexed Flanders and the Netherlands to their possessions. The capital of Burgundy was the city of Dijon.
The last great ruler of the duchy was Duke Charles the Bold after the death of whom, in 1477, Burgundy became entirely part of France. Until 1790, Burgundy had the status of a province within the Kingdom of France. In addition, the asteroid (374) Burgundy, discovered by scientists in 1893, is named after Burgundy.
Sights and wines of Burgundy
In addition to various excursion routes through the vineyards and wineries of Burgundy, historical attractions provinces, among which the most popular places are Basilica of Mary Magdalene(Basilique Sainte-Marie-Madeleine) in Vézelay and the Cistercian Abbey in Fontaine (listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site). When in the Yonne department you should definitely visit Guedelon Castle(Chateau Guedelon) and Annecy-le-Franc (Chateau d’Ancy-le-Franc).
Recommended visit in Dijon Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy(Palais Ducal) – in addition to the large-scale medieval architecture, here you can also fully enjoy the unsurpassed works of applied and fine art from the collection of the castle’s owners. For walks in the fresh air, the Darcy Garden, located near the Dijon train station, is ideal. In Nièvres you can take a river voyage along the local canals: the picturesque surroundings and 16 locks provide an intimate and authentic atmosphere.
The Alesia Museum-Park is entirely dedicated to the Gallic history of France. At the moment, the excavation site and the giant statue of the Gallic leader Vercingetorix are open to tourists, and in the future there are plans to build a modern historical museum, which will be equipped with the latest high-tech equipment.
For gourmets, the main attraction of the region, without a doubt, remains Burgundian cuisine and wine. Fans of Burgundy wines head straight to the magnificent vineyards, whose products have played a decisive role in the local economy since the days when doctors prescribed the wine to Louis XIV himself as a soothing remedy for indigestion.
If you don’t have enough money to enjoy an expensive drink, then come here in September or October, when winemakers hire grape pickers. In this case, you can taste exquisite Burgundy wines completely free of charge. Between the gourmet lunches and numerous wine tastings, it's worth making time for a more active holiday: hikers will find a huge variety of routes, both easy and relatively difficult, in the Morvan Regional Park and the Gold Coast.
There are also several long routes along the banks of the canals, ideal for cycling. As for boat trips, lovers of this type of recreation will appreciate the Canal de Bourgogne and the Canal Nivernais - you can rent a barge for a cruise on both canals.
But these lands are popular not only for their vineyards, but also for other beautiful places and attractions. The capital of Burgundy is Dijon. It is also one of the most beautiful French cities.
Brief description of the city
The capital of Burgundy stands out for its stylistic design. In Dijon you can see charming classic French houses and cathedrals, made in the Gothic style, a combination of Renaissance architecture and modern trends.
Walking along the well-kept streets, you can admire old mansions and colorful roofs. Colored roofs are a distinctive feature of Burgundy. They are made from colored terracotta, covered with glaze and laid out in a geometric pattern. The capital of Burgundy is famous for its mustard, which is called Dijon mustard, whose production began in 1856.
Dijon is also famous for its blackcurrant liqueur, which is the main component of the Kir cocktail. Felic Cyrus served as mayor of Dijon and liked a drink made from black currants and white wine, so this cocktail was named after him.
In Dijon you can admire its other attractions. The capital of Burgundy has a special charm, which is obtained through a mixture of different architectural styles.
Sights of Dijon
The best place to start exploring the capital of Burgundy is Place Darcy. It was built in the 18th century. In the 12th century, Dijon was surrounded by a fortress wall, and one of the gates was located in this city. In the 18th century, the Guillaume Gate was installed, and behind the square is the Darcy Garden, which is the property of the capital of Burgundy.
The main street of the city is Svoboda Street, which is lined with shops and old mansions, many of which are architectural treasures. One of the main attractions of the capital of Burgundy are the cathedrals. The Cathedral of Saint Venign is one of the monuments of France and the heritage of Dijon. This cathedral was built in the Gothic style.
Another Dijon landmark is the Church of Saint Philibert, which was built in the 12th century. It is the only building in the city of Dijon built in the Romanesque style. In 1862, the church was included in the list of historical monuments of France. Also in Dijon there are a large number of museums that display interesting exhibitions.
Museums
If you like art, then visit the Museum of Fine Arts. There you can see an extensive collection of artifacts from the Middle Ages. This museum also features works by local and Flemish artists, and on the top floor there are works by the Impressionists.
In the natural science museum you can see exhibits of animals, museums, and also visit the planetarium. The archaeological museum houses rare, unique ancient exhibits. It is located in a magnificent hall made in the Romanesque style.
What should I bring?
Of course, you can bring postcards or other souvenirs, but it’s best to buy something authentic that Dijon and Burgundy itself are famous for.
- Dijon mustard. If you don’t know which flavor to choose, it’s best to take an assortment set.
- Tasting and purchasing these wines is a mandatory part of a holiday in Burgundy. This region produces the best wines in the world. You can purchase this drink at affordable prices, as well as more expensive copies.
- Blackcurrant liqueur "Cassis". You can make a pleasant and sophisticated Kir cocktail at home by mixing this liqueur with white wine.
- Buy something with the image of an owl, which is the symbol of the city.
- Burgundy is famous not only for its wines, but also for its sparkling wines, which are similar to champagne. They are called Cremant, and there is even a special route past the wineries where they are made.
- Also, one of the famous symbols of Burgundy is aniseed sweets, which are made in one small village located in the picturesque place of Flavigny-sur-Ozerain.
- Vegetable oil based on nuts.
Burgundy is one of the main gastronomic regions of the country, so it is best to bring delicious gifts from your trip.
French castles
These are some of the most beautiful assets of architecture. Previously, they served not only as the residence of noble people, but also reflected their greatness. One of the most famous French castles is Versailles, located near Paris. It was the residence of French kings and became one of the most magnificent palaces in the world.
Also one of the most beautiful castles is Chambord, which is located in the Loire Valley. Chateau de Chambord is one of the best creations of the Renaissance. There is another famous castle - Chenonceau, which was a reflection of the Age of Enlightenment with its original design and decor.
What to see in France? These are not only castles, but also cathedrals, museums, and parks. Each region of the country has unique attractions that will immerse tourists in the magical atmosphere of France.
