Discover the region of Burgundy

The canal

One of the most important changes for Burgundy was the construction of the Burgundy Canal (Le Canal de Bourgogne). It completely changed the social evolution for hundreds of small villages and hamlets. The canal is a masterpiece of pre-industrial revolution technology, spanning more than 250 kilometres in length and two centuries of construction.

The canal struggles to span across the region, slowly winding in smooth curves along the plains, or rising steeply with a concentration of locks which appear like staircases. For almost two hundred years the waters of this man made canal have carried the weight of wooden or steel hulled barges.

The construction of the canal has changed the destiny of Burgundy, raising its status from a rural farming area to a that of a great state with navigable waterways connecting the north of Europe to the Mediterranean sea.

Today the canal retains a small float of cargo carrying vessels, but it's purpose has temporarily changed in offering voyages for people on barges which have converted into luxury hotels.

Heritage and history

The Celtics, Romans, Cistercians and Dukes sculpted the towns and villages.

The feudal rule was imposed for many years by the local lords. The dukedom of Burgundy was at one time a large empire spreading though eastern France, into Germany, up to Belgium and the Flanders. Enemies of the French crown and allied with the the English king, the succession of Dukes held a solid frontier which eventually became a province with Louis XI, then finally entering the realm of France at the end of the 17th century.

The Catholic church was a driving force of inspiration and energy, the construction of the basilica Vezelay near Avallon, which was founded in 868 AD. The building of the abbeys of Cluny, Citeaux, La Bussiere built by the Cistercian and Benedictine orders.

There are examples of many of the epochs such as Roman, Gothic and Renaissance such as the castle of Ancey le Franc and Tanlay.

The traditional coloured tiles used on the roofs can be seen in many places. This was not only reserved for the prestigious. The influence came from eastern Europe, but has remained in Burgundy. Even is small villages you can see examples of coloured roofs, which is both appealing and relaxing to the eye.

Flavors

As Burgundy is has always been a crossroads for the north of Europe and the routes to Italy and the Mediterranean coasts, this permitted the influence of other cultures to install in the region.

Wines which was introduced by the Romans and mastered by the monks at Nuits Saint George, creating names like Volany, Pommard, Gevery and Corton. The vineyards spread for miles across the sloping south facing hills, with many producers still using the traditional methods, oak barrels and years of aging in the coolness of vaulted cellars.

The varieties of Cheeses are abundant, in all shapes and sizes, strong in character or mild and fresh. A fine accompaniment with the rich reed and white wines.

The white Charolais cattle, which can be seen in the green pastures on the hill slopes, bred to give a remarkable quality of beef, the most important ingredient of Boeuf Bourguignon.

Markets and fresh products are plentiful, cultivated in the fertile plains.

The art of Mustards, Cassis, and even Ginger breads are other secret ingredients for a refined cuisine. The art of a gourmet table requires talent and experience which you can find in some of the worlds finest restaurants such as Bernard Loiseau, Joigny, Marc Meneau.

The colours

A rainbow of colours from the sunflowers, fields of poppies and suspended baskets full of geraniums. Each season brings a different character and range of tints which show the changing faces of nature. Spring, summer and autumn all have a unique signature, with snow drops, cherry blossom, lilac and in fall a splash of gold and red when the leaves decide to change.

The landscape

The landscape is made gentle rolling hills, eroded by the centuries, made of limestone and granite, covered in forest of oak, maple and pine. The rivers Saone, Yonne and Loire have smoothed the lowlands, whilst in the Morvan the hills climb to almost 700 metres above sea-level.

Ballooning

Barges and ballooning go together like cheese and wine. With the invention of the brothers Montgolfier who later installed themselves in the famous abbey of Fontennay.

Today, hot-air balloons are part of the blue skies in the early morning or evening, floating above the trees and being carried to unknown destinations by the soft breezes.

Festivals for all to enjoy with launches of more than 50 balloons.

Enjoy a flight and glide over the villages, vine yards and forests, to land somewhere... The event is always celebrated with a glass of wine.