Discover Burgundy: A Guide to Its Historic Gems and Cultural Delights

Burgundy, a region in France, is a hidden gem filled with historic monuments and charming towns set amidst a serene countryside. The area boasts over 300 churches, including Gothic architectural masterpieces.

The region has a distinct culture, with buildings featuring colorful tiled roofs and a cuisine that includes dishes like escargot, boeuf bourguignon, and poulet à la moutarde. To experience the essence of France, these local specialties are a must-try.

For those planning a visit, here's a curated list of the top places to see in Burgundy.

1. Dijon

Dijon, once the capital of the Duchy of Burgundy, is adorned with elegant mansions known as "hôtels particuliers". The city's heart is the Palais des Ducs, a medieval palace that showcases the opulence of the past. Inside, the Musée des Beaux-Arts is one of France's finest art museums, with a diverse collection spanning from Egyptian antiquities to contemporary art.

The Musée Magnin offers a fine arts collection within a grand townhouse, while the Eglise Notre-Dame and Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne stand as impressive examples of Burgundian Gothic architecture.

2. Beaune

Beaune is a historic town with the Hôtel-Dieu as its centerpiece, a 15th-century hospital now a museum. The town also features the Romanesque Collégiale Basilique Notre-Dame and another Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Excursions in Burgundy

3. Cluny

Cluny is home to the Abbaye de Cluny, a significant monastic site with Romanesque sculptures and an educational film that revives the historic abbey. Nearby castles like Berzé-le-Châtel and Château de Brancion offer a glimpse into the region's medieval past.

4. Vézelay

Vézelay, a hilltop village, is known for its Romanesque art and the UNESCO-listed Basilique Sainte Marie-Madeleine. The village also houses the Musée Zervos and the Musée de l'Oeuvre Viollet-le-Duc, which showcases the architect's restoration work.

5. Abbaye de Fontenay

The 12th-century Abbaye de Fontenay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an intact Cistercian church and cloister. The site also features a museum, bookstore, and gift shop.

6. Auxerre

Auxerre is a vibrant riverside town with a historic core, half-timbered houses, and the 11th-century Abbaye Saint-Germain.

7. Sens

Sens, a small town with a rich medieval heritage, is home to the 13th-century Palais Synodal de Sens and the grand Cathédrale Saint-Etienne.

8. Autun

Autun, with its Roman roots, features ancient ruins and the Romanesque Cathédrale Saint-Lazare.

9. Avallon

Avallon, encircled by ancient walls, is known for its architecture and the Romanesque Collégiale Saint-Lazare.

10. Bourg-en-Bresse

Bourg-en-Bresse is famous for its poultry and the Monastère Royal de Brou à Bourg-en-Bresse, a Flamboyant Gothic architectural gem.

11. Château de Saint-Fargeau

The Château de Saint-Fargeau offers a glimpse into 10 centuries of history and hosts a spectacular Spectacle Historique in the summer.

12. Mâcon

Mâcon, on the Saône River, is a town with cultural sites and historic buildings, including the Musée des Ursulines.

13. Nevers

Nevers is known for its historic monuments like the Palais Ducal and the Cathédrale Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Julitte.

14. Paray-le-Monial

Paray-le-Monial is a pilgrimage site with the Basilique du Sacré-Coeur and the Chapelle des Apparitions.

15. Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan

The Morvan Regional Natural Park is a haven for outdoor activities and cultural heritage, including the 17th-century Château du Creuset.

16. Château d'Ancy-le-Franc

The Château d'Ancy-le-Franc is a Renaissance masterpiece with a park and interior decorated with Renaissance murals.

17. Noyers-sur-Serein

Noyers-sur-Serein is a medieval town with cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, offering boutique shopping and a museum of naïve art.

18. Tournus

Tournus is famous for its 11th-century Abbaye Saint-Philibert, a Romanesque art treasure.

19. Semur-en-Auxois

Semur-en-Auxois is a medieval town with a Gothic church, Collégiale Notre-Dame, and a museum with diverse exhibits.

20. Châteauneuf-en-Auxois

Châteauneuf-en-Auxois is a hilltop village with a castle and panoramic views, hosting cultural events like a medieval festival.

21. Chatillon-sur-Seine

Chatillon-sur-Seine is a picturesque village on the Seine River with a charming old quarter and a museum of archaeological objects.

22. Château de Tanlay

The Château de Tanlay is a Renaissance castle with a park and interior featuring trompe l'oeil paintings and frescoes.

23. Château de Ratilly

The Château de Ratilly, dating back to 1270, hosts cultural events and has an artisanal pottery atelier.